NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson celebrated his 24th birthday on February 5th and he only had one real birthday wish, a starting spot in the 52nd annual Daytona 500.

After losing his ride with Richard Petty Motorsports when the team merged with Yates Racing at the end of last season, Sorenson signed on to drive in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for Braun Racing. The young driver will share the wheel of the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota with Brian Vickers in Nationwide.

When Braun Racing announced it would try its hand in NASCAR top series Sorenson was chosen to take the wheel of the No. 32 Dollar General Camry in the Sprint Cup Series.

"Fielding a car in the Daytona 500 has been one of my lifelong dreams. It is incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to realize that dream,” team owner Todd Braun said. “I am so proud of every member of this organization. We're stepping into the top tier of motorsports and it is a direct result of their hard work and the support of our outstanding marketing partners. It is very special to take this step with our good friends at Dollar General."

This will be the first time Sorenson will not have a guaranteed starting spot so the daunting task ahead weighs heavily on the young driver.

"It is very nerve wracking.  I'm nervous, not because we aren't ready, but because anything can happen in the Gatorade Twin 150's,” Sorenson said. “The team did a great job adjusting the car after we practiced for only two laps on Friday. The car felt even better in Saturday's qualifying laps and we picked up speed. I think Thursday afternoon, if we are able to make the race, it will be a very rewarding feeling. Not only for me as a driver, but for everybody on the team. I am confident that we can race our way in with a little luck and some friends to work with during the race. It will be such a great sense of accomplishment for everyone.”

Sorenson has a best starting position and finishing position of 5th at Daytona International Speedway. In last Saturday’s qualifying session, Sorenson ended up 38th which did not secure him a spot in the 500 so today’s Gatorade Duels will determine if he will be taking the green on Sunday and seeing his birthday wish come true.

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