HOMESTEAD (Jan. 3, 2000) – Two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series veterans were at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Monday, testing with their new teams in preparation for the Feb. 25-26 Florida Dodge Dealers 400.

Popular veteran Jimmy Hensley was recently nominated to drive Team Rensi’s No. 16 Chevrolet, while Bryan Reffner will drive the No. 3 Chevrolet for successful Championship Car owner John Menard.

"It’s going to be tough getting ready for the opening races at Daytona (Feb. 18) and Miami, but we’ve got good equipment. It’s a matter of getting people together. Rensi Motorsports fields a team for Kenny Wallace in the Busch Series, so everyone on this team will be new working together."

Hensley, a former NASCAR Winston Cup rookie of the year, gave Petty Enterprises its first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory in 1998 at Nashville. He scored his second triumph for the team last season, finishing 10th in the points.

Reffner will be campaigning equipment purchased by Menard from Richard Childress Racing.

"Last year I didn’t even have a ride, and this year I’ve got a first class opportunity," explained Reffner, the 1995 ASA champion. "This is a new team, and we’ve got a lot of new guys. Our crew chief is Les Back, who was my crew chief back in the ASA. Being a new team, that’s making us work all the harder, and we’re really looking forward to the new season."

Hensley and Reffner were among a number of Chevrolet drivers to test at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Monday. They will be joined by a number of Dodge teams on Tuesday as preparation continues for the 2000 season opener. For ticket information, call (305) 230-RACE.