Dover, Delaware - Marcos Ambrose has never seen the Dover International Speedway. The track's nickname, however, is enough to make him smile.

Known as "The Monster Mile," Dover's one-mile, high-banked concrete oval can be tough on both man and machine.

"Doesn't do much for your confidence," Ambrose said. "But we won't run away."

Having survived last week's crash-filled race at Mansfield, Ohio, Ambrose said his Team Australia/Aussie Vineyards Ford F-150 is up for the challenge in the AAA Insurance 200, especially since he will benefit from three practice sessions on Thursday before qualifying and racing on Friday.

"I love the shows where you get two regular practices and one for the rookies," Ambrose said.

"When you're new to NASCAR like me, you need all the seat time you can get. The best way to learn is to log laps. Believe me; we will take advantage of every minute we're allowed on the track."

Ambrose, a two-time winner of the Australian V8 Supercar Series, looks forward to Dover. His goal is no different than any other race: Get his Wood Brothers/JTG Racing Ford F-150 up to speed and finish every lap.

For now, the finishing positions aren't important.

"What determines our success is what we learn," he said. "If I improve as a driver and we all improve as a group, then it's a success.

"Our first goal is to finish every lap and keep the truck in one piece."

"After racing at Mansfield last week - another track I heard horror stories about - we feel good about racing at Dover."

Dover can be tough on a driver. The forces inside the car press the driver against the seat. It's common for drivers to have sore necks and shoulders after the race.

"I learned a lesson last week at Mansfield about not getting enough fluids during the race," he said.

"That won't happen again. As far as the physical part of it, I've spent a lot of time on conditioning. A sore neck won't hurt as much if we run every lap and finish in the Top 15.

Qualifying for the AAA Insurance 200 is at 10:15am local time (12:15pm EST Saturday 3 June - Australia) on Friday 2 June. The

The main event is Friday 2 June at 4:45pm local time (6:45am EST Saturday 3 June - Australia).

Marcos Ambrose Fast Facts

* Marcos Ambrose will be making his fifth career start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

* Ambrose has earned $31,583 in four starts

Man, dover is absolutely brutal. The corner coming onto the back straight... nasty.

Very unfortunate we dont get any coverage of the trucks. I'll be watching the busch and nextel cup races from there tho!

OUCHIES

looks like fun

GO MARCUS!

Damn you martin. Instead of studying for my finals I've reinstalled NASCAR season 2003 after seeing those pics of dover.

Hahaha. Best game ever.

"You've blown your engine... no no, it cant be fixed"

Marcos's year so far:

No. Race........Start Finish Points Stand Pos.Laps/Total Winnings Status
4 Kroger 250....20....33......64............46......198/250.....$6,940..Running
5 DDRT 200......19....34.......61...........43........61/160.....$8,715..Accident
6 QuaLube 200..3....36.......55...........40..........4/134.....$7,563..Accident
7 City Mld 250..28....23.......94...........36......250/250.....$8,365..Running
8 AAA 200........12....26.......85...........34......196/200...$10,690..Running
9 Sam's 400.....21....27.......82...........33......164/168...$10,315..Running

Last edited by Kit on Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:40 am, edited 10 times in total.

F**k he earns a fair bit...

i need a change in career!