DAYTONA — When the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series machines rolled out of their haulers Wednesday morning at Daytona International Speedway there was Canada’s J.R. Fitzpatrick ready for his first full season in the No. 60 Chevrolet Silverado.
No surprise as that deal had been announced a week ago.
But what was a surprise was that another Canadian — Derek White — was also unloading a truck to try his hand at truck racing on the big 2.5 mile superspeedway.
A former NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rookie of the year, White, from Kahnawake, Que., is teaming with Hackett Racing at Daytona in the No. 76 Warrior Gaming Associates Ford for the NextEra Energy Resources 250.
“It’s been great to work with the team and my crew chief Kevin Eagle” said White. “I got to know everyone at Hackett Racing last year and they’ve all worked really hard to get ready for this race.”
White has raced in the Canadian Tire Series for the past two seasons, winning the rookie honour in 2010. Last season he posted his career best finish — seventh — at the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres.
He said he is excited to test his abilities against some of the best drivers in the business.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time” White said. “When I hit the track for practice I’ll be smiling, but I’ll also be 100% focused on the job of getting ready for qualifying to make the race,” he said.
The White and Fitzpatrick will get their first practice session on the big track Thursday.
The NCWTS NextEra Energy Resources 250 goes Friday at 7:30 p.m. and will be shown on SPEED-TV.

Tags: Canadian Tire, NASCAR