Erin Crocker Returns To NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

[PressRoom-GFN]

Statesville, N.C. (Jan. 12, 2008) - David Dollar, owner of Morgan-Dollar Motorsports, announced Saturday that Erin Crocker has been tapped to pilot the No. 46 MDM Silverado in the first two events of the 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

Crocker, who in 2007 became the first woman to ever capture ARCA's Superspeedway Challenge Championship, returns to NCTS competition in the series' opening event at Daytona International Speedway, followed immediately by the season's second race at California Speedway.

MDM, a full-time competitor in the NCTS since 1997, has been a perennial race-winning and championship contender that includes 13 NCTS victories; three runner-up finishes in the season-ending standings; and guest appearances by the sport's biggest stars in a special All-Star driver program that included Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, and Clint Bowyer.

"We are very excited to have Erin on board for Daytona and California," Dollar said. "She is a very talented young driver and has proven her abilities in a race car and race truck. She brings a lot to our team and we are looking forward to having great results in both races.

"On the personal side, I have two daughters at home who love racing. My 14 year-old, Bailey, and her 11 year-old sister, Bekah, are both excited about having Erin in our truck. Erin is blazing a trail for not only my girls, but other young women, as well, who aspire to build a successful career as a race driver.

Dollar concluded by saying: "A marketing partnership for Erin's two-race effort will be announced prior to the start of Speedweeks at Daytona. But equally as exciting for MDM in 2008, are the other programs we are putting the final touches on for the season. We will be full steam ahead with the No. 46 at all 25-races this season. Again, we will be making those announcements as the details are finalized. If all the puzzle pieces fall in place as they are currently proposed, we could have a second truck at a number of races as well, and we are hoping that Erin is a part of those plans going forward.

"This is going to be a great start to our season having Erin in the truck. We are looking forward to showcasing her talent in great Silverado trucks when we unload for Daytona."

Crocker is no stranger to the series with 27 previous starts, including running the full season in 2006. Her extensive racing resume includes success in World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, ARCA and several starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

"To drive for David and his team is a tremendous opportunity for me," Crocker said. "Morgan-Dollar has proven consistently through the years they field exceptional trucks and are contenders for wins and championships every time they unload at a track.

"Racing at Daytona is a dream that every race driver aspires to fulfill. I am excited to be with Eric (Phillips) and the guys for these first two races. With three days of testing at Daytona, we will have the ability to develop a good level of communication. That is so critical to be successful in the NCTS because it is so competitive. This gives us the ability to hit the ground running when we get here for Speedweeks."

Practice for the Chevy Silverado 250 at Daytona is scheduled to begin Feb. 13. The Feb. 15 race kicks off the 2008 NCTS season at 8 p.m. EST.

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