April 2006 Truck Series News Archive
- Winners of a race in Cup, Busch and Truck Series races: see my Misc Stats page for this and many others.
- Bodine wins the Dodge Ram Tough 200 at Gateway(Top five)
1) #30 Todd Bodine
2) #9 Ted Musgrave
3) #17 David Reutimann
4) #60 Jack Sprague
5) #23 Johnny Benson
First Ford; 6th #10 Terry Cook
First Dodge; 7th #18 Bobby Hamilton Jr.
First Chevy, 9th #16 Mike Bliss
Raybestos Rookie of the Race: Aric Almirola #75
Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award: Steve Park
Mobile 1 Oil Comm and Performance Driver of the Race: Todd Bodine
Wix Filters Lap leader Award: Todd Bodine
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award: Todd Bodine
Checkers/Ralley's Double Drive-Thru Challenge: Todd Bodine
For complete results:
espn.go.com
motorsportsone.com
truckseries.com
nascar.com(official)(5-1-2006)
Truck Series News & Notes
Crafton leads NASCAR Day Challenge … Employees of the top company in North Carolina's NASCAR Day Corporate Challenge will serve as honorary crew chiefs for Matt Crafton (#88 Menards/Energizer Chevrolet) during the May 19 Quaker Steak & Lube 200 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The winning firm will be drawn from the first 10 companies to sell 500 NASCAR Day pins. All 10 finalists will receive two tickets to the race, a VIP tour for two and a meet and greet with Crafton among other prizes. "NASCAR Day has received a great response from business communities across the state since we launched NASCAR Day, and we want to continue that momentum while also educating those companies not familiar with the program," said Sandy Marshall, executive director of The NASCAR Foundation. "NASCAR Day gives organizations a fun way to celebrate the spirit of NASCAR at work, while also contributing to some great charitable initiatives that help so many in need." Each truck will carry a NASCAR Day decal on its B post during the Lowe's event.
Interest grows in Craftsman for a Cure … Race fans will have the opportunity to meet, race or even have dinner with some of their favorite NASCAR drivers during this month's Craftsman For a Cure event. Among those participating - in addition to Bobby Hamilton, Bobby Hamilton Jr. and up to a dozen NASCAR Craftsman Truck competitors - are NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Ken Schrader, Ryan Newman, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace and Michael Waltrip and former champion and FOX announcer Darrell Waltrip. The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 at the NASCAR SpeedPark in Concord (N.C.) Mills near Lowe's Motor Speedway. Funds raised support the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Tickets for Craftsman For a Cure are available by calling 866-227-3264. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.
News & Notes Part II
Charting the owner standings' top 30 … Two in and two out describes the continuing drama as to which teams will gain guaranteed starting positions by virtue of ranking among the top 30 in championship owner standings. Solid performances by Kraig Kinser (17th) and Chad McCumbee (11th) moved David Dollar (#46 Centrix Auto Finance Chevrolet) and Dave Malcolmson (#06 MRD Motorsports Chevrolet) from 31st to 26th and 33rd to 30th, respectively. Dropped from the top 30 were Bill Davis's #22 Waste Management Toyota driven by Bill Lester and Hamilton's #4 Dodge Motorsports Dodge of Timothy Peters. With just 44 points covering positions 29 through 35, the drama is certain to continue.
ETC.
Toyota trucks finished first through fifth at Gateway International Raceway marking the first time the manufacturer swept the top five since joining the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004. Bodine is the 24th different driver to lead the series point standings. Three former champions with a total of five titles occupy top-10 positions: Musgrave, Sprague and seventh-place Mike Bliss (# 16 U.S. Graphix Chevy). … Inclement weather cancelled Budweiser Pole qualifying at Gateway where the field was set via the series rule book. David Ragan (#6 Scotts Ford) was awarded the # 1 starting position by virtue of Jack Roush's status in the truck owner standings. The last time the field was set without time trials was Aug. 5, 2005 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. … A Gateway record 13 cautions consuming 50 laps resulted in the slowest of nine races at the 1.25-mile track. Winner Bodine averaged 84.966 mph. … Justin Martz (#07 www.justinmartz.com Chevy) made his debut at Gateway. The first series starter from the state of Montana finished 20th. … Aric Almirola (#75 Spears Manufacturing Chevrolet) finished 10th to end Erik Darnell's (#99 Simply Wow Ford) four-race lock on Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors. He climbed to second in award standings, 13 behind Darnell, who suffered his first DNF of the year and dropped out of the overall top-10 rankings.
