2008 Spin:
Marcos Ambrose returns to the Nationwide Series in 2008 after what has to be considered a successful and eye-opening rookie campaign in ’07. The amiable Australian finished second in the Rookie of the Year battle to Roush-Fenway’s David Ragan, while a late spin on the road course in Montreal cost him a chance at his first victory.

Ambrose and his JTG Racing team finished eighth in the overall points battle last season and expect to better that in 2008. Leading the charge is new crew chief Walter Giles, who is looking forward to working with an obvious talent in Ambrose.

“I'm really excited to work with Marcos,” Giles said. “I've watched him for a long time, and have always been impressed with his skills in a race car. I feel that Ambrose has what it takes to be successful at any level of NASCAR.”

That said, Ambrose is expected to participate in a select number of Sprint Cup races along with his full time Nationwide duties in preparation for a possible jump to the series in the future.

In addition to his success in American stocks last season, Ambrose was voted “Australian Driver of the Year” by Australian weekly motorsport magazine Auto Action.

“When I announced I was leaving V8 Supercars (in Australia) to try and forge a career in NASCAR, one thing I was very conscious of was not to leave my fans behind. I wanted them to be a part of my journey in the U.S. as much as possible,” Ambrose said. “To have Australian motorsports fans vote me as the winner of this award is a very special feeling. I owe a lot to all the Australian fans that have stuck by me and followed my racing in NASCAR.”

While that award is an honor for Ambrose, don’t be surprised if Ambrose wins more distinguished hardware in the United States this season.

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