Travis Kvapil to pilot Zaxby’s Ford Fusion at Daytona

Concord, NC – Travis Kvapil, the 2003 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, will fill in for John Wes Townley in the No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford at Daytona International Speedway for the Camping World 300 on Saturday, February 14th.

Townley, a 2009 Raybestos Rookie of the Year contender in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has not been approved by NASCAR to race at tracks over two miles in length.

Kvapil will be making his 5th NASCAR Nationwide Series appearance. However, this will be his first career start in the NNS series at Daytona. Kvapil’s best start at the 2.5-mile tri-oval is third, (2004) and his best finish is second, (2004) both in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

“I look at this from two standpoints,” Kvapil said. “First and foremost, I feel terrible that Townley can’t be in the car; I know he was looking forward to getting back behind the wheel and racing. However, I’m excited about the opportunity and it’s an honor that RAB Racing and Zaxby’s chose me to substitute for him. Zaxby’s and I have had a great relationship in the past and I look forward to being a strong contender for the win.”

Townley will compete in the ARCA RE/MAX Series event at Daytona on Saturday, February 7th. In 2008, Townley made his ARCA RE/MAX Series and superspeedway debut at the World Center of Racing. The Watkinsville, GA native started the 200-mile event 19th and finished a respectable 11th.

“Travis is a great choice for this seat for the Nationwide Series race at Daytona,” said Townley, who will be back behind the wheel of the Zaxby’s Ford in the Stater Bros. 300 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. on February 21.

“We shared a seat in the No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford F-150 last year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He is a talented driver and has been a great inspiration and mentor in my racing career. I’m confident that he will do a great job for my team and our sponsors.”

Live coverage of the Camping World 300 from Daytona International Speedway will be televised Saturday, February 14th beginning at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on ESPN2. The event will also be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius/XM radio at 1:15 p.m. Practice for the event will air live on ESPN2 Thursday, February 12th at 9:30 a.m. ET and qualifying is slated for Friday, February 13th at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.