Jayski's® Silly Season Site - Truck Series Archives

June 2009 Truck Series News Archive

For winners of a race in Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series races: see the Misc Stats page for this and other statistical information.

Germain Racing sponsor Ventrilo adds two more races in 2009: Ventrilo, a product of Flagship Industries and the premier group voice communications program used in internet-based tournaments and multiplayer games, announced today that it has expanded its primary sponsorship of the #30 Ventrilo Tundra to include O'Reilly Raceway Park as well as the previously scheduled Bristol Motor Speedway and Gateway International Raceway NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. In addition, Ventrilo will be the primary sponsor this weekend at Daytona International Speedway for Germain Racing's #15 Ventrilo Toyota Camry driven by Iowa-native Michael Annett.(Germain Racing PR)(6-30-2009)
The future of series in doubt? UPDATE 2: NASCAR VP says series strong; looking at cost-cutting options: Promoter Bruton Smith and NASCAR president Mike Helton are reported to be meeting Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway over the uncertain future of NASCAR's Truck series, with increasing speculation that the tour - 25 races this season, on 16 Sprint Cup tour tracks and seven other tracks - will be severely cut next season. Indeed even the survival of the Truck series, which was created in 1995 by the late Bill France Jr. as a budget-priced 'proving ground' for new car owners, new sponsors and new drivers, has been questioned. General Motors, Ford and Dodge have all withdrawn financial support of the Truck tour and the Nationwide tour, leaving only Toyota officially involved. Toyota officials have reportedly decided to drop their financial support too, though Toyota racing boss Lee White insists no decision has been made. One suggestion to help save the Truck series has been for the four NASCAR car makers to work together to design an inexpensive 'spec' Truck engine, to cut costs. Another suggestion has been a 'common' engine for all three NASCAR touring series.(mikemulhern.net)(6-27-2009)
UPDATE: During an interview on SPEEDtv's NCTWS setup program, NASCAR VP Steve O'Donnell said the state of the series is "really strong." O'Donnell stated that NASCAR officials met with team owners earlier this year to help out the racing with some rule changes, they have been working with the teams, and that the series puts on the "best racing". When asked about double-file restarts, O'Donnell said that the series has two weeks off following Memphis, and that NASCAR will continue to look at it. [Also heard that O'Donnell addressed the state of the series during the Drivers Meeting in Memphis, assuring teams that NASCAR is full speed ahead for 2010. He also said that NASCAR is excited by new owners and drivers and the new tracks coming on line next year.](6-27-2009)
UPDATE 2: Despite reports from independent blogger Mike Mulhern, NASCAR Vice President of Communications Jim Hunter says emphatically that there is no validity to a story circulating that the Camping World Truck Series will shut down. "There's no truth to it whatsoever," Hunter said. "It's total B.S. The demise of the truck series is the figment of one person's imagination. (Mulhern) has a history of fabricating false stories and this is another example of it. We're very aware that (the Camping World Truck Series) is affected the hardest during this economic recession. We're currently looking at options. We've never given up on a series and we're not going to start now." NASCAR is looking at options to reduce costs such as decreasing the schedule, increasing the number of single-day dates and bringing back the half-time pit stops that could eliminate the traveling crews to five or six members. One possible solution that is off the table is the use of crate engines. NASCAR VP of Competition Robin Pemberton said they are not a viable option because "they're not durable to last much beyond one race" which would raise costs, not lower them. Pemberton feels the sanctioning body has made "good gains with new rules and regulations" and the series "still makes sense."(FoxSports.com)(6-30-2009)
ORP next race for Bainey; embarking on personal appearance tour: Tim Bainey Jr. and the #00 Aaron's Lucky Dog NASCAR Truck Series Team will embark on a "First-of-its-Kind" Personal Appearance Tour in 2009. They will be hitting the road in style with the all new "Aaron's Dream Team Express presented by Karolina Koaches" for a 60+ Schedule of Personal Appearances by Tim Jr - a schedule that will see the driver of the Aaron's Lucky Dog Truck make stops nationwide in an effort to get out and meet as many NASCAR Racing Fans as he can along the way. Bainey's next appearance on track is scheduled to be the AAA Insurance 200 at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis on July 24, 2009. "We're running between 5-7 races this season, so that we can maintain our rookie status for next year. Our goal on the track is for me to get some seat time in these trucks, as well as our crew getting acquainted with the series," said Bainey.(Tim Bainey Jr. PR)(6-29-2009)
