On Monday Hendrick Motorsports announced that Tony Stewart would pilot the No. 80 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet in the Camping World 300 Nationwide Series event at Daytona International Speedway on February 14. The fact that Hendrick has 80 stores led to the numbering of the car.

Stewart has assembled three victories in the Nationwide event at the track, twice for Kevin Harvick (2005 and 2006) and one time for Joe Gibbs (2008). Given that Stewart qualifies, it will mark the first time that he has driven for Hendrick in his 10 year career.

"After winning the season-opening Nationwide Series race at Daytona three times, we're going to try and get another one, this time for Rick," noted Stewart. "Hopefully we can go back-to-back for a second time and put the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet in Victory Lane. Rick and I have been friends for years, so it would mean a lot to me to get a win for him."

Stewart's efforts will be led by the 2003 Nationwide Series champion crew chief Lance McGrew.

As an organization, Hendrick Motorsports has ammassed three Nationwide victories at Daytona. Hendrick is thrilled about Stewart taking the wheel of the No. 80 Chevrolet.

"Tony is one of the best drivers in the world," Hendrick commented. "We know how terrific he is at Daytona, so I told the guys to build him a fast car and let him do what he does best. He's a great friend, and it's going to be fun to see him drive for Hendrick Motorsports for the first time."