In the Loop
Johnny Benson (#23 Newbold Toyota Toyota) solidified his position among the top 10 while Bobby Hamilton Jr. (#18 Fastenal Dodge) made his first appearance of the season following the Ram Tough 200. Both drivers have proved to be fast when it counts. Benson is the series' leading Closer with 11 positions improved during the last 10 percent of the five races - an average of 2.2. Hamilton is second best in the category with nine and 1.8. Mark Martin (#6 Scotts Ford) didn't compete in the race at Gateway but continues to hold the season's best Driver Rating of 138.1. Bodine, 120.9 and Musgrave, 112.9 are next best.(NASCAR PR)(5-1-2006)
- Starting Line Up -- due to rain, field set by points for the Dodge Ram Tough 200(Top five)
1) #6 David Ragan
2) #9 Ted Musgrave
3) #30 Todd Bodine
4) #17 David Reuitmann
5) #11 David Starr
Did not make the field: #63 JR Patton, #91 JC Stout, #31 Nick Tucker
For complete starting lineup: nascar.com or
truckseries.com(4-29-2006)
- Final Practice for the Dodge Ram Tough 200(Top Five)
1) #60 Jack Sprague, 133.116
2) #17 David Reutimann, 132.751
3) #14 Rick Crawford, 132.318
4) #30 Todd Bodine, 132.271
5) #9 Ted Musgrave, 132.271
1st Dodge 9th-#18 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 131.748
1st Chevy 12th-#88 Matt Crafton 131.540
For complete practice results: truckseries.com(4-29-2006)
- News & Notes:
This week's Truck Series leaders -- through four races of the 25-race season:
Points leader - Mark Martin (720)
Money won - Mark Martin ($191,810)
Laps led - Mark Martin (343)
Miles led - Mark Martin (380.46)
Victories - Mark Martin (2)
Budweiser Poles - 4 drivers (1)
Top-five finishes - Mark Martin and Ted Musgrave (4)
Top-10 finishes - Mark Martin and Ted Musgrave (4)
Raybestos Rookie Leader - Erik Darnell (22 over Kyle Krisiloff)
Races led - Todd Bodine and Mark Martin (3)
Weeks in Top 10 - 7 drivers (4)
Etc:
Chad Chaffin's #40 Russell E. Garwood Electrical Contractor Chevrolet will be powered by Fischer Engineering engines beginning with this week's race at Gateway. The team added veteran crew chief Barry Dodson earlier this month…Gaughan's truck will carry the decal of the U.S. Air Force's 422 Squadron (A-10 aircraft school) headquartered at Nellis Air Force Base near the team's Las Vegas shops…As many as 18 drivers - half the starting field - never have turned a lap in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck at Gateway. Fourteen of 16 Raybestos Rookie of the Year contenders are among a preliminary entry list of 39 competitors. Gateway's highest-finishing official rookie candidate is Carl Edwards, who finished fourth in 2003. …Sprague's Wyler Racing Toyota will debut a new paint scheme and logo for sponsor Con-Way Freight this week…Kevin Harvick's weekend wins at Phoenix International Raceway made him the third competitor to win NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series races at the same track. Harvick won back-to-back NASCAR Craftsman Truck races at Phoenix in 2002-03. Martin accomplished the feat earlier this year at California Speedway. Bobby Labonte completed his triple in April 2005 at Martinsville Speedway…Truck drivers will sign autographs for season ticket holders from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday in Gateway's Turn 4 hospitality area.
On the right track:
Crawford, Setzer have Gateway combination …Crawford and Dennis Setzer (#85 GM FlexFuel E85 Chevrolet) count six of eight Gateway starts among the top-10 finishers. Four of Crawford's finishes have been top fives - the most by any competitor. Setzer, meanwhile, is the leading money winner at Gateway with $169,245 and has completed the most laps/miles - 1,290/1,612.5 of a possible 1,294/1,617.5.
In the loop:
With two distinctly different sets of corners linking Gateway International Raceway's straightaways, a team must compromise on chassis setup. In 2005, winner Musgrave's Dodge was perfect at both ends of the racetrack. Musgrave led 158 of 160 laps and here's why: The winner was the fastest in turns 1 and 2 at 104.558 mph, in turn 3 at 131.066 and in turn 4 at 126.742. Musgrave didn't record the fastest lap of the race, but he posted the next six quickest laps and seven of the top-10 best lap times.
From the archives:
Musgrave is the only driver to win at Gateway International Raceway in his championship season, although two other series champions have victories at the 1.25-mile facility. Greg Biffle's victory was one of a record nine wins in 1999. Three-time champion Jack Sprague was the winner in 2000. With a third victory, Musgrave would become the first series driver to win three times at two different racetracks. The 2005 champion won back-to-back-to-back at California Speedway in 2001-03.(4-24-2006)
Fast Facts:
What: Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers Ram Tough 200 (Race 5 of 25)
Where: Gateway International Raceway
When: 8:15 p.m. ET Saturday, April 29
Track layout: 1.25-mile paved oval
Race length: 200 miles/160 laps
Posted awards: $596,350
TV: Speed Channel, 8:15 pm/et
Radio: MRN, XM Satellite
2005 winner: Ted Musgrave
2005 polesitter: Ted Musgrave
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Satrday - Practice 9:05 a.m. - 10:05 a.m. Rookie Practice 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Final Practice 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Qualifying 4 p.m. Trucks impounded after qualifying(4-24-2006)
- Starting Line Up -- due to rain, field set by points for the Dodge Ram Tough 200(Top five)
1) #6 David Ragan
2) #9 Ted Musgrave
3) #30 Todd Bodine
4) #17 David Reuitmann
5) #11 David Starr
Did not make the field: #63 JR Patton, #91 JC Stout, #31 Nick Tucker
For complete starting lineup: nascar.com or
truckseries.com(4-29-2006)
- Final Practice for the Dodge Ram Tough 200(Top Five)
1) #60 Jack Sprague, 133.116
2) #17 David Reutimann, 132.751
3) #14 Rick Crawford, 132.318
4) #30 Todd Bodine, 132.271
5) #9 Ted Musgrave, 132.271
1st Dodge 9th-#18 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 131.748
1st Chevy 12th-#88 Matt Crafton 131.540
For complete practice results: truckseries.com(4-29-2006)
- Gateway field set by points: Persistent rain has caused Truck Series qualifying to be canceled at Gateway International Raceway and the field will be set by points. For the complete lineup: (nascar.com)(4-29-2006)
- Aflac to sponsor Patton at Gateway: Aflac - Missouri East has partnered with the Mittler Brothers #63 America's Most Wanted Ford driven by JR Patton as the primary sponsor at Gateway. The #63 truck features the photos of Samuel and Lindsey Porter (no relation to team sponsor Dave Porter Truck Sales). Sam and Lindsey have been missing from Independence, Missouri since June of 2004.(MB Motorsports)(4-29-2006)
