BUSCH: Daytona Test: Hendrick tops final session

DAYTONA BEACH, FL. (January 22, 2002) - Ricky Hendrick returned to Daytona International Speedway in grand style piloting his No. 5 GMAC Financial Services Chevrolet Monte Carlo to the top lap of 49.274 seconds (182.652 miler per hour) in the final of four NASCAR Busch Series practice sessions. Hendrick, who also brought a Pontiac Grand Prix to the test, was encouraged by the performance of his Monte Carlo.

"We thought that the Pontiac might be faster initially, but we were pleased to see a strong performance from the Chevrolet," stated Hendrick, who finished second in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona last year.

"We were three tenths faster with the Monte Carlo and we plan to bring it back for the race. We learned a lot here at the test and we will definitely make some changes back at the shop to make the car even better when we come back for the race."

Hendrick's father, Rick, joined Team GMAC for both days of testing and was quite pleased with the progress of both his son and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Jack Sprague.

"I think we will be competitive this year," said the five-time Winston Cup championship team owner. "It will be a good learning experience for Ricky and I think Jack will have an opportunity here that he really deserves."

The 2002 season will mark the first time Hendrick will campaign the full 34-race NBS schedule of events. Hendrick has competed in select Busch Series events over the past three years and the 21-year old Charlotte native is excited about the opportunity.

"We're thrilled to be in the Busch Series this year, " said Hendrick. "We are completely focused on this series. We have a solid team, the best equipment and a great sponsor in GMAC. Based on the success of the test here at Daytona, it's going to be an exciting year."

Hendrick and his No. 5 GMAC Financial Services team will take the green flag in the 44th-annual EAS/GNC Live Well 300 Saturday, February 16 at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The event will be telecast live on TNT and broadcast worldwide on more than 300 MRN Radio affiliated stations.

ABOUT GMAC -
In addition to automotive financing, GMAC Financial Services provides insurance, mortgages and commercial financing. GMAC, with 29,000 employees in 40 countries, has extended more than $1 trillion in credit to finance 150 million cars and trucks. A subsidiary of General Motors Corporation since 1919, GMAC recorded 2001 earnings of $1.8 billion.

-gmac/hr-