Gaughan joins Texas team for Craftsman Truck season

Brendan Gaughan starts a new chapter in his racing career today when testing begins for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

It will be the first time in the series that he will drive for a team not owned by his family.

The Las Vegan will take his first laps for Texas-based Circle Bar Racing at Daytona International Speedway.

His South Point team closed a month ago. The last of his eight truck wins was in 2003. He will be a teammate to veteran Rick Crawford, who finished fifth in points last year.

“It’s exciting to know that I’m stepping into a competitive situation right from the get-go,” said Gaughan, 32, whose No. 10 Ford carries the number that adorned his football jerseys at Bishop Gorman High School.

Gaughan finished 11th in points a year ago for South Point.

Joining Gaughan at Circle Bar will be Bryan Berry, his South Point crew chief.

Truck testing continues through Sunday in preparation for the season opener Feb. 17 at Daytona.

• DRAG RACING — Las Vegas Motor Speedway has changed its lineup for NHRA preseason testing. Top Fuel and Funny Car teams will be permitted to participate only in the Jan. 18 to 20 Nitro Blast-Off, and the Feb. 1 and 2 session will be limited to the Pro Stock Showdown for professional teams.

• NASCAR — Mark Martin will drive the No. 8 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the March 2 UAW-Dodge 400 at the speedway.

• LVMS BULLRING — Participants for the LVMS Bullring season can register for car numbers and reserve pit stalls from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Clubhouse No. 3 at the north end of the super speedway grandstands.

• SUPERCROSS — Chad Reed won Saturday’s first round of the AMA Supercross series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. The next race is scheduled for Saturday in Phoenix.