Woodward hopes test leads to race with Roush.

Former NASCAR Late Model Champion Nick Woodward is confident enough about his skill level to know that if given a chance in one of NASCAR's premiere series, he will produce positive results on the track.

That chance may finally be just around the corner.

Woodward, a 22-year-old native of Preston, Maryland, participated in a test session with Roush Racing's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida, in mid-January. During a two-day span, Woodward turned approximately 100 circuits in the No. 99 Ford F-150 truck that Busch Series refugee Tim Fedewa drove to a 27th place finish at Daytona last weekend.

"It was an eye-opening experience," said Woodward, a resident of High Point. "Roush's level of commitment to the truck program and all of the technological expertise that goes into their testing program is impressive. There is a computer mounted in the truck and wires leading from that computer to different points of the truck such as the shocks, brakes, engine, etc. Because of that technology, we were able to print out graphs that revealed information about brake wear, steering, shock performance, engine performance and speeds. It taught me a lot about my driving habits and what I can do to improve them.

"The test also clued me in about what it takes for a program to compete in the upper echelons of NASCAR, and now I know why Roush Racing is so successful in its endeavours. Max Jones (general manager of Roush's truck program) brought about eight members of their staff for each team to Lakeland. That really impressed me and made me feel like I was part of a truly dedicated team.

"It was a great opportunity to help such a great organization. I got along really well with the No. 99 crew chief, Jeff Campey. They were really happy with my times and all of the intangibles. I'm not sure what will happen now. Tim Fedewa drove the No. 99 truck for them at Daytona in February, but the truck did not have a sponsor and Tim had just a one-race deal.

"The bottom line is that they need a sponsor," Woodward explained. "I have a feeling that if I can bring a top-notch sponsor to their doorstep, they will put me in the truck. That's what I'm working toward now."

Woodward has some time on his side in his efforts to find funding as the Craftsman Series enjoys an unusually long four-week break. Round two of the 23 race series does not take place until March 16th at the historic Darlington Raceway.

Since Woodward, a 2000 graduate of High Point University, finished runner-up in the 2000 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series National Championship, he has competed in two Craftsman Truck Series events, both last season. He finished 11th in his truck debut at Indianapolis Raceway Park after just 10 laps of practice, and he finished 19th at South Boston Speedway in September. In October, he won the OktoberFast 250 Late Model all-star event at Southampton Speedway in Virginia.