Up and coming ... Shane Huffman

Shane Huffman, a 32-year-old Hickory, N.C., short-track driver, is set to take over the No. 88 Chevrolet fielded by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in NASCAR's Busch Series. Huffman, who has been racing in the Hooters Pro Cup Series in a Chevy owned by the Nextel Cup star, will take over for Mark McFarland, who was released last week. Huffman recently was interviewed by Rick Minter of Cox News Service.

On his Busch Series plans: "It looks like we'll get to go to Bristol.We'll have to miss California, then, pending NASCAR approval, go to every one we can following that and then do a full year next year."

On his Busch debut last month at Gateway International Raceway: "It was fun.We did some of what we needed to do there. I was really disappointed with the finish and the way the car ran.We were just a little bit too tight all night. It was as much my fault as anybody's, with me not being experienced enough to get it freed up in practice. The next time I go, I'll have a lot better feel for what I need, so that part will be a lot better."

On having Dale Earnhardt Jr. for a car owner: "He's cool. It's a good time. He criticizes you when you do wrong and lets you know when you do good. He's just a cool guy to be around, a lot of fun. He's been pretty busy lately, so I haven't gotten to be around him much at all. He's got a lot on his plate, but he handles it well, to be as young as he is. If he can handle as much as he's got going on, then what little bit I've got going on shouldn't be anything."

On the pressure of coming into a ride in which the previous driver (McFarland) was released because of lackluster performance: "I think we all realize we've got a little bit to gain as a team. And I think they realize I'm not an overnight answer. I certainly hope they feel that way. I think we need to get a couple of people in some key positions. ... I think it's going to get better, but it's going to take some hard work and determination to do it. It's a work in progress."

On racing against the top Cup drivers in the Busch Series: "In a Busch race, they're Busch drivers, so it doesn't really bother me. You're only as good as the people you race, so if you can outrun those guys on any given day, that makes you that much better."

On being one of the few drivers from the Carolinas to enter NASCAR in recent seasons: "That's about the truth. There are just a few of us out there. I'm just proud to be in this position. I hope I can make the best of it, but I know I'll have to work harder than I've ever worked in my life. A lot of things that come with this deal are new to me."