NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE (NASCAR explores the next generation of the sport via its new millennium celebration -- NASCAR 2000)

"The first vehicles we raced with a few years ago were considerably more unsophisticated than the ones we put on the track today," said John Wehrly, NASCAR truck engineering program manager for Dodge. "Initially, we did not have an engine program that was compatible with the trucks. We were using parts from other racing series that were not at the NASCAR level.

"We also did not have the body knowledge that we have now," Wehrly added. "I think the 2000 season will have all of the brands close to each other in performance. We are getting closer to the sophistication that you see at the NASCAR Winston Cup Series level in both our engine programs and aerodynamics."

"It's simple," explained Lou Patane, Vice President of Dodge Motorsports. "Race fans like to see the cars or trucks they cheer for in their driveway. The more people use trucks for personal use or for mobile business offices, the more interest there will be in the trucks on the race track."

"The obvious difference is that the trucks are taller and wider," Wehrly explained. "The cab shape is detrimental to efficient airflow around the vehicle. The NASCAR Winston Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series cars are very efficient, cutting a very small hole in the air. The trucks cut a big hole in the air and can get swallowed up in the draft."

"There is not a lot of difference between driving a NASCAR Craftsman truck and a NASCAR Winston Cup Series car," said driver Mike Wallace. "I drive the truck the same way I drove the car. The only difference is the car has more downforce and that is a difference that only a driver would recognize."

"I think you will see slingshot passing and drafting being very influential in this series," Wehrly said. "I think it is something the spectators will really enjoy."

"The (Daytona) truck race was tremendous for the fans," Patane said. "I believe there was something like 30 lead changes, and in racing, it's all about putting on a good show."

"NASCAR has done a good job of developing the personalities in truck racing," said Sue Seaglund, marketing manager for General Motors. "By featuring the drivers, they are letting fans get to know the people behind the wheel."

"There is always a desire for members of most programs -- drivers and crews -- to move to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series level," Patane said. "NASCAR Winston Cup Series is the pinnacle of racing, but all three series are credible and exciting to watch. There are teams that will have very successful careers in truck racing."

"Everyone in each of the series is part of NASCAR," Seaglund added. "Some stars in the truck series will move on, but others are very happy where they are."

"I think the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is moving in the right direction," Wallace said " The most positive things NASCAR has done is running the trucks at Daytona and tying more truck races in with NASCAR Winston Cup races. We need the national and international exposure that the Winston Cup races draw to gain more interest in the truck series and I think NASCAR is doing that."

"I think the progression will be in the detail and refinements," Wehrly said. "I think you will see sophistication -- subtle changes in aerodynamics, rather than any major changes."