Mooresville, NC | 09-20-2005

Gilliland to Take Reigns of No. 15 at Las Vegas

Billy Ballew Motorsports returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway where the team captured the coveted victory in 2004.  It was the first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win for Billy Ballew Motorsports who has since captured two more victories with Kyle Busch piloting the No. 15 ditech.com Chevrolet Silverado.  Busch is unable to compete in this weekend’s event due to his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup obligations, but recommended good friend David Gilliland to team owner Billy Ballew.  Gilliland, 29, will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in Saturday’s Las Vegas 350.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to making my NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Las Vegas,” said Gilliland, a Calif. native.  “I’m running with a well known team and this is the best opportunity I’ve ever had.  I want to have a good run for Billy (Ballew, team owner) and Richie (Wauters, crew chief).  Just like everybody else wanting to move up through the ranks, I have to go out and prove myself because I know there are going to be people watching me.”

“We’re excited to welcome another young, eager driver into our program,” said team owner Billy Ballew.  “David came highly recommended by Kyle (Busch) and Kyle’s word is worth a lot to me.  David’s had much success in the West Series and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in the No. 15 ditech.com Chevrolet.  He has a lot to live up to since we return as defending champions, but we won’t put too much pressure on him.”

Gilliland recently tested with the BBM team at Richmond International Raceway to get a feel for the Chevrolet Silverado and establish a level of communication with Wauters.  “The test went really well at Richmond,” Gilliland continues.  “Richie and I work really well together and having that confidence in each other is going to help us when we roll onto the track at Las Vegas.”

Gilliland currently competes in the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series.  He has one victory and two poles this year and currently sits fourth in the series points standings.  Gilliland’s father, Butch, competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in the mid to late 90s, as well as competing in the West Series, where he captured the 1997 championship with David serving as crew chief.  Gilliland has two previous starts at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway which he hopes will help in the learning curve for the NCTS.

“I love Las Vegas (Motor Speedway),” Gilliland added.  “I have run there twice in West competition and seem to run well at the bigger tracks.  The team isn’t putting any extra pressure on me to repeat their victory from a year ago, but it’d be nice to be able to run well and have a good showing for Billy Ballew Motorsports and ditech.com to thank them for the opportunity.”

“As far as the city of Las Vegas is concerned,” Gilliland continues, “it’s always fun to travel to.  I like to gamble, so I’m sure you’ll find me in the casino or since we’re staying at the Stratosphere, I’ll be sure to ride the roller coaster there.  I’m looking forward to the whole trip.  It will be a good time.”

Gilliland will be signing autographs at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino on Friday, September 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  The Stratosphere will also be featured on the No. 15 ditech.com Chevrolet in the race from Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The Las Vegas 350 gets underway at 9:15 ET from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  Check out all the action live on SPEED Channel, MRN and XM Satellite Radio.