- Aric Almirola will make Busch Series debut: Aric Almirola will try to qualify Joe Gibbs Racing's #19 Chevy for the May 5 Circuit City 250 at Richmond International Raceway, according to JGR officials. Almirola, a JGR developmental driver, is 20th in the Truck Series point standings driving the #75 Spears Motorsports Chevrolet. He tested a Busch Series car at Richmond during the open session in March. Almirola has driven for JGR since 2004 as part of the Joe Gibbs Racing/Reggie White Drive for Diversity program.(scenedaily.com)(4-27-2006)
- Stout to run Gateway: The only Truck Series team headquartered in the Northeast will debut their #91 Chevy this weekend at Gateway International Raceway. JC Stout will join the field of trucks at Gateway International Raceway this Saturday April 29th carrying the Hunter's Hope Foundation logo on the hood and the Alyssa's Army decal on the rear spoiler(jcstout.com)(4-27-2006)
- Richardson to switch to Chevy: Robert Richardson Racing has made the switch from Dodge, to Chevy starting with this weekend's Dodge Ram Tough 200 at Gateway International Raceway. Robert Richardson will take his experience at the 1.25-mile oval and apply that to his new race truck in hopes of improving on his 2006 season.(robertrichardson.net)(4-26-2006)
- Moore to sub for Chaffin: Due to Chad Chaffin's conflict with his obligation to his Nextel Cup Series team, Key Motorsports has tapped Ryan Moore to practice its #40 Chevrolet Silverado in preparation for Saturday night's Truck Series race at Gateway International Raceway.(keymotorsports.com)(4-26-2006)
- NFL players will perform Truck Series pit side duties: Four members of the National Football League's St. Louis Rams will be honorary pit crew members at this week's race, continuing a traditional begun several years ago. Center Andy McCollom out of Toledo University will join the #75 Spears Manufacturing Chevrolet team and driver Aric Almirola. Rod Trafford, an offensive tackle from the University of South Carolina, will back up 2003 Gateway winner Brendan Gaughan (#77 The Orleans Dodge). Rice University products Jeremy Calahan (defensive tackle) and Brandon Green (defensive end) will be part of Rick Crawford's #14 Circle Bar Truck Corral Ford unit.(paddocktalk.com)(4-25-2006)
- Brevak Racing enters Gateway race: Nick Tucker will be driving the #31 Brevak Racing Dodge at Gateway International Raceway on April 29th. Crew chief for the #31 is Joe Stonkasky; sponsorship has not been announced. (brevakracing.com)(4-24-2006)
- News & Notes from the Raybestos Rookie contenders: Erik Darnell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the April 1 Kroger 250 at Martinsville. Timothy Peters was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2005 Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers Ram Tough 200 at Gateway, posting a 16th-place finish. The best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in eight races at Gateway is fourth by Carl Edwards in 2003. Greg Biffle (1998) is the only Raybestos Rookie to win a pole in eight races at Gateway. Where they stand: #99-Erik Darnell 52, #15-Kyle Krisiloff 30, #12-Joey Miller 24, #98-Erin Crocker 23, #13-Kerry Earnhardt 23, #1-Robert Richardson 19, #06-Chad McCumbee 19, #21-Bobby East 18, #25-Boston Reid 13, #47-Kraig Kinser 12, #07-Sean Murphy, #4-Scott Lagasse Jr. 6, #20-Marcos Ambrose 2, #62-J.R. Patton 1.(Raybestos PR)(4-24-2006)
- Darnell has successful return to Late Model competition: Darnell showed he hadn't missed a beat at Lake Geneva Raceway. Due to field inversion, Darnell started the feature in the 12th position. He took the lead on lap 15 and held onto the lead for the win. At Slinger Speedway the following weekend, Darnell started the first 75 lap feature in the 19th position; finished 8th. The second race, started 10th, finished 16th.(roushracing.com)(4-24-2006)
- Gaughan to run special color scheme at Gateway: The #77 Orleans Racing Dodge will be sporting the colors of the Casino Queen for the Illinois / Missouri Dodge Dealers 200. The sponsorship brings the Queen back for its annual run in the Truck Series, where it visited victory lane in 2003. The Casino Queen is an award winning facility located just on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Also, the team will be hosting a special guest during the Saturday night event when St. Louis Rams tight end, Rod Trafford joins the crew in the pits. (orleansracing.com)(4-24-2006)
- Roush ramping up truck efforts: Roush Racing is stepping up its marketing efforts to bring new primary sponsors into the Truck Series. The team is working closely with NASCAR in redoing, and enhancing, its series research data and marketing messages to make a stronger case on behalf of the truck series. The goal, according to Roush Racing President Geoff Smith, is to persuade would-be sponsors that becoming a primary NCTS sponsor is a better overall value than being a small associate sponsor on a Nextel Cup team. "The marketing community in general has closed their eyes to truck racing," Smith said Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway. "When they have $1 million or $2 million to spend, they'll call us and say, 'What do you have in Cup?' "And we'll say, 'We've got a truck program we'd like to show you.' "And they'll say, 'Not interested. My client has to be in Cup.' Which is a faulty premise. … They've got their 10 reasons why they shouldn't be in trucks, and none of 'em are bona fide. The type of exposure you get from being the primary sponsor in 25 (NCTS) races, with all the media following that goes with it, all the branding elements that go with that … We're trying to get the argument articulated in a persuasive way. The truck series has great racing, it's a great value proposition. Sponsors should not be declining to participate in our sport because they can't get a 3-inch square on a Nextel Cup car." Smith said that the team should have its new NCTS marketing package put together by the middle of next month.(speedtv.com)(4-22-2006)
- Sprague to sport new Con-Way Freight logo and colors: Jack Sprague and his #60 Toyota Tundra truck will unveil a new Con-Way Freight logo and paint scheme beginning with the Truck Series race at Gateway International Raceway next weekend. Sprague will pilot Con-Way Freight's new colors for the remainder of the 2006 season.(jacksprague.com)(4-21-2006)
- Gateway announces pre and post race shows: Gateway International Raceway will kick off its 10th Anniversary major event schedule next Saturday, April 29 with the Missouri/Illinois Dodge Dealers Ram Tough 200. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for Charter qualifying at 4:00 pm and a pre-race show including a special tribute to the 124 fallen soldiers from Missouri and Illinois that have lost their lives in the war in Iraq. Following the Truck Series race will be a concert by Charlie Daniels and a fireworks show to be highlighted by a tribute to Dale Earnhardt on what would have been his 55th birthday.(gatewayraceway.com)(4-20-2006)
