Daytona Preview

Ward Burton

No. 27 State Water Heaters Chevrolet Silverado

Daytona International Speedway – NextEra Energy 250

February 24, 2012

 

No. 27 State Water Heaters Chevrolet Silverado News and Notes

• This Week’s Silverado… The No. 27 Hillman Racing Chevrolet Silverado team and driver Ward Burton will utilize MHR-004 in Friday’s 100-lap NCWTS race at Daytona International Speedway.  Chassis MHR-004 is a proven winner on NASCAR’s two superspeedways, visiting Victory Lane on four separate occasions: Daytona (2008 & 2009); Talladega (2007 & 2008).  Trip Bruce, who led Johnny Benson to a truck series championship in 2008, will be atop the pit box calling the shots for Ward Burton as he makes his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut this weekend.
• A Weekend of Firsts… Besides Ward Burton’s first career NCWTS start this weekend, Daytona will mark the first race for Hillman Racing in NASCAR competition.  Team owner Mike Hillman Sr. played a key role in the founding of Germain Racing and was the architect of the group’s two NASCAR championships in 2006 and 2010.  Hillman acquired the championship-winning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series assets following the conclusion of the 2011 season and is set to embark as the owner and general manager of Hillman Racing for the 2012 season.
• Stately Return… State Water Heaters returns as a primary sponsor in NASCAR’s big three touring series with a look reminiscent of its first race in 2006.  The No. 27 paint scheme was inspired by State’s first race in the Sprint Cup Series at Talladega.
• Track Stats… Burton captured the 2002 Daytona 500 driving for Bill Davis Racing, and has a total of 25 career NASCAR starts at Daytona between the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series.  In 375 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts, Burton has posted fives wins, seven poles and 24 top-five and 82 top-10 finishes. Burton also has four NASCAR Nationwide Series victories, seven poles, 23 top-five and 50 top-10 finishes in 161 starts.
• Meet The Burtons… Fans will have the opportunity to meet Ward and Jeb Burton on Friday afternoon in the infield at Daytona International Speedway.  Both drivers will take part in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series autograph session at the Sprint Fan Zone to meet fans.  That session will feature several drivers from the NCWTS and will be held near the Goodyear Legends display from 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. EST.  
• Watch and Listen… The NextEra Energy 250 from Daytona International Speedway will be broadcast live on SPEED, MRN Radio and Sirius-XM NASCAR Radio, channel 90, on Friday night.  SPEED kicks off its pre-race coverage at 7:00 p.m. EST, and MRN Radio will begin its live broadcast at 7:15 p.m. EST on Friday, February 24.  Thursday afternoon will feature live television broadcasts of first practice and final practice at 12:00 p.m. EST and 6:30 p.m. EST, respectively, and SPEED will also broadcast qualifying live on Friday at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Ward Burton on Daytona International Speedway:

“I am excited to be back behind the wheel and actively involved again with all the loyal friends, families and fans of NASCAR. I am appreciative for the opportunity that Mike Hillman Sr. and State Water Heater is providing for my son Jeb, helping him develop his talent as a NASCAR driver, and the great group of hard working guys on this No. 27 State Water Heater Chevy.  This should be a fun weekend here at Daytona, and with this being the 10^th Anniversary of my win here in the Daytona 500, there couldn’t be a better time to be back here as I make my debut in the Trucks.”