Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Mark Martin is only a part-time Craftsman Truck Series driver in 2006, having only signed up to race seven times this season, but boy did he have fun at Daytona.

"From watching it, I saw that truck series racing is the best racing in NASCAR," said Martin. "Being out there with them was just a blast."

While the driver currently leading the Craftsman Truck Series is having more fun than anyone else, its probably because he knows he won't win the truck title and is in it solely for the enjoyment.

Last Friday, the NASCAR legend won the pole and the race beating Todd Bodine to the checkered flag.

Martin's victory spoiled what could have been a record-setting day for Bodine. The No.30 Germain Toyota driver was seeking his fourth consecutive victory, but had to settle for the runner-up spot when Ron Hornaday Jr. and Kyle Krisiloff tangled during a green-white-checker finish. That brought out the final caution and ended Bodine's shot at history.

"I'm not going to lie to you," said Bodine. "It's disappointing not to win the fourth in a row and set the record."

Still, Bodine's great finish leaves him in perfect position in the championship.

Just behind him, however, is his teammate and defending series champion Ted Musgrave, who finished third at Daytona.

Bodine and Musgrave appear to be the "team" to beat in 2006.

It won't get any easier for the competition at Fontana. Musgrave is a three- time winner on the two-mile oval (2001-2003) and Bodine won in 2004.

Last year, Steve Park edged Bobby Hamilton by 1.229 seconds for the win. However, Park is not scheduled to run a truck this week.

This week's event will be the only west coast trip for the truck series until September when all three NASCAR national series' return for Labor Day weekend.

That makes it a special weekend for Californians in the field - Matt Crafton, Mike Skinner and Ron Hornaday Jr.

"I have friends and family there and they get to come out and support me," said Crafton, who finished sixth last year.

Another driver to watch this week is Roush Racing's rookie Erik Darnell. Just 24, he was the winner of the Discovery Channel's Driver X competition. In his first Craftsman event he finished a solid sixth on the superspeedway and looked very steady. With the top equipment that Jack Roush will supply, he should be a threat all season long.

Qualifying at the California Speedway doesn't appear to be that important to winning the race. While two drivers have won the event from the pole, the average starting position of the winner is 13.4. Park won the 2005 race from 25th on the starting grid.