Rookie Sensations Set To Tackle Martinsville

David Gilliland will compete for the first time at Martinsville Speedway this Saturday in the Goody's 250 NASCAR Busch Series race, but the Chino, CA native already has a lot in common with the legendary track. With the return of the NASCAR Busch Series at the track after a 12-year hiatus, Goody's stepped up to become the title sponsor of Saturday's race and also singed on as primary sponsor of Gilliland's Chevrolet this weekend.

After only seven starts, the driver of the No. 84 Goody's Chevrolet rolled to victory lane in Kentucky last month. He has one start in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series where he finished 32nd.

Gilliland, who played high school golf with Tiger Woods, is excited about racing at such a historical track and after the first practice today, had the eleventh quickest time, was second fastest in the rookie practice, and rounded out the day eleventh.

"I'm excited! The short tracks have always been where my heart is and this race gives us something to look forward to since most of us have grown up racing on short tracks," said the 30-year old rookie. "Being that the Busch Series hasn't been here in 12 years and the Cup guys aren't practicing, it kind of gives us an even playing field."

On-track activity today consisted of two NASCAR Busch Series practices and a rookie practice. Stacy Compton, Steve Wallace, Jason Leffler, Brandon Miller and Mark McFarland were the top five in the the first practice of the day, while Burney Lamar, Gilliland, McFarland, John Andretti and Danny O'Quinn, Jr. were the top rookies in their practice. Following the final practice of the day, Johnny Sauter, Leffler, Casey Atwood, Paul Menard, and David Green topped the practice list with the fastest times.

Qualifying for the NASCAR Busch Series is set for 12:05 p.m. Saturday, July 22 with the Goody's 250 set to start at 3:30 p.m. Goody's 250 tickets are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or visiting www.racetickets.com on the web. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 the day of the event.

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