2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Bobby Hamilton regretfully is stepping out of his No. 18 Fastenal Dodge for the 2006 season effective after the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway due to health reasons. Hamilton has been diagnosed with cancer in the right side of his neck and will be replaced for the season by his son Bobby Hamilton Jr.

"Nobody wants to go through this and the word cancer is a stout word to hear," Hamilton said. "But I will be starting my treatment right after the race in Atlanta so I have to take care of me for awhile. The hardest thing I've done is stepping out of this truck, but I will be back by Homestead or by Daytona bext year. When I told Dodge and Fastenal that I had to do this, they were right on board with me. It says a lot for companies of this magnitude to stay with our program during such a difficult time. We have a huge family at BHR and their support will enable our program to continue to be a success."

"You never want to think about a fill-in driver for yourself, especially when you are so passionate about your racing career," Hamilton continued. "But to have my son in a position to race for me means the world to me. He'll win races for Fastenal and Dodge this year and I'm still the owner, so I plan on being there to see it all happen."

Hamilton Jr., who has won five NASCAR Busch Series races, returned to the Craftsman Truck Series this season to run part time for BHR. Starting in Martinsville on April 1st and for the remainder of the 2006 season Hamilton Jr. will pilot the No. 18 Fastenal Dodge until his father returns.

"These are not the circumstances I wanted to race in my dad's truck, but I will do it without hesitation," Hamilton Jr. said. "I'm glad that I'm available to do this for him, Fastenal and Dodge. It means a lot to me to be there right now. On top of racing he is my dad, so first and foremost I want him healed. We enjoy racing together, so if I can help him take time to heal then we'll race against each other sooner."

Hamilton Sr. continued, "I realize there are millions of Americans affected everyday by cancer and I want to help by being simply another voice in the push for a cure for this disease. If we help society, then we all win. That is the best victory lane."

Will Oberton, President and CEO of Fastenal, said, "We at Fastenal are truly saddened by the announcement of Bobby Hamilton's diagnosis. We recognize there is a difficult struggle ahead for Bobby but we know he is a true competitor and will fight to overcome this. He is a member of the Fastenal Teaam and we are there to support him. With Bobby Hamilton Jr. committed to drive the No. 18 Fastenal Dodge, we are confident our partenership with the BHR team will remain strong and is in capable hands. Bobby and his team have proven they are champions and I believe they will mee this challenge also."