Peck to Attempt First Race at Daytona

Todd Peck, driver of the No. 40 family-owned Arthritis Foundation Chevrolet, will attempt to make the field for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 21. The event will mark Peck’s first race at the historic, high-banked two-and-a-half-mile speedway.

“Every driver dreams of racing at Daytona,” Peck said. “The history, the excitement, the competition – it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind venue. I grew up in a racing family, so I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the track. It’s hallowed ground. When I stop and think about all of the legends who’ve reached victory lane and all of the unbelievable moments that have taken place there, it really humbles me. My first time driving at Daytona was during testing last December. I couldn’t believe I was actually driving around Daytona. I’m still in awe.”

Peck ran a limited schedule in 2013 and doesn’t meet the points requirements to have a guaranteed spot in the Daytona race. He will have to qualify into the event based on his speed at time trials. Although it seems like a daunting task, the No. 40 team has faced similar adversity throughout its truck series campaign and looks forward to the challenge.

“This will be our first race at a superspeedway; obviously we have a lot to prove,” said Keith Wolfe, crew chief and general manager of Peck Motorsports. “Our first order of business is to make the race. We’re not guaranteed a spot, so we’re going to have to earn it the old-fashioned way. Once we’re in the show, we can focus on dialing in our truck for drafting and pack racing. I know it’s going to be a really competitive field trying to make the race. Our team doesn’t have the resources that some of the larger teams have, so we know it’s going to take a lot of hustle and hard work if we want to race on Friday night. That’s OK, though. We’ve faced those circumstances every time we’ve entered an event and we’re not going to let it deter us. If there’s one thing we’ll never do, it’s give up.”

Although Daytona will be a new adventure for Peck, one thing that isn’t changing is the team’s association with the Arthritis Foundation. For the fourth year, Peck Motorsports will continue its partnership with the organization, which will don the No. 40 truck throughout the 2014 season. Peck, who was diagnosed with arthritis as a child, paired with the Arthritis Foundation to remind everyone who has been diagnosed with the condition that they can still live an active and fast-paced lifestyle.

“I’m really excited to be working with the Arthritis Foundation again,” Peck said. “It’s one of the most gratifying elements of our race program. We’ll be involved with several special projects and events this year and that should be a lot of fun. I was diagnosed with arthritis at 15, so this is a cause that’s close to home for me. I have a lot of passion for it. I’m honored to be carrying its message on our truck at Daytona and continuing our relationship in 2014.”

Peck started his career driving go karts. He worked his way up to the national level before advancing to the Allison Legacy Series. In addition to the Truck Series, he also competes in Super Cup Stock Car Series, in which he won the 2013 championship. Peck has won in every type of race car he has driven and is looking for the same success in his NASCAR endeavors. He will run a limited Truck Series schedule this season. The events are to be determined.

Peck Motorsports PR