- Ragan set to take over #6 at Gateway: Truck Series point leader Mark Martin will sit out his first of 11 races in 2006, giving driving duties of the #6 Scotts Ford F-150 to David Ragan for the April 29 race at Gateway International Raceway. Ragan was initially to compete in 18 Truck Series events in 2006, driving the Scotts Ford when Martin was not entered. Roush Racing made the decision to field a third truck for Ragan beginning with the Atlanta race in March, in an effort to afford the 20-year old additional seat time in preparation for his driving duties in the #6 F-150. The #6 team currently leads both the driver and owner championship point standings, but will focus their efforts on the owners championship beginning with the event at Gateway. They enter the event with a 55 point lead over Bob Germain's #9 team. (roushracing.com)(4-20-2006)
- Evernham Motorsports names team director, engineer for #98: Beginning this week, Patrick Donahue will take the lead as the Team Director of Evernham Motorsports 98 Cheerios/Betty Crocker truck team. Scott McDougal, will now serve as the team's engineer. Ronnie Hornaday will continue his duties as truck director and front tire carrier.(evernhammotorsports.com)(4-20-2006)
- National Pork Board new sponsor for ThorSport Racing: ThorSport Racing has secured the National Pork Board as an associate sponsor for the #13 Chevy driven by Kerry Earnhardt and the #88 Chevy driven by Matt Crafton in the Truck Series. Starting with the May 19 race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, the National Pork Board will adorn both Earnhardt and Crafton's trucks for the remainder of the 2006 season.(thorsport.com)(4-19-2006)
- Greenlight Racing drivers announced for Gateway: Greenlight Racing has announced its drivers scheduled to run at Gateway International Raceway on April 29th.. In the #07 will be Justin Martz (who drove the #63 Ford at Martinsville) and in the #08 will be Boris Jurkovic. Sponsorship has yet to be announced.(greenlightracing.com)(4-18-2006)
- KHI, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation team up for May race: Kevin Harvick Inc. officials say the company's #33 Truck Series entry will carry the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's banner in the May 19 race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. In addition, KHI and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are sponsoring "Fast Lane to a Cure," a dinner to be held on May 16 featuring silent and live auctions, entertainment and a guest speaker. Three KHI drivers, including Ron Hornaday Burney Lamar and Kevin Harvick will be present at the benefit dinner. (Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-17-2006)
- Hornaday returns to the #33: Ron Hornaday will make his second NASCAR Busch Series start of the 2006 season this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway. Hornaday, who will drive 13 races for KHI in the #33 Outdoor Channel Chevrolet, made his first start at Bristol Motor Speedway three weeks ago where he picked up a seventh-place finish.(ronhornaday.com)(4-11-2006)
- Ambrose cleared for Gateway, also gets new sponsor: Marcos' next race is Gateway in St Louis on April 29. NASCAR has passed Marcos to start the St Louis race under observation, as he has been granted a license up to 1.5 mile speedways, but he has not yet passed for the Charlotte race, which will be determined after Gateway. Ambrose is also very pleased to welcome Millpro as a new sponsor part of Milligan Food Group, in business since 1896.(marcosambrose.com)(4-11-2006)
- Muskogee native, Chad Wheeler, may race trucks: Over the last three weeks Muskogee, OK native Chad Wheeler has had a glimpse of the fast pace world of big time racing. A month ago, the Muskogee High School graduate was preparing to race his Modified car in the upcoming dirt track season. Two weeks ago, he was in Hampton, Ga., for the Truck Series' John Deere 200 and the Busch Series' Nicorette 300 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway as the guest of sports marketing executive Doug Bland. Earlier this past week, Wheeler was at the Carraway Speedway in Asheboro, N.C., where he ran close to 50 laps during a test session in a Craftsman truck(Green Light Racing owned). On Tuesday, Bland will turn in Wheeler's application for a NASCAR license, the first step to being a driver in any of the three series. If all goes as planned, Wheeler will race in four to six Truck Series races this season. Wheeler and Bland are targeting the May 27 race at the Mansfield (Ohio) Motorsports Speedway as his debut into the series.(muskogeephoenix.com)(4-10-2006)
- New deal close for Martin: Mark Martin says he's close to signing a contract to drive full time in the Truck Series for Roush Racing in 2007 and 2008. Martin said he would consider running a Cup race but only on the same weekend and at the same track as a truck event.(roanoke.com)(4-9-2006)
- Stout Partners With SAS Tools & Castle Products: Stellar-Quest Racing Team, LLC for which JC Stout drives the #91truck, has announced their new partnerships with Stars & Stripes Tool, Inc. and Castle Products, Inc. Stars & Stripes Tool, Inc. (SAS Tools) is owned by the husband and wife team of Tim and Nicole Schnobrich. They have recently launched their new internet store at www.sastool.com. Castle Products, Inc. headquartered in Rochester, NY is in their fifth decade of manufacturing and distributing high quality products around the world. To learn more about what Castle Products, Inc. has to offer, visit www.castlepackspower.com.(jcstout.com)(4-9-2006)
- Todd Bodine wins Pro Category in Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race: Professional skateboarder Bucky Lasek led from start to finish to win the 30th Anniversary Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. Todd Bodine, who worked his way from the 25 second handicap imposed on all professionals behind the celebrity participants, earned the top spot in the Pro Category and finished fourth overall. David Reutimann finished 9th. Toyota donates $5,000 in the name of each celebrity participant to Racing for Kids, which benefits Long Beach and Orange County hospitals. Another $50,000 will be donated of the charity of the winner's choice.(businesswire.com)(4-8-2006)
- Retired Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell is ready to go truckin: After racing late-model stock cars in Lakeland, Fl, for a number of years and a handful of starts in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup series, Greenwell will likely make his debut in the Truck series May 27 at Mansfield Motorsports Speedway in Ohio. Greenwell, who started racing stock cars in 1999 in Florida, will compete in three other events for Green Light Racing, Inc., after its driver, Bobby Hamilton Jr., left to substitute for his father, 2004 Truck champion Bobby Hamilton, who is battling cancer. Greenwell will race at Memphis Motorsports Park, July 15; Indianapolis Raceway Park, Aug. 4, and in the Sylvania 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway, Sept. 16. Greenwell, who played 12 seasons for the Red Sox, will test at a short-track in North Carolina early in May and again at Mansfield before attempting to make the field for the Mansfield 250.(bostonherald.com)(4-8-2006)
