Hornaday just might have a shot at winning on the two-mile California oval. His Hendrick Motorsports team has always run will there in Winston Cup and Craftsman Truck Series action. Meanwhile, Hornaday owns three straight Top-10 Truck Series finishes at the track. Together, the team and driver make a formidable pair.

"Hendrick Motorsports has won in both Winston Cup and the Truck Series at California, so we hope we can transfer some of that the knowledge and get a good run in the Busch Series car," said Team GMAC crew chief Lance McGrew. "We are bringing the car we raced at Texas. It was fast there and should be at California too, Horsepower and aerodynamics will be the name of the game at California. We feel pretty confident that we're bringing both."

Hornaday's California ride marks the end of his service in the GMAC Chevy as Hendrick recuperated from shoulder surgery following a crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A two-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion and seasoned Busch Series and Winston Cup driver, Hornaday was the first choice to pilot the No. 5 GMAC Chevy.

"I hated that Ricky got hurt, but I was thrilled to help out," said Hornaday. "I was just filing the seat while Ricky was on the mend. It's been a tremendous experience working with this crew and racing this equipment."

Hendrick will prepare for his Richmond return by testing at Concord (NC) Motor Speedway next week. He will run a simulated full-length of a race to make sure he has the endurance compete in the Richmond event.

"That's the deal - I have to drive a whole race before they let me get in the car on race day," said Hendrick. " It's too soon for me to be a team owner and all I want to do is drive. It's in my blood and I can't wait to get back in the seat."

Hornaday will take his final turn in the Team GMAC Chevy when they roll off in the Auto Club 300 at California Speedway, Saturday, April 27 at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The event will be the ninth of 34 NASCAR Busch Series races this season and will be telecast live on FOX and MRN Radio.

"It's great going back home, It gives Lindy and I a chance to catch up with everybody" commented Hornaday. "I have so many fans there that are behind me. Last year, I got the biggest cheer I have ever received during driver introductions and that was the 

greatest feeling." Hornaday has three straight top-10 truck series finishes at the 2 mile California oval and has his sight set for a top Busch Series finish as he hands the wheel of the #5 GMAC Chevrolet back to Ricky Hendrick after filling in for 6 races.

"I was thrilled to help out," commented Hornaday. "I was just filing the seat for Ricky while he recovered. You know, I really have to thank Rick Hendrick for the opportunity to run this G.M.A.C. machine, and my Hat's to this Hendrick crew, they put me in a top running car for the past 5 races"

Auto Club 300  FOX Saturday 4 p.m. ET  MRN Saturday 3:30 p.m. ET