Two-time V8 Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose has taken the wheel of his Ford F-150 racing truck over the past week in testing ahead of his entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in the USA.

Ambrose teammate Bobby East made his debut last weekend in Atlanta finishing 23rd. East is the 2004 U.S. Auto Club national Midget Car Series champion.

With less than two weeks to Martinsville, pre-race testing has been critical to Ambrose starting his NASCAR career on the right note.

"It's all finally coming along," said Ambrose.

"My custom made seat was finished a couple of weeks back and now it's about making sure the rest of the truck fits just as well."

"I'm excited about the first race, but I'm also a little nervous about qualifying. There are only five free positions available and we expect over 15 trucks to be vying for those spots."

"I have to go into that first race switched-on, there's no time to ease my way into things."

"I'll also be under the scrutiny of NASCAR who will be making sure that I'm not only up to speed, but also doing the right things on the track. They are very strict on eligibility and as I have not come up through the regular US racing system they have told me that they will continue to evaluate my racing until totally satisfied to give me a full licence."

"In saying all that I along with my wife Sonja and daughter Tabitha are enjoying our time. We have a comfortable set-up in North Carolina and already a solid group of friends."

"I feel part of the community on and off the track, and it's now time to get on with what I came here to do."

In the meantime the Tasmanian's #20 F-Series has been campaigned by Jon Wood. Wood finished 16th at Daytona, ninth at Fontana and sixth at Atlanta to be placed ninth in the championship.

It's important that Ambrose's truck has been taking part in competition, not just from a team and development point of view, but also Wood Brothers JTG Racing earns valuable team points for the 2006 season.

The starting field for Martinsville has been set at 36 trucks, 56 entries have been received for qualifying.