- Musgrave Heads to Texas for the second round of IROC: UPDATE As he comes off of his second place finish in the Kroger 250 at Martinsville, Ted Musgrave heads to Texas Motor Speedway for the second round of racing in the Crown Royal IROC racing series. This marks the 30th Anniversary of the Crown Royal International Race of Champions racing series. This weekend's race in Texas will be Musgrave's second IROC Series career start.(germainracing.com)(4-6-2006)
UPDATE: Ted Musgrave finished 9th in the 2nd IROC race of the season. Tony Stewart was the winner; his first win at Texas Motor Speedway.(germainracing.com)(4-7-2006)
- Mansfield tickets still available - for now: Mansfield Motorsports Speedway still has a limited number of good seats available for its upcoming Truck Series race, scheduled for May 26-27. "Ticket sales have been very good for the return of the Truck Series," said MMS president and general manager Chris Mize. "I encourage everyone that wants to come to this race to get their tickets soon, because race weekend will be here before you know it and we expect it to be a complete sellout again this year. Mize suggests that fans wanting to attend this year's Mansfield 250 either call the speedway ticket office (419-525-7223) or log on to the track's newly updated website.(Mansfield-speedway.com)(4-7-2006)
- DeLoach to appear on Good Morning America Weekend Edition: Red Horse Racing team owner Tom DeLoach celebrated a victory in the Truck Series last weekend with his #11 Red Horse Racing Toyota and driver David Starr at Martinsville. This weekend, DeLoach's other racing endeavor - PIT Instruction and Training - will celebrate a victory in its own right as the school will be featured on 'Good Morning America Weekend Edition' on Sunday morning. On Saturday morning, five pit crew members (which include three team members from Red Horse Racing) will train the Good Morning America anchors on what to do during a pit stop. They will then perform a live pit stop on the Sunday morning broadcast. Check your local listings for viewing information in your area.(redhorseracing.net)(4-7-2006)
- Even with cancer battle, Hamilton still has grit: Race drivers show their mettle every time they go out on the track. But as Marty Smith writes, Bobby Hamilton's battle with cancer requires a different kind of courage. An excerpt: Bobby Hamilton stood anxiously on pit road at Atlanta Motor Speedway a couple weeks back, set to strap into the #18 Dodge truck for the final time for the foreseeable future, when Mark Martin strode by with a message. "Kick its ass," Martin said. "I will," Hamilton nodded. "See ya later," Martin said. With that, he was gone. "I'll probably never talk to Mark Martin again, but [that shows] Mark cares," Hamilton said. "That's just how we [drivers] are." Hamilton has cancer. It forced him from the seat. The very thought of it terrifies his colleagues. Drivers are apt to ignore such things. For the rest of Marty's article please visit: (nascar.com)(4-7-2006)
- KHI, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation work together for a cure: Kevin Harvick Inc. has partnered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to raise awareness and funds to support vital research and care programs. The companies have joined forces to sponsor "Fast Lane to a Cure," a dinner to be held on May 16 featuring silent and live auctions, entertainment and a guest speaker. Three drivers from the KHI family will be in attendance at the event, including Burney Lamar, Ron Hornaday and Kevin Harvick. The dinner will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Later that week, KHI will put the #33 race truck, driven by two-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday, to good use; it will banner the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation logo under the lights of the Quaker Steak & Lube 200 race on May 19 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.(kevinharvickinc.com)(4-6-2006)
- Woodard and Sharp end partnership: Truck Series owner, Rick Woodard has announced that he and partner, Eddie Sharp will be parting ways in their newly-formed team, Woodard & Sharp Racing. Effective immediately, the team will change its name to Woodard Racing. Boston Reid will continue to be the driver of the #25 Dodge.(woodardracing.com)(4-5-2006)
- Kevin Harvick Inc. and Chris Rice part ways: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) has announced that Chris Rice, crew chief of the #33 Truck Series team and two-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday, have agreed to part ways. A replacement for Rice will be named at a later date.(kevinharvickinc.com)(4-5-2006)
- Benson to race in Berlin's opener: Johnny Benson will race in Berlin Raceway's season opener in the Coors Light Late Model division on April 15th. The Trucks are off for a three-week period in April, leaving time in Benson's schedule to make the visit to his home track. Benson is also scheduled to race at Berlin in the ASA Challenge Series 200 on Wednesday, June 14, and in "The Chet" 100-lap Coors Light Late Model race on Wednesday, August 16, along with Cup driver Kyle Busch.(johnnybenson.com)(4-5-2006)
- Truck Series News & Notes:
Ron Hornaday Jr. (# 33 Kevin Harvick Inc. Chevrolet) was the top finishing Truck Series driver among five who competed in Saturday’s Busch Series Pepsi 300 at Nashville Superspeedway. Hornaday placed 17th after starting at the rear of the field in a backup car…One hundred forty different series competitors have raced for more than $3.5 million in eight previous events at Gateway International Raceway. Dennis Setzer (# 85 GM FlexFuel E85/Shell Rotella Chevrolet) is the leading money winner with $169,245…A victory in the Ram Tough 200 would make Ted Musgrave (# 1 Team ASE/Germain Toyota) the first driver to win three races at two different Truck Series tracks. Musgrave, the defending Gateway winner, won three consecutive events at California Speedway between 2001 and 2003…Veteran motorsports writer John Close is wrapping up his historical overview of the Truck Series. The MBI Publishing book will join nearly 20 volumes licensed by the NASCAR Library Collection and will be released in conjunction with the 2007 season-opening events at Daytona International Speedway Gateway International Raceway will host its annual Craftsman Truck driver autograph session for season-ticket holders on April 28 following close of technical inspection.
