| You are about to strap into the No. 4 SUNNYD Ford Mustang for your first Daytona 500. What’s going through your mind as you approach the crown jewel race to kick off the 2024 season? “I think it’s obviously really exciting to get the chance to prepare to compete in the Daytona 500. In my eyes, it’s the biggest race we run, so to get to be a part of it is really cool. I think I will have so many emotions there and I am not really sure exactly what to expect, but I know it will be fun and I’m really looking forward to getting in the car this weekend.” Eddie D’Hondt joined the No. 4 team this offseason. What is it like to work with a veteran spotter like D’Hondt, and how important is it that your communication is clear at a track like Daytona International Speedway? “Eddie D’Hondt has been a big addition to the No. 4 team this year, and to have his knowledge and experience up on the spotter stand is going to be really helpful for me. The relationship of the driver and spotter at the speedway races is so important, so to have a chance to work together at the Duels, and talk between then and Sunday, will have us in a good spot come the green flag.” What do you think is the biggest learning curve you will face in Sunday’s race? “The biggest thing for me to learn is just how the NextGen cars are at speedways. I have a little bit of experience in the new car, but to continue to build on my notebook of experience is going to be the biggest hurdle for me. Obviously, working with the No. 4 team and Eddie will be important and we can do that Thursday and Friday. I think the other thing is just learning how to survive the speedway race and be there at the end when it counts.” You have cited the 1997 Daytona 500 as one of the earliest NASCAR races you can remember. What makes that one stand out for you? “When you have a chance to reflect on your early days as a kid watching the sport and growing up at a racetrack, there are times that you can pick out and remember and, for me, the 1997 Daytona 500 is just one of those races. I felt like that was one I remember all the parts and events of – I am sure I watched others before it – but in my memory, that is the one that stands out, and to be able to compete at the 500 makes this weekend more significant for me.” You’ve raced as teammates with Noah Gragson in the Xfinity Series, but you have two new teammates in Chase Briscoe and Ryan Preece. What challenges and advantages does this provide? “It will take some time for us to work around each other on-track and build that chemistry and trust but, with the NextGen, it’s really important to work together with your teammates early in the race and when you make your pit cycles. We have spent a lot of time around each other during the offseason and I feel like we have all built a good relationship with each other and we can carry that over into the Daytona 500.” What does your strategy look like for Daytona 500 week? Is it something that evolves for you and Rodney (Childers, crew chief) as the week unfolds? “I think that depends on where you qualify and how your Duel race goes. I think that it can be a bit of a moving target, it depends on how your week is going. We want to qualify well and race up front and get that experience on Thursday, and I think that will help me for Sunday. I think on Sunday we just have to make it to the end. You need to spend some time racing up front and see how your car is handling, but it is a bit of risk versus reward and we just have to be smart to be there at the end.” | 
