RIVERSIDE, California -- Straight from a top-six finish in the NASCAR Grand National West Series event at the largest oval track in California David Gilliland will be competing on one of the smallest ovals in California, Stockton 99 Speedway in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Southwest Series race, the Budweiser 125.
"We are really looking forward to some good old fashion short tracking," said Gilliland. "Don't get me wrong, I love the thrills and the big track excitement of the California Speedway, but I also have a passion for the challenge of the short tracks. The little tracks are the grassroots of racing; they are the tracks where we all cut our teeth on racing. The dirt tracks and bullrings awaken an excitement and an energy that is hard to beat, especially on a tight 1/4-mile like Stockton 99."
Gilliland who has been competing in two of NASCAR's Touring Divisions this year is currently eighth in the points in the Southwest Series, and third in the points in the Grand National West Series with one win and two top-five finishes.
The 2004 plan for MRG Motorsports was to run Gilliland in the entire Southwest Series in the No. 88 Honda Cars of Corona/The Body Shop Chevrolet and to compete in select Grand National events in the No. 88 Honda Cars of Corona/The Body Shop Pontiac. With Gilliland doing so well in the Grand National West Series, many fans have been left wondering if the team will shift gears and run the West Series, instead.
The team, always open to new ideas, has not announced a change of plans and it seems the teams has the same goals in place, to finish up front and make it to at least one and possibly two of the NASCAR's Elite Invitational events in the Toyota All-Star Showdown.
"We feel we are right on track, we have enjoyed victory lane and are on our way to a place in the Showdown" Gilliland explained. "We had some unexpected grief in a couple of the Southwest races, but then our finishes in the Grand National Series have been awesome. Mark (Golembeski) has organized a very impressive team. Between Honda Cars of Corona and The Body Shop our team has enjoyed the support it needs to be competitive."
Gilliland who is known as being one of the most versatile drivers currently racing in NASCAR's western region is a contender for any track, any division, at any time.
Don't miss Gilliland and the other stars of the NASCAR Southwest Series when they compete, Saturday, May 8, 2004 at Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton (Calif.). Gates open for the event at 10am. To learn more about the No. 88 Honda Cars of Corona/The Body Shop Pontiac visit: http://www.DavidGilliland.com.