In the Loop:
With four finishes among the top four and starts of 10th or better including a pair of Budweiser Poles, it isn’t surprising that Mark Martin (# 6 Scotts Ford) tops the series in average running position through the April 1 Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway. Martin’s average running position is 3.300 – more than four positions higher than Musgrave, the # 2 competitor in current Truck Series championship standings. Setzer, the championship runner-up in each of the past three seasons, has yet to finish higher than ninth but his team’s consistency is reflected in his fifth-place ranking in average running position – 11.184.(NASCAR PR)(4-17-2006)
- Truck Series News & Notes:
Series competitors have busy Easter weekend slate – including racing
Martin to step aside but Roush Racing’s #6 remains title contender
Easter is a time for religious observances and family activities but not every Truck Series competitor will be away from the track this week. The NASCAR Busch Series’ first visit of the season to Nashville Superspeedway will draw at least two crossover drivers – David Reutimann (# 17Team Tundra Toyota) and Erin Crocker (#98 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge).
Reutimann hopes to become the second to win both the Pepsi 300 and Truck Series Toyota 200 at the 1.33-mile concrete-surfaced facility. Scott Riggs won the inaugural truck race in 2001 and captured back-to-back Pepsi 300 events in 2002-03. Crocker will get a double-dose of Nashville as she competes in both Pepsi 300 and supporting ARCA RE/MAX PFG 150. Crocker won the pole and finished third in the ARCA event a year ago. Greg Pollex, owner of Terry Cook’s #10 Power Stroke Diesel by International Ford, will be in Nashville where his NASCAR Busch Series driver Kenny Wallace will compete in the Pepsi 300. But he’ll go home for a big celebration. Relaxation is on Kerry Earnhardt’s (#13 ThorSport Chevrolet) agenda. “We may head down to Durhamtown Plantation Resort in Georgia with a big group of people to go four-wheelin,” he said. “It’s a really neat place with all kinds of stuff to do for the kids, too. It’ll be nice to be with family and friends and just kind of relax a bit.” David Starr (#11 Red Horse Racing Toyota) is looking forward to spending some time with his new nephew, his sister Melissa’s son Matthew, whose arrival on April 1 coincided with the team’s victory at Martinsville Speedway.
News & Notes Part II:
David Ragan will take the controls of the #6 Scotts Ford when competition resumes April 29 at Gateway International Raceway, effectively ending Mark Martin’s four-race reign as the championship leader. Martin won’t resume his 14-race schedule until May 19 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The Cup Series veteran won’t win this year’s title – he’s planning a fulltime assault in 2007 – but the Martin/Ragan combination could give owner Jack Roush a championship nonetheless. Driver and owner points are scored separately and Roush’s tabulation will continue regardless of which driver is in the seat of the #6 truck. Should this occur, it would mark the third time in NASCAR national touring series history that different teams win the driver and owner championships. In 1963, Joe Weatherly captured the Cup crown while the Wood Brothers scored the owner title. More recently, in 2003, Richard Childress’ #21 team won the NASCAR Busch Series owner championship as Brian Vickers became the driver champion. The # 6 truck, however, will have to outscore a number of rivals including its sister entry. Martin’s teammate Erik Darnell (#99 Simply Wow Ford) is 68 points back in sixth position.
No green-white-checker for this one …Todd Bodine (#30 Lumber Liquidators Toyota), fourth overall and first in the pro category, wanted a green-white-checker finish to Saturday’s Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the Long Beach (Calif.) Grand Prix which ended a lap early due to a blocked course. It didn’t happen and pro skateboarder Bucky Lasek collected the hardware. Bodine, who started from the pro pole with a 30-second handicap, wasn’t sure he could have caught and passed former shifter kart racer Lasek anyway. “He’s as good as the pros,” said Bodine. “I had a great time. It was really cool. I never thought I’d have to opportunity to come here.” Reutimann finished fourth among the pro drivers after having a “meeting” with Boston Legal’s William Shatner in Turn 1. “I wanted to get out of there without turning anybody – especially William Shatner,” he said. “It was a blast and a phenomenal deal. I’m hoping to get invited back.” SPEED will air event highlights at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 22.
Etc.
