Daytona – Drive for COPD 300 Pre-Race Report
JD Motorsports Goes ‘All-In’ at Daytona
Mike Wallace and Danny Efland will team up to attack the high banks of DIS.
Total NASCAR Nationwide Series starts: 57
Total Nationwide Series starts at Daytona: 5
Best Finish at Daytona: 13th
Laps Led at Daytona: 0
2013 Points Position: –
2013 Best Finish: –
Total NASCAR Nationwide Series starts: 450
Total Nationwide Series starts at Daytona: 26
Best Finish at Daytona: 1st
Laps Led at Daytona: 39
2013 Points Position: –
2013 Best Finish: –
GAFFNEY, S.C. (February 19, 2013) – Mike Wallace, JD Motorsports, Daytona. The three names go hand-in-hand. This year the team, returning with Mike Wallace in the No. 01 G&K Services Chevrolet and adding Danny Efland in the No. 4 FLEX SEAL Chevrolet for the majority of the season, will try to repeat the success and finish the drill.
After the past few races at super speedways, the JD Motorsports organization is looking to continue its proficiency for leading laps and running up front, but this time hope to finish strong. The No. 01 led laps at both races last season, but ultimately got caught up in the ‘big one.’ The No. 4 car, however, executed a different race strategy, and ended up in the top 15 at both events. Both teams expect to have good power under the hood, and a race ready vehicle prepared for 300 miles at the 2.5 mile speedway.
The term ‘off season’ would not accurately describe the JD Motorsports shop over the winter. The team made many changes in a variety of areas. A new and updated fleet of racecars coupled with new talent has the team excited for the season. Marc Browning has been added as crew chief of the No. 01, and Dave Smith will return to the team to work with Danny Efland and the No. 4 car.
The team has also made many changes in the marketing and business development departments by bolstering digital media content. A new website and updated programs have been created to add value to the program and increase the return to sponsors.
Mike Wallace Quotes: “I am very excited about going to Daytona. It is a track I have had a lot of success at in the past. As a team, we are ‘all-in.’ For our team, that means we have the best motor, best car, and best crew possible. It’s now in my hands as the driver to get it done. I am ready to get the win on Saturday, as a momentum builder for the remainder of the season.”
“I am also excited about returning to JD Motorsports. This is the fifth year of our relationship, and I appreciate all the work that goes on in the shop to make this deal possible. We are all looking forward to getting the season started off right in Daytona. G&K Services is on board for this big race, and I want to run well and finish strong!”
Danny Efland Quotes: “Daytona is our Superbowl, at least that’s how I feel about it. I have done well there in the past, and got my best finish there. Last year we had two good finishes, but they were done by strategizing. Leading laps and running up front is important, but maintaining the racecar and being there at the finish is the first goal. In addition to the on track activity, the team must make good stops on pit road. With a little luck, I think we can finish in the top 10. It is an honor to represent the FLEX SEAL brand at our most important race, and I want to bring them home a good finish.”
“As far as the season goes, I am excited to be with Johnny and the team for the majority of the races. The consistency will improve our communication and our results will hopefully improve. I know the guys have worked hard to prepare, and I hope I will continue to learn and improve as the season goes.”
Tune in for the Win
There are two practice sessions on Thursday, at 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. – both are being shown on ESPN2. Qualifying takes place Friday at 3:35 and is on ESPN2. Race action starts at 1:00 p.m. on ESPN TV, MRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Ch. 98 for all 200 laps of action on Saturday.
