Following two days of whirlwind media opportunities in the Tampa Bay area by himself as the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series champion, Martin Truex Jr. as joined by his fellow members of the series Top 10 in Orlando for more media interviews today. Despite a gloomy rain that canceled a scheduled media vs. driver miniature golf competition at Fantasia Gardens on the grounds of Walt Disney Worlds famed EPCOT Center, the drivers and NASCAR Busch Series Director Joe Balash were greeted by members of the national and local media representing national and local print, broadcast and internet outlets. Clint Bowyer and Reed Sorenson, who finished second and fourth, respectively in the points standings, began the day with a morning show appearance on the local NBC affiliate. Bowyer, Sorenson and David Green then participated in call-ins to radio outlets across the country that included the Martinsville, Texas, Kansas City, Cincinnati and St. Louis markets. Every driver that doesnt have an opportunity to be a part of the Top 10, to see what hes missing out on, events like this should make them work even harder, said Green, the 1994 NASCAR Busch Series champion, who finished eighth in the standings. The banquet and the activities surrounding it give us an opportunity to reflect on the season, its highs and lows, he said. This gives us the chance to say thanks to Anheuser-Busch and NASCAR, as well as all of our sponsors, for allowing us to do what we love to do. Paul Menard, who joined Bowyer, Sorenson and Denny Hamlin as first-time Top-10 members, agreed with Green. This is a great experience, he said. Its a perfect way to celebrate a great season. Tonight, Truex will join members of his Chance 2 Motorsports team, including car owner Teresa Earnhardt and crew chief Kevin Bono Manion, at a champions dinner with NASCAR executives at Luma on Park in Winter Park. Also tonight, Carl Edwards will travel to Tampa to take part in the pre-game festivities for the Tampa Bay Lightning St. Louis Blues hockey game. Edwards will be wearing a #60 Lightning jersey as he starts the game with the teams trademark Lets play hockey call. Edwards, the NASCAR Busch Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year who finished third in the points standings, could be torn hes a native of Columbia, Mo., while his hosts are the defending Stanley Cup champions. Additionally this evening, there will be a comedy show featuring Alex Reymundo, one of the Latin kings of comedy. The show will take place in the Venetian Ballroom in the Portofino Bay Hotel. The NASCAR Busch Series champions week activities culminate tomorrow with the annual Awards Ceremony, also at the Portofino. The event will be held in the Tuscan Ballroom beginning at 7:00 p.m. (NASCAR PR)(12-08-2005)