Pit Instruction and Training (PIT) was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America this past weekend. The enterprise is owned by Tom DeLoach, head of Red Horse Racing that fields the #11 Toyota for Starr. Its corporate clients include United Airlines, which uses PIT’s methods to more effectively direct baggage handling operations. ““United Airlines is coming out of bankruptcy so they can’t buy more airplanes,” DeLoach said. “They need to have faster turns – what we call faster pit stops in racing – to have more planes in the sky during the day. Our classes help get their average turn-around time down.” …Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Mansfield Motorsports Speedway on May 27. The Florida native has competed in late model cars in Florida since 1999, scoring 37 victories. He’ll drive for Gene Christensen’s Green Light Racing. … Kurt Busch’s victory in Saturday’s NASCAR Busch Series O’Reilly 300 made him the 16th driver to win in all three of NASCAR’s national touring series. Kurt and Kyle Busch are the second set of brothers to complete the sweep. The Labontes – Terry and Bobby – finished the triple in 2005…Woodard & Sharp Racing, which fields the # 25 Dodge for Raybestos Rookie Boston Reid, has reorganized with partner Eddie Sharp departing the team, which has been renamed Woodard Racing. Owner Rick Woodard said, “Eddie has been a big part of this team (and) although we hate to lose him, I think it’s going to be better for both sides. We have good people here at the shop and a rookie driver that has the potential to take this team to the top.”
In the Loop:
Raybestos Rookie of the Year leader Darnell is having a sensational freshman season – both in the point standings and Driver Ratings, which are based upon eight different statistical categories. Darnell, with a pair of top-10 finishes and an average finish of 9.0 carries a rating of 90.3. That’s 12th overall in the series and tops – by more than 12 points – among Raybestos rookie contenders. Darnell rates more than 24 points higher than his closest Raybestos rival Kyle Krisiloff (# 15ditech.com/Krud Kutter Chevrolet). A perfect score is 150. Martin is the series leader after four races at 138.1.(NASCAR PR)(4-10-2006)
- Truck Series News & Notes:
Rick Crawford, Mike Skinner weigh in with Masters golf predictions
Winners and losers as Kroger 250 sets 2006 starting guarantees
Golf, not racing, will be front and center for several Truck Series competitors as the series takes its longest hiatus of the season. This is Masters Week at Augusta National, an event that Rick Crawford (#14 Circle Bar Truck Corral Ford) and Mike Skinner (# 5 Toyota Tundra Toyota) look forward to each year. Both are avid players who would carry single-digit handicaps if not for a busy racing schedule. But they're also fans of the game and can't wait to see the likes of Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen tee it up in the season's first major. Skinner went to last year's tournament and may be in the gallery later this week. Crawford won't be able to attend this year's tournament but has in the past. His son, Adam, will be competing in his first late model event this weekend in Mobile. The drivers' pick for who will wear the traditional green jacket on Sunday afternoon? "When you go to The Masters it is hard to not predict Tiger Woods to be a contender," said Skinner of the four-time winner.
Crawford agrees, but is going in another direction. "I'm going with the southpaw and the 2004 winner Phil Mickelson," he said. "If you look at the year he's had so far, it is very similar to the year he was having in 2004 before he won the Masters."
News & Notes Part II:
Last Saturday's race at Martinsville Speedway closed out the season's first four races in which top 35 guaranteed starting positions are based upon 2005 truck owner championship points. A number of drivers breathed a sigh of relief as they won't have to qualify for the April 29 Dodge Dealers Ram Tough 200 on speed. Five unranked teams raced their way into the top 30. Conversely, five which held top 30 rankings from a year ago dropped out. (See chart below.)
Truck Owners In:
2nd, 665, #9-Toyota Bob Germain, Ted Musgrave
7th, 544,#22-Toyota Jeff Wyler, Jack Sprague
16th, 447, #21-Ford Eddie Wood, Bobby East
19th, 416, #20-Ford Tad Geschickter, Marcos Ambrose
25th, 352, #02-Chevy Ed Sutton, Kelly Sutton
Truck Owners Out:
31st, 336, #29-Chevy Kay Keselowski, Kraig Kinser
32nd, 328, #1-Dodge James Smith, Robert Richardson
34th, 283, # 59-Dodge James Harris, Steve Park
35th, 277, # 25-Dodge Michael Gaughan, Boston Reid
37th, 155 #8-Dodge Ray Montgomery, Chase Montgomery
Among the first group are former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champions Ted Musgrave (#9 Team ASE/Germain Motors Toyota) and Jack Sprague (# 60 Con-Way Toyota). "I'm just glad that we won't have to worry about qualifying on time as much as we have had to these first four races," said Sprague, whose team wasn't eligible for a top-30 guaranteed starting position because Wyler Racing didn't join the series until June. Two teams new to the series in 2006 - the #20 and #21 Wood Brothers/JTG Racing Fords of Raybestos rookie of the year contenders Marcos Ambrose and Bobby East - also made the top 30. The final spot among the current top 30 was decided by a single point. Erin Crocker (#98 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge) can make her first trip to Gateway International Raceway knowing the Ray Evernham team has a place in the field. Conversely, fellow freshman Kraig Kinser (#29 Ginn Clubs and Resorts Chevy), will have to qualify on speed for one of six remaining positions. In winning the Kroger 250, David Starr (#11 Red Horse Racing Toyota) became the 14th different winner in 15 series events at the .526-mile track. No other track has produced more than 10 winners. Starr was victorious in his fourth start with the Tom DeLoach and Jeff Hammond-owned team, a single-race winner in 2005. The Houston,Texas driver becomes the 10th member of a select group of drivers who have won races in two different makes of truck. Starr won three previous races - the most recent at Phoenix in 2004 - in Chevrolets. Five active drivers in the series have won races for two manufacturers.
- News & Notes, Part III:
Todd Bodine (#30 Lumber Liquidators Toyota) and David Reutimann (#17 Team Tundra Toyota) will be racing this week - but not in the traditional sense. Both will suit up Saturday in the 30th anniversary running of the Toyota/Pro Celebrity Race over the 1.97-mile, 11-turn Long Beach Grand Prix course in Long Beach, Calif. The field of 20 includes a number of well-know figures from the entertainment and sports world including X-Games gold medalist and professional skateboarder Bucky Lasek, FOX TV's Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, actor William Shatner and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. Qualifying will be held Friday with PEOPLE magazine donating $15,000 to the pole winner's charity. Toyota will donate $5,000 in the name of each celebrity racer to a non-profit program benefiting children's hospitals in Long Beach and Orange County, Calif. Another $5,000 will be donated to the race winner's charity of choice. For the first time ever, the 10-lap sprint race will feature celebrities competing against professional drives in identically prepared, race-ready Scion models.
