Hedlesky qualifies for Craftsman debut.

Jason Hedlesky will realize one of his boyhood dreams this weekend when he starts 22nd at the Michigan International Speedway in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Michigan 200.

Currently out of work following the (temporary?) closure of the famed #90 Winston Cup operation, former Donlavey Racing team-manager Jason Hedlesky has been keeping himself busy working on his own driving career. This weekend his newfound avenue of pleasure takes him to his home circuit, the imposing two-mile Michigan International Speedway.

Hedlesky, a native of Clinton, Michigan, will make his Craftsman Truck Series debut in the No. 5 Superior Logistics Services Dodge fielded by Ware Racing. Motor City Dodge Dealer is also backing Hedlesky's effort.

A mixed-day weather-wise on Friday meant that Truck qualifying was rained out and although Hedlesky has never made a Truck Series start, Ware Racing's owners points saw him slot into 22nd position on the 36 truck grid.

"It has been a dream of mine to run in a NASCAR-sanctioned event at MIS," said Hedlesky, former team manager of Junie Donlavey's now-closed Winston Cup Series team. "I feel fortunate to get this opportunity with Ware Racing. My father used to bring me to MIS to watch Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and guys like that run in the early to mid-eighties. I'm real excited."

Hedlesky competed in the ARCA event staged at MIS in June in a car prepared by his employer, Donlavey Racing. He was in the top-five pack of cars for a majority of the race, but he made a pit stop under green-flag conditions and a caution flag was thrown while he was in the pits.

"Junie (Donlavey) put a good car together for me, and we had a lot of fun that weekend," Hedlesky said. "Hopefully, I can use the success and experience I gained from that event in the truck event."

Donlavey Racing has fielded several ARCA cars for Hedlesky to help him jump-start his driving career.

"I really appreciate Junie in supporting my career on and off the track," he said. "We are currently seeking sponsorship for the Winston Cup program, but Junie has been gracious enough to allot me the time off to race this weekend."