Marlin: New team capable of Daytona win.

After three productive days of testing for next month's Daytona 500, Sterling Marlin is confident that his new MB2 Motorsports team has what it takes to be successful in 2006.

Marlin, who is heading into his first season as the driver of the new #14 Waste Management sponsored team, finished sixth fastest of the 53 teams to test at Daytona in non drafting conditions and seventh quickest in the draft.

"I'd love to take home another Daytona 500 victory," said Marlin, a two-time winner (1994, 1995) of the storied event. "I can honestly say I think we have what it takes to get the job done. We have a great team that's working well together and really making things happen, plus two veteran teammates (Joe Nemechek and Bill Elliott) that we can work with.

"On top of that, MB2 continues to produce incredible superspeedway cars, so the Waste Management Chevy is super fast too."

Led by crew chief Doug Randolph, Marlin posted top-10 speeds in all four of Monday and Tuesday's practice sessions, ranking fastest overall on Monday with a lap time and speed of 48.100 seconds at 187.110 miles per hour.

The majority of the 34 Nextel Cup teams testing this week used Wednesday for drafting practice on the 2.5-mile tri-oval.

"The Waste Management machine worked well out there with other cars around," said Marlin. "It sucked up good in the draft and just seemed like I could carve in and out-- wherever I wanted. I'm tickled with how well we performed down here all three days. Consistency is important, and not only was I fast but Joe was too and that's a credit to MB2 and everyone working on these race cars.

"I've won a couple of 500s and Joe (Nemechek) has won races here too. I think both of us, along with Bill (Elliott), will really get after it and work hard for a win. It's been a long time since I've come to Daytona, been fast in practice and been this confident going into the race. I'm really looking forward to next month and have high expectations for what this team will accomplish."