"The Scions are fun to drive," said Bodine, who along with Reutimann recently tested the cars at a southern California road course. "The front wheel drive on those cars is a lot different from what I am used to. It took me a couple of runs to get used to the car but I finally got the hang of it." Reutimann is looking forward to "hanging out" with some celebrities. "Being that I am a Star Trek fan from way back, meeting William Shatner (the show's Capt. James T. Kirk) was huge for me," he said. "Racing in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity event is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Guys like me don't get to hang out with people like that."
Etc:
Mark Martin (#6 Scotts Ford) continues to lead the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series point standings following his fourth-place finish in the Kroger 250. He leads runner-up finisher Musgrave by 55 points. Roush Racing announced last week that Martin would compete in an additional seven races, bringing his total for the season to 14. … Dennis Setzer (# 85 GM FlexFuel E85 Chevrolet) posted his 125th top-10 finish at Martinsville Speedway where he is the only two-time race winner. Setzer's ninth-place finish leaves him 36 top 10s short of Sprague's series record. … Bobby Hamilton Jr., who won the Kroger 250 Budweiser Pole, became the 14th # 1 starter failing to win at Martinsville. Hamilton is the fourth different pole winner of 2006. His only previous pole was recorded in 2004 at his hometown track, Nashville Superspeedway. … Craftsman Motorsports in conjunction with Bobby Hamilton Racing will host the May 23 "Craftsman For A Cure" charity event which will support the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The event will be held at the NASCAR Speedpark at Concord Mills near Lowe's Motor Speedway and will enable fans to race go-kart race against drivers, obtain autographs and even spend quality time with select drivers at a private dinner. Tickets for the "Craftsman For a Cure" will go on sale Monday, April 17 at 9 a.m. ET. For tickets, call 866-227-3264.
In the loop:
Martinsville winner Starr ran among the top 15 on 248 of 250 laps. He recorded the top seven fastest laps, topping the charts at 93.323 mph. … Terry Cook (# 10 Ford Power Stroke Diesel by International Ford) was the Kroger 250's top closer, moving up six positions (25th to 19th) over the final 25 laps. … Although a mid-race spin cost him a possible shot at victory in his first series race, Clint Bowyer (# 07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet) recorded the second-best driver rating of the event at 123.4. Bowyer, who finished seventh, trailed only Starr at 141.7.(NASCAR PR)(4-3-2006)
- Driver standings following Martinsville(top five)
1) #6-Mark Martin, 720
2) #9-Ted Musgrave, 665
3) #30-Todd Bodine, 662
4) #17-David Reutimann, 576
5) #11-David Starr, 556
See full standings at:
(truckseries.com)
(motorsportsone.com)
(nascar.com)(official)(4-3-2006)
- David Starr wins Kroger 250 (fop five)
1) #-11-David Starr, Red Horse Racing Toyota
2) #9-Ted Musgrave, Team ASE/Germain Motorsports Toyota
3) #88-Matt Crafton, Menards/Energizer Chevy
4) #6-Mark Martin, Scotts Ford
5) #16-Mike Bliss, Xpress Motorsports Chevy
1st Dodge (6th) #77-Brendan Gaughan,The Orleans Dodge
1st Rookie (11th) #99-Erik Darnell, Simply Wow Ford
- Race awards:
Budweiser Pole Award: #18-Bobby Hamilton Jr, 19.895 seconds, 95.180 mph
Checkers/Rally's Double-Drive Thru Challenge Award: #11-David Starr
Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award: #11-David Starr (14 places)
Mobil 1 Command Performance Driver of the Race Award: #16-Mike Bliss
Raybestos Rookie of the Race Award: #99-Eric Darnell
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award: #11-David Starr
WIX Filters Lap Leader Award: #11-David Starr 121 Laps)
For complete results see:
(truckseries.com))
(motorsportsone.com)
(nascar.com)(official)(4-3-2006)
- Qualifying for the Kroger 250 is over: Hamilton Jr. breaks record (top five)
#18-Bobby Hamilton Jr. 95.180
#6-Mark Martin Scotts Ford 95.161
#07-Clint Bowyer 95.103
#14-Rick Crawford 94.836
#50- David Ragan 94.836
#1st Toyota (6th) #12-Joey Miller
#1st Rookie (6th) #12-Joey Miller
Going home: #70 Tam Topham, #40 Chad Chaffin, #63 Justin Martz
Top six drivers all break previous qualifying speed record
For complete starting lineup visit:truckseries.com(4-1-2006)
- Darnell rookie of the race, 4 in a row: Erik Darnell was the top finishing Raybestos rookie at every race held so far this season. Where the rest finished; East 13th, Miller 16th, Almirola 18th, Earnhardt 20th, McCumbee 21st, Krisiloff 23rd, Crocker 25th, Richardson 28th, Kinser 29th, Reid 31st. (Raybestos PR)(4-3-2006)
- Starr wins at Martinsville: David Starr, driving the #11 Red Horse Toyota stayed free of the cautions Saturday at Martinsville Speedway to win the Kroger 250.There were a record 16 cautions during the race, including a red flag. Starr led 121 laps. It was Starr's fourth career victory. His previous best finish at Martinsville was eighth. Starr moved to fifth in points. Mark Martin, who finished fourth, leads the point standings. Ted Musgrave was second and moved to second in points.(nascar.com)(4-1-2006)