KHI's Carelli to be inducted into West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame UPDATE Spears & George also being inducted: On July 3, 2009, Rick Carelli will be inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in Irwindale Speedway in California. As a driver Rick Carelli earned the 1991 NASCAR Southwest Touring Champion and 1993 NASCAR Camping World Series West Champion titles as well as raced in numerous series. These days he's still at the track, just in a different role as General Manager for Kevin Harvick Incorporated and as spotter for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ron Hornaday, Jr.(NASCAR PR)(6-17-2009)
UPDATE: Three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series figures will be inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in July 3 ceremonies at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.). Wayne Spears, whose Spears Motorsports team competed in 315 series races between 1995 and 2007 winning four times, is joined by Kevin Harvick Inc., general manager Rick Carelli and Billy Ballew Motorsports crew chief Doug George. Carelli and George are NASCAR Camping World Series West and Southwest Tour champions.(NASCAR PR)(6-29-2009)
Hornaday steady; Braun, Starr make significant gains in points race: What many call the toughest stretch of racing on the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule has ended. In Wimbledon terms, Ron Hornaday Jr. (#33 Longhorn Chevrolet) held serve. Hornaday, the leader by 84 points entering five consecutive weekends of racing in late May, remains in the #1 position. He leads Matt Crafton (#88 Menards Chevrolet) by 76 points. The points leader, however, isn't the only one to watch when racing resumes July 18 at Kentucky Speedway. The Dover-to-Memphis swing significantly shook up top-10 rankings. Three competitors - Colin Braun (#6 Con-way Freight Ford), Tayler Malsam (#81 One-Eighty Toyota) and David Starr (#24 Zachry/Harris Trucking Toyota) - moved into the elite grouping. Braun, on the strength of his victory at Michigan International Speedway, made the biggest gain from 19th to 10th. After finishing 22nd at Dover, the 20-year-old Roush Fenway driver reeled off four straight top-10 finishes. Starr, a 12-year veteran of the series, is enjoying his best season since 2006. Driving for Virginian James Harris, the Houston native scored top-10 finishes in four of his five most recent starts, including thirds at Memphis and Dover. He was 13th after the Lowe's race and stands fifth in current standings, just 231 points behind leader Hornaday.(NASCAR PR) [Read more of NASCAR's News & Notes for this week on the Kentucky Race Page.](6-29-2009)
Monday Rundown - Racing Resources says...
*With temperatures near 100 degrees, Ron Hornaday Jr. won the MemphisTravel.com 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park . Hornaday scored his 42nd series victory in his 236th start. He scored his third win at Memphis in his seventh start there, most of all drivers.
*Hornaday posted his series-leading third win of 2009. His previous win came the week before at Milwaukee. The last time he scored back-to-back victories was at Gateway and New Hampshire in 2008. It was Hornaday's series-leading 19th short-track win.
*Hornaday led 175 of the 201 laps, the most of all drivers. It is the 20th time Hornaday has led more than 80 percent of the laps in a race, winning all but four of them. He led 180 laps last week at Milwaukee and a total of 355 in the past two races. His 175 laps led is the most ever led in a Truck race at Memphis. Hornaday has led at least one lap in 10 of the 11 races in 2009, including the past nine.
*All 12 races at Memphis have been won from a top-10 starting position.
*rian Scott (second) scored his fourth top-5 and sixth top-10 of 2009.
*Aric Almirola (fourth) scored his best career finish.
*The top 10 consisted of three Chevrolets, six Toyotas and one Ford.(ESPN.com)(6-29-2009)
Canadian blinded but sees wish granted to meet Carmichael: Before making the switch in an attempt to conquer the world of stock car racing, former motocross champion Ricky Carmichael [#4-Monster Energy truck] built a large and devoted following that includes 18-year-old Jason Schmidt, who lives all the way up in Alberta, Canada. Thanks to some help from the Sunshine Foundation, Schmidt, who lost his sight in an accident, got the opportunity to spend the day with his hero on Friday as Carmichael prepared for the MemphisTravel.com 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Memphis Motorsports Park. "It's special to meet someone who I've been able to inspire," Carmichael said before the practice session leading into today's qualifying and race. "It inspires me as well.(Memphis Commercial Appeal)(6-27-2009)

LI>New tire transfer rule: During the prerace show on SPEEDtv, Krista Voda announced that NASCAR has implemented a new tire transfer rule. In an effort to save money, NASCAR will allow teams to transfer one set of four tires from one track to another as long as they are the same combination i.e. Memphis and Milwaukee use the same combination. As a result, some teams were able to take advantage of this new initiative at Memphis.(6-27-2009)
Camping World executive happy with Truck sponsorship: Camping World is happy with its first year of sponsorship of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the company's director of motorsports said Friday. "We definitely are [happy with it]," said Camping World's Kurt Hunt prior to the Camping World East Series race Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "The vital signs are good there. The TV numbers, at a time when the numbers [of other series] aren't as strong as people would like them to be, are strong there. The truck count is strong and we're seeing first-time winners." On reports that his company wants to get out of the series sponsorship, Hunt said they "certainly are untrue." Camping World hasn't necessarily had the presence that former sponsor Craftsman had at the track and Camping World representatives have not been out front and center at many events. Hunt said there will be a major promotion soon that will be announced for the late summer and fall. "One of the things that probably helped fuel some rumors was the fact that we were getting away from sponsoring on-track with individual teams and drivers," said Hunt, whose team ended its sponsorship of Kevin Harvick Inc. when it assumed the truck series entitlement. "That's a tremendous duplication and an unnecessary duplication. We're not as out there. There were races where sometimes we had two or three cars in the same race. You go from being way exposed on an on-track sense to changing your program to being a series sponsor and … it's really just a change in philosophy for us."(SceneDaily.com)(6-27-2009)
Goodyear Tire Notes - Memphis: This is the second consecutive race that teams in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will run this exact combination of left- and right-side tire codes, having run them at Milwaukee last weekend . . .teams in NASCAR's Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series also ran this tire set-up at both Phoenix and Richmond earlier this season . . . as on almost NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Memphis.(Goodyear PR) [Complete tire specs are posted on the Memphis Race Page.] (6-26-2009)
Toyota not pulling out of NNS or CWTS: Toyota has no plans to leave the Nationwide or Truck Series as has been reported and speculated. Lee White, who heads Toyota Racing Development, said the Japan-based manufacturer has eliminated its financial support in both series over the past couple of seasons. But technical, he added, support continues. "We're not going out of the series," White said. "We're not leaving. In fact, as we kind of moderated our involvement we gained truck count and car count in [both series]." White said it's unfair to say Toyota is following other manufacturers that have pulled financial support from the Nationwide and Truck series over the past few months.(ESPN Insider)(6-24-2009)
Exide returns as primary sponsor for Skinner: Exide Batteries will be the primary sponsor for the #5 Randy Moss Motorsports Toyota Tundra this weekend at Memphis Motorsports Park. Exide, whose headquarters are located in Atlanta, has been the primary sponsor for Mike Skinner for a total of four races so far in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season (Daytona, California, Atlanta, and Texas). Also, the familiar black and blue colors will be on board the #5 Tundra for a total of six more races, with the next being at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis in July.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(6-24-2009)
Milwaukee marked 300th start for ThorSport Racing's #88: Crafton's start at Milwaukee last week marked the 300th start for ThorSport Racing's #88 truck. The #88 truck also made its first start for ThorSport at Milwaukee in '96. Memphis would appear to be a welcome sight for Crafton. He thrives on short-track racing, where skill at the wheel comes to the forefront. Crafton has finished 3rd in two of his last three starts at the ľ mi. oval. In eight career starts there, he has finished in the top-10 seven times.(ThorSport Racing PR)(6-24-2009)
Images added: Added over 30 images from The Milwaukee Mile including; #33-Copart Chevy, #8-Malcolmson Construction Chevy, #5-Doc Bailey's Toyota, #30-Copart Toyota, #17-Strutmasters Toyota, #15-Zaxby's Toyota, #29-Greased Lightning Chevy, #14-Circle Bar/Int'l Truck Engine Ford and many more....check them out on the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.(6-24-2009)
Greenwood to perform at Kentucky Speedway: Classic country music artist Lee Greenwood will perform a July 18 concert at Kentucky Speedway during a doubleheader race day that will feature the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series "Built Ford Tough 225 Presented by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers" and the ARCA RE/MAX Series "Click or Ticket. Buckle-Up! Kentucky 150." The well-known singer will take the track's Turn 1 concert stage in lieu of Chris Cagle, who was forced to cancel his event appearance to begin physician-ordered vocal rest.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(6-24-2009)
Congrats to RHR team members: Three of Red Horse Racing's own are getting married over the two off weekends coming up. #17 Crew member Chris Taylor is getting married on July 3rd in Cornelius, NC to Jennifer Mussard. Crew chief Chad Kendrick will marry Katie Hull on July 4th in Greensboro, NC and Crew Chief Rick Gay will marry RHR's Public Relations Manager, Sarah Holladay on July 11th in Kansas City, KS.(RHR PR)(6-24-2009)
Crawford to be guest DJ on Sirius/XM's Elvis Radio: Rick Crawford [#14-Int'l Truck & Engine Ford] will be guest DJ on Sirius/XM's Elvis Radio on Friday from 11:00am - 12:00pm Central. Elvis Radio is broadcast live from Graceland on Sirius Channel 13 and XM Channel 18.(Circle Bar Racing PR)(6-23-2009)
Fontaine back with #84 at Memphis: Chris Fontaine and the Glenden Enterprises NCWTS race team are finishing up the last changes on the #84 truck in preparation for a return to the series at Memphis Motorsports Park this Saturday. This will be Fontaine's sixth race in the series; the last being at Michigan where he finished 15th.(Chris Fontaine PR)(6-23-2009)
Raybestos Rookie News and Notes - Memphis: James Buescher [#10-Int'l MAXX FORCE Diesel Ford] was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 20 Copart 200 at The Milwaukee Mile. Buescher scored a fifth-place finish, his best in 11 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. He grabbed top Raybestos Rookie honors for the second time this season. Tayler Malsam scored a seventh-place finish at Milwaukee, his fifth top-10 in 12 series starts. Malsam leads Johnny Sauter by seven points (112-105) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 27 Memphis Travel.com 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Malsam is sixth in the series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He is 14 points behind fifth-place David Starr and 10 ahead of seventh-place Brian Scott. Brian Scott was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2008 Memphis Travel.com 200, scoring a 13th-place finish. (Raybestos PR)(6-23-2009)
Career year continues for Starr: David Starr quietly entered the top five in points with another top-10 finish last Saturday, his fourth in the last five races. Currently, he sits 112 points behind fourth-place Mike Skinner - a coveted spot. Starr's highest career points finish was fourth, in 2006. That season, he had a win, six top fives, 12 tops 10s and an average finish of 11.0. Through 10 races this season, Starr has two top fives, five top 10s and an average finish of 11.6. With 15 races remaining this season, Starr is on pace to match his 2006 numbers. Starr's best Memphis performance might have come in last year's fifth-place finish.(NASCAR PR [Check out more prerace News & Notes on the Memphis Race Page.](6-23-2009)
Weekly Rundown -- Racing Resources Says....
*Ron Hornaday Jr. won the rain-delayed Camping World Truck Series Copart 200 at the Milwaukee Mile. He scored his 41st series victory in his 235th start. Hornaday won on his 51st birthday and scored his second series win at Milwaukee in his 10th start. He scored his second series victory on his birthday; his first came at Bristol on June 20, 1998.
*Two drivers have won on their birthday in the series: Hornaday (twice) and Dave Rezendes at Infineon on Oct. 6, 1996.
*Qualifying for the Copart 200 was canceled and the field was set by owner points; Hornaday has won seven races after qualifying was canceled, the most of all drivers. Hornaday posted his second win of 2009; his last win came at Lowe's (the last time qualifying was canceled in the series).
*Hornaday led 180 of the 200 laps, the most of all drivers. His 180 laps led is the most ever led in a series race at Milwaukee. He has now led at least one lap in nine of the 10 races in 2009, including the last eight.
*Dennis Setzer, who finished second, scored his fifth top-10 finish of 2009; he has finished in the top 10 in four of the last five races.
*Brian Scott (third) scored his fifth top-10 of 2009 and third top-5.
*James Buescher (fifth) posted his first series top-5 finish. He had the best finish of the five Rookie of the Year contenders in the race.
*Matt Crafton, the points leader entering, finished 16th, his worst finish of the season. Crafton is now second in points (36 behind Hornaday). The top 10 consisted of two Chevrolets, six Toyotas and two Fords. Jason White (23rd) had the best finish for Dodge.
(ESPN.com)(6-23-2009)
Benson talks about injuries; search for ride: Johnny Benson, reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion who was injured June 13 in a Super Modified race at Berlin Raceway, joined guest host Mike Joy Sunday night on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain on SPEEDtv. Benson discussed his injuries and recovery, as well as his search for a Truck Series ride.
Q-Joy: What are the doctors saying as far as when you might be able to get back in a race car?
A-Benson: "We've had arguments on this … I'd say it's going to be about three weeks and some say a lot more. I'll have to cross that bridge when it happens. Right now I don't have a ride so it doesn't really matter when I can get back in or not. If I talk to the right people and maybe get some great opportunities, which I think will come along here in the very near future, hopefully I'll be ready for it when it happens."
Q-Joy: Is there a chance we'll see you in a Truck this year should funding and a sponsor come along or a team need to make a change?
A-Benson: "Hopefully, in the very near future we'll be able to do something. I've got a couple of things working. Just like anything else, like in the 1 (truck), it's so sponsor-driven, it's very easy to be pulled out of your ride if someone brings you money. So, it's just one parts of the sport right now. But I think being the past champion, it won't be where I'm sidelined too long. Just looking forward to the future. I'm pretty optimistic about what it can bring us and I'm actually very excited about some of the things we've talked about. In the long run, this is going to be a better thing."
[Complete interview transcript can be found on SPEEDtv.com.](6-22-2009)
Ickler makes first Memphis start with Ballew: Brian Ickler will take to the track in the #51 Miccosukee Resort Toyota Tundra at Memphis Motorsports Park for his first start at the 3/4-mile racetrack in the running of the MemphisTravel.com 200 presented by O'Reilly 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.(Billly Ballew Motorsports PR)(6-22-2009)
Braun to Nationwide Series in 2010 UPDATE More from Roush: From an Jack Roush interview with the Detroit Free Press:
Q: Young Colin Braun won the truck race for you at MIS on Saturday. What do you think of him?
A: He's got great potential, and he's a great person. There are some drivers who can't ever come through your organization again, and he's not one of them. We'll run Colin and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the Nationwide Series in 2010.(Detroit Free Press)(6-18-2009)
UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing would like to put all three of its development drivers in the Nationwide Series next year, team President Geoff Smith says. Smith said Sunday that the perfect plan would involve moving Roush Fenway’s lone Camping World Truck Series team with Colin Braun to Nationwide to form one team and use two of its current teams to run Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Erik Darnell full time in the series. “We are sure we want them in Nationwide,” Smith said. “We’re working really hard in keeping a full employment scenario at Roush Fenway Racing going into next year, which requires the Colin program to convert from a Truck program to a Nationwide program.” We’ve got an option even if we had a Nationwide program for one, we’d like to offer having the other two split the car and have a mini-gong show, where the winner gets the deal the following year and we lose somebody if it doesn’t work out,” Smith said. “In a worst-case scenario [it] would be having one program for all three and have a gong-show scenario."(Scene Daily)(6-22-2008)
Martin to make series start with Fast Track Racing: Hal Martin is scheduled to race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck series race at Memphis Motorsports Park in the #48-Sea Support/Fast Tracks Chevy. This will be his first Truck Series race. Martin just recently made his first start in the ARCA RE/MAX Series race in Mansfield where he finished 11th.(Hal Martin PR)(6-22-2009)
Longhorn & Hornaday team up at Memphis: Longhorn/Swedish Match will adorn the #33-Kevin Harvick Inc. Chevy at this week's MemphisTravel.com 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park. In his last six races, Hornaday has recorded two wins, completed each of the 1,208 laps of competition and has led a lap in every race at MMP except 2006. Hornaday comes into MMP as the defending race winner. In 2008, Hornaday dominated this event leading 139 of the 204 laps.(KHI PR)(6-22-2009)
Toyota to leave Nationwide and Truck Series? UPDATE: Toyota appears ready to withdraw its financial support of NASCAR Truck and Nationwide teams, though continuing engineering support, in the wake of General Motors' decision to join Ford and Chrysler in withdrawing all but engineering support for those two NASCAR tours. There has been no specific comment on that yet from Toyota executives.(MikeMulhern.net)(6-22-2009)
UPDATE: Word in the Infineon Raceway garage over the week was that Toyota has decided to follow its three corporate rivals and pull all but engineering and technical support and parts supplies from the two NASCAR tours. Lee White, head of Toyota' racing development operations: "Toyota and TRD have been in the process for over a year, of adapting our series support for the Truck/Nationwide programs to be appropriate to the value of each series. Our process in the future will not be determined by other manufacturer's actions but by the value delivered by each series. At this point there is no plan to change our involvement for the remainder of this season. As always we will re evaluate each series over the winter and could make appropriate adjustments."(MikeMulhern.net)(6-22-2009)
Young to make debut at Memphis; McCumbee sidelined: SS Green Light Racing is pleased to announce that Jason Young will make his NASCAR debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series "MemphisTravel.com 200 presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts" driving the teams #07 Chevy Silverado with the support of 3BR Racing. Ken Smith, co-owner of SS Green Light Racing is pleased to have Young in the No. 07. "We have been impressed with Jason from the first time we talked to him and Bobby was very upbeat following the test. Right now this is a one-race deal for Memphis and we are hoping that things go well and we can have Jason back in one of our trucks later in the year." He continued, "Chad McCumbee is still the primary driver of the SS Green Light No. 07 team. We had no sponsor for Chad for this race and we would most likely not been able to bring the team to Memphis. The opportunity to run Jason is purely a business decision and should help us to keep the No. 07 in the top-ten in points. Chad McCumbee will be back in the SS Green Light Racing No. 07 at Kentucky Speedway with support from NASCAR technology provider tiwi."(SS Green Light Racing PR)(6-20-2009)
Next race for Ryan Sieg; Kentucky: During the race broadcast on SPEEDtv, it was reported that Shane Sieg's next race in the #39-Sieg Racing Chevy will be at Kentucky. The team plans to run under seven races in order for Sieg to be able to be a candidate for Rookie of the Year in 2010. Sieg had one previous start at Martinsville with GunBroker Racing.(6-20-2009)
Leffler subbing for DiCarlo at Milwaukee: Gabi DiCarlo is under the weather today. Jason Leffler will pull double duty and drive the Stringer Motorsports #90 Great Clips Toyota in today's truck race.(NASCAR PR)(6-20-2009)
Copart adds Challenge of Champions to sponsorship program: Copart, Inc. a leading online vehicle remarketer, is proud to announce that the company has added a sweepstakes called the "Copart Challenge of Champions" to the exciting sponsorship lineup in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Copart sponsors two Truck Series champions - the #33 Copart truck driven by Ron Hornaday Jr., the 2007 champion, and the #30 Copart Tundra driven by Todd Bodine, the 2006 champion. The two champions will race Copart-sponsored trucks four times each over the course of six truck series events in the Copart Challenge of Champions. The winner will be the Copart driver who accumulated the most points while driving a Copart truck during the specified six races and will receive a trophy at the final race. But it isn't just the drivers who win in this contest. Race fans can vote online for the Copart driver they believe will win the Copart Challenge of Champions at www.copart.com. Just by voting, fans will be entered to win great racing prizes. Voting begins today, June 19, and will end Sept. 27. Copart is sponsoring Bodine for two additional races as part of the Copart Challenge of Champions. The two additional races take place today, June 19, at the Copart 200 in Milwaukee; and at Talladega Superspeedway Saturday, Oct. 31, when the Copart Challenge of Champions concludes. These additional sponsorships mean that Bodine and Hornaday will both be racing in Copart sponsored trucks on these dates.(Germain Racing PR) [For more contest details visit the Jayski Contest Page](6-19-2009)
Theriault enters Memphis with Gosselin: Michelle Theriault the former Pro Cup, ARCA and NASCAR Camping World East Series racer is ready to strap the helmet back on and take to the track as she will enter the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series MemphisTravel.com 200 presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts" event at Memphis Motorsports Park on Saturday, June 27th driving for Mario Gosselin. We are working with Mario on trying to acquire sponsorships to race on a more weekly to regional basis," explained Theriault. "Also, we have MaysSolutions.com on board with us at Memphis . They are supporting us to help get me back behind the wheel. Hopefully that will open other's eyes in seeing the potential opportunities available. This will be my first time racing at Memphis ; however I have raced in the Camping World East Series as well as the ARCA RE/MAX Series in 2006 and gained some experience on this style of race track. I am looking to get a feel for the truck. I had a great experience in the Truck Series last year at Kansas Speedway, and I am looking to gain more seat time and hopefully run a full season campaign in the Camping World Truck Series next year."(MichelleTheriault PR)(6-19-2009)
Doc Bailey's to sponsor Skinner for two: Mike Skinner told listeners on today's Race2Win show that Doc Bailey's [docbailey.com] would sponsor his truck [#5-Randy Moss Motorsports Toyota] for at least two races, starting with this week's race at Milwaukee. Doc Bailey's Leather Care Products nourish, protect, clean, restore, and waterproof your leather products back to their healthy, original shine.(Race2Win.net)(6-18-2009)
Milwaukee marks 100th start for Wyler Racing: The Copart 200 on Friday night will mark the four year anniversary for Wyler Racing as they make their 100th start with the #60 Toyota Tundra at the Milwaukee Mile. It was four years ago that Jeff Wyler debuted the #60 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Since then, the team has racked up some impressive statistics, including three wins, four pole positions, 20 top-five and 37 top-10 finishes. Stacy Compton looks to add to those statistics as he returns to Milwaukee, a track he's "always ran really well" at.(Wyler Racing PR)(6-18-2009)
Goodyear tire notes - Milwaukee: While teams in both NASCAR series in action at Milwaukee this weekend will run the same left-side tire code (D-4238), they will be running distinct right-side codes . . . this is the first time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams will have run either of these two tire codes . . . teams in NASCAR's Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series have run this exact combination of left- and right-side tires at both Phoenix and Richmond earlier this season . . . Truck Series teams will also run this same tire set-up at Memphis next weekend . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Milwaukee.(Goodyear PR) [Complete tire specs can be found on the Milwaukee Race Page.](6-18-2009)
Crafton model of consistency, looking for win: Matt Crafton seeks to stay on a roll that has lifted him to the top of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series standings entering the Copart 200 at The Milwaukee Mile on Friday. Crafton has been a model of consistency throughout his career, and this season has been no exception. He has collected 3 top-5 finishes in his last 4 races, and has finished outside the top-10 only once thus far in '09. In 8 career starts at Milwaukee, Crafton has finished in the top-10 five times. He finished 2nd there last season. Crafton seeks wins each time out, and, while he isn't a big believer in moral victories, can nonetheless see the bigger championship picture. "We're racing our rear-ends off each week, expecting to take our #88 Menards Silverado to Victory Lane," he said.(Thorsport Racing PR)(6-18-2009)
Bruce to Nationwide as crew chief for Gaughan? UPDATE to the #66 with Wallace: Hearing that Tripp Bruce, who served as Johnny Benson's crew chief at Red Horse Racing, is the new crew chief for #62-Brendan Gaughan. No word on whether it's a permanent change.(6-16-2009)
UPDATE: Tripp Bruce will be starting as the Crew chief For Steven Wallace beginning this weekend.(6-17-2009)
Benson injured at Berlin Raceway: UPDATE 8 Released from hospital: Johnny Benson Jr. came off Turn 3 at Berlin Raceway and met up with another car during Saturday's ISMA Supermodifieds race. Then came the sight no one wanted to see at the track: Benson's car bursting into flames. When Benson's car came to rest between Turns 3 and 4 after the collision with Larry Lehnert, the wing of Lehnert's vehicle was knocked sideways and Benson's car drove airborne over Lehnert's car. Once on the track, the main cab of Benson's supermodified vehicle caught fire. Track personnel raced over to the vehicle and put out the flames as quickly as possible. Benson was awake and alert when pulled from the car and was transported to an area hospital. Berlin owner Mike Blackmer could not specify which hospital Benson was sent to, citing privacy laws.(Michigan Live)
AND: A spokesperson for Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids confirms that Benson is in serious condition.(WZZM.com)(6-14-2009)
UPDATE: Spectrum Hospital tells 24 Hour News 8 that Benson is in serious but stable condition at the hospital and "he's expected to be fine".(woodtv.com)(6-14-2009) Comment here
UPDATE 2: From JB's Message Board - "As of this morning [Sunday am], JB is awake and alert in a Grand Rapids hospital with at least one broken rib. He is being kept for observation. There is no release time as yet."(JohnnyBenson.com)(6-14-2009)
UPDATE 3: [Following the accident] the Life EMS emergency response crew, along with Berlin Raceway officials and safety team, worked carefully to extract Johnny Benson from his race car. Benson was awake and alert during the process and gave race fans a wave when loaded into the ambulance. "He was pretty sore, but he seemed to be doing well last night when I talked to him," Johnny Benson Sr. said. "The car's driver side hit the wall hard, and it's a testament to the Hans (head and neck safety) device and the safety seat in the supermodified car that held him in place so well. I have to commend the safety crew and ambulance crew at Berlin Raceway for their quick response - they did their job well, putting the fire out quickly and taking care of Johnny." Benson Sr. said the fuel line was cut in two when it was pinched between the rear axle and the frame. The alcohol-based fuel that these supermodified cars use burns blue and very hot, and Benson managed to come out of it with barely any burns due to the quick response by the safety crew. The frame of the car was not bent badly, and all of the safety aspects of the car held up well, which allowed Benson to escape without major injuries.(Berlin Raceway PR) (6-14-2009)
UPDATE 4: Fortunately for many fans, as of 4:30pm Sunday, he [Benson] was listed in fair condition. There is no word on when he will be released, but he is expected to make a full recovery. (Woodtv.com)(6-15-2009)
UPDATE 5: From Barb Benson [Johnny's sister] via JB's Message Board: Johnny Benson remains in the hospital in fair condition. He has some broken bones in both the upper body quadrants. He did receive a minor burn on his elbow. He is expected to make a full and complete recovery.(JohnnyBenson.com)(6-15-2009)
UPDATE 6: Benson's family is crediting a head and neck restraint for his relatively minor injuries. As of Monday evening he is still at Spectrum Butterworth recovering from a punctured lung, bruised ribs and a broken wrist.(WZZM13.com)(6-15-2009)
UPDATE 7: From Barb Benson via JB's Message Board: Johnny has been released from the hospital and is doing well on his way to mending from his injuries.(JohnnyBenson.com) [And more info following release at MLive.com](6-16-2009)
UPDATE 8: Added a video interview with Johnny Benson following his release from the hospital.(Woodtv.com)(6-16-2009)
New sponsor tiwi finds success; adds races with McCumbee: After finding success through sponsorship of the #07 Green Light Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team with driver Chad McCumbee at Dover and Texas, tiwi has increased its sponsorship of the Ken Smith/Bobby Dotter-owned team to include this weekend's race at the Milwaukee Mile and the July event at Kentucky Speedway. inthinc, inc. originally signed on for a four-race sponsorship showcasing its tiwi brand on the #07 Chevrolet. In addition to Dover and Texas, tiwi first committed to primary sponsorship for upcoming events at Chicagoland Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Milwaukee and Kentucky make six and additional events are being considered. "We are launching a new product," said tiwi CEO Todd Follmer. "And through targeted PR efforts, we have been able to generate brand awareness and talk about our new product to the NASCAR audience."(PR Plus/SS Green Light Racing PR)(6-16-2009)
#30 gets sponsor for Milwaukee UPDATE Copart returns for two more races & surprise for race fans: Germain Racing is proud to announce that Todd Bodine and the #30 Tundra have picked up sponsorship for Friday night's race at The Milwaukee Mile. The colors will be familiar to the #30 fans and will be part of an exciting fan interaction program to be announced very soon.(Germain Racing PR)(6-15-2009)
UPDATE: This time last week, Todd Bodine and the #30 Tundra crew were without a sponsor for Friday's Copart 200 at The Milwaukee Mile. Bodine will now pilot the #30 Copart Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Milwaukee. Copart's sponsorship schedule with the #30 Tundra began as a six-race program. Milwaukee was added for the Copart Tundra, and this weekend Copart will reveal another race that's been added to the #30 Copart Tundra program.(Germain Racing PR)(6-16-2009)
Kile to make second start for BKR: Brad Keselowski will be attending the Camping World Truck Series race as team owner for the Brad Keselowski Racing entry driven by Mikey Kile. This is the second time this season the #29 Greased Lighting Chevy will attempt to make the race, the first being at Martinsville.(Brad Keselowski PR)(6-16-2009)
Braun & Sauter lending a hand to Edwards & Busch at Milwaukee: Colin Braun [#6-Con-way Freight Ford], the newest winner on the NASCAR Truck Series circuit at Michigan Int’l Speedway last Saturday, has been selected by his Roush Fenway Racing team to be the practice and qualifying driver on Saturday for his RFR teammate Carl Edwards’ Nationwide Series ride. NASCAR veteran and Necedah, Wis. native Johnny Sauter will be racing in his #13 Thorsport Racing truck on Friday night before dialing-in Kyle Busch’s #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Nationwide Series car on Saturday. Sauter won the 2005 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at The Mile and became the first Wisconsin native to win a NNS race in his home state.(The Milwaukee Mile PR)(6-16-2009)
Bean to make second series start: Wisconsin native Dexter Bean will be racing in front of a hometown crowd at The Milwaukee Mile in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Copart 200 on Friday, June 19, 2009.The Copart 200 will be Bean's second race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Bean will once again be in an entry fielded by Mario Gosselin's DGM Racing of Lake Wales, Fla. His last outing with DGM Racing was at Dover International Speedway.(DexterBean.net)(6-16-2009)
Steve McGranahan to serve as Memphis Grand Marshal: Track officials have announced that Steve McGranahan, the "World's Strongest Redneck," will serve as Grand Marshal of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 'MemphisTravel.com 200 presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts' on Saturday, June 27, at Memphis Motorsports Park. The NASCAR Nation returns to Memphis on the final week in June for this annual summer showdown in the Bluff City.(Memphis Motorsports Park)(6-16-2009)
Milwaukee another first for Malsam: Friday's race at The Milwaukee Mile will be Tayler Malsam's [#81-One Eighty RMM Toyota] first race at the track known as American's Legendary Oval. Malsam will look to follow up his sixth-place finish at Michigan International Speedway with another solid performance at the one-mile oval. Malsam currently leads the Raybestos Rookie of the Year point standings, holding a two-point lead over second-place Johnny Sauter. Malsam is the highest rookie in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship point standings [8th] .(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(6-16-2009)
Scott suffers broken wrist; will compete at Milwaukee: The hard crash sustained last Saturday by Brian Scott on lap 8 of the Michigan 200 at Michigan International Speedway did more than destroy Scott's No. 16 Toyota Tundra chassis. It also broke a bone in the right wrist of the 21-year-old NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competitor. Despite the injury Scott will still compete in this Friday night's Copart 200 NCWTS event at the Milwaukee Mile. "I knew as soon as I hit the wall something was wrong," Scott said. "Usually with all