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Ambrose Heads to Dover's Monster Mile

Staff, Wednesday May 31, 2006.

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Dover, Delaware - Marcos Ambrose has never seen the Dover International Speedway. The track's nickname, however, is enough to make him smile.

Known as "The Monster Mile," Dover's one-mile, high-banked concrete oval can be tough on both man and machine.

"Doesn't do much for your confidence," Ambrose said. "But we won't run away."

Having survived last week's crash-filled race at Mansfield, Ohio, Ambrose said his Team Australia/Aussie Vineyards Ford F-150 is up for the challenge in the AAA Insurance 200, especially since he will benefit from three practice sessions on Thursday before qualifying and racing on Friday.

"I love the shows where you get two regular practices and one for the rookies," Ambrose said.

"When you're new to NASCAR like me, you need all the seat time you can get. The best way to learn is to log laps. Believe me; we will take advantage of every minute we're allowed on the track."

Ambrose, a two-time winner of the Australian V8 Supercar Series, looks forward to Dover. His goal is no different than any other race: Get his Wood Brothers/JTG Racing Ford F-150 up to speed and finish every lap.

For now, the finishing positions aren't important.

"What determines our success is what we learn," he said. "If I improve as a driver and we all improve as a group, then it's a success.

"Our first goal is to finish every lap and keep the truck in one piece."

"After racing at Mansfield last week - another track I heard horror stories about - we feel good about racing at Dover."

Dover can be tough on a driver. The forces inside the car press the driver against the seat. It's common for drivers to have sore necks and shoulders after the race.

"I learned a lesson last week at Mansfield about not getting enough fluids during the race," he said.

"That won't happen again. As far as the physical part of it, I've spent a lot of time on conditioning. A sore neck won't hurt as much if we run every lap and finish in the Top 15.

Qualifying for the AAA Insurance 200 is at 10:15am local time (12:15pm EST Saturday 3 June ? Australia) on Friday 2 June. The

The main event is Friday 2 June at 4:45pm local time (6:45am EST Saturday 3 June ? Australia).

Marcos Ambrose Fast Facts

* Marcos Ambrose will be making his fifth career start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

* Ambrose has earned $31,583 in four starts this year

For further information, please contact:
Ben Beazley
Media Coordinator
Ford Racing Australia
Phone: +61-3-9359 8190
Mobile: +61-417-262 753
Email: bbeazle3@ford.com

Chip Warren
Media Manager
Wood Brothers/JTG Racing
Phone: +1-828-320-4079
Email: cwarren@stmotorsports.com

Further information and high-resolution images relating to Ford Racing Australia can also be found at: media.ford.com

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