The Music City Motorplex, Dollar General and Kevin Harvick Inc. teamed up to offer the 2006 total points leader in either late models or super trucks at the MCM an opportunity to race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and drive the Dollar General truck.

The man who had the points and won the chance to race the truck was Mark Day. Unfortunately though he was unable to take advantage of the opportunity, thus allowing Daniel Pope, a resident of Smyrna and student at MTSU, to take the ride.

On raceday, May 26, he went up to Mansfield, OH, ready to drive the No. 2 Chevy. After a four and a half hour rain delay, Pope was finally able to make his debut in the Craftsman Truck Series.

He started in the back of the field and after a pit mistake went a lap down.

“Mansfield is a very hard tack to pass on but we found our groove,” Pope said. A caution flew and Pope and the Dollar General team received the lucky dog and got back on the lead lap. Then Pope started at the end of the longest line and was able to make it up to 20th place when the left front tire of the Dollar General cut down and forced Pope to pit, putting the team 5 laps down and finishing the race, his first in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck, in 29th position.

“We would have liked to get a top 15 finish,” said Pope, “but it was a great learning experience anyway.”

The driver went on to say that racing with guys like Mike Skinner and Ron Hornaday was an experience that taught him a great deal about racing in the Craftsman Truck Series.