By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
NILES - Last month at Michigan International Speedway NASCAR fans found out just who was going to replace Sterling Marlin in the No. 40 Coors Light Dodge.
It was none other than South Bend, Ind.'s own David Stremme.
Stremme was in Niles on Wednesday to help open the Progressive Land Title office near the state line.
Stremme is fresh from his inuargural NEXTEL Cup start at Chicagoland Speedway this past Sunday.
Stremme is currently eigth in the Busch Series standings and is serious about winning a championship before joining Chip Ganassi Racing full-time next season.
Stremme performed well in his NEXTEL Cup debut, finishing 16th after starting 31st.
At one point during the race Stremme was running fourth.
Stremme said he was pleased with his debut, but thought he could have finished a lot higher.
Stremme signed a development deal with Chip Ganassi Racing several years ago and was tabbed to replace Marlin despite never winning a Busch Race.
Stremme was quick to point out that Tony Stewart never won a Busch race until this year and that Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne both only have one Busch Series victory.
Stremme, who attended the same high school (LaSalle) as NEXTEL Cup regular Ryan Newman, said he was thrilled to get a chance at a full-time Cup ride.
Stremme said that sitting on the grid waiting for the command to start the engine was just the realization of his dream.
Getting his first Busch start had more significance because he had to go out and make a name for himself.
And that he has driving the Navy car for owner Terry Bradshaw.
Stremme trails Busch Series defending champion and current points leader Martin Truex Jr. by 485 points.
Truex, like Stremme, will be in NEXTEL Cup full-time in 2006.
Stremme is no overnight sensation.
He has raced in seven racing divisions since 1994 and won three rookie titles and two track championships.
In 2002 he won twice and had 13 top five finishes and 15 top 10 finishes in his first full season in ASA.
Ganassi spotted Stremme in 2002 in ASA competition and was signed to a development deal.
Last year he started driving for James Finch before signing with Braun Racing to drive the No. 19 TRIMPSA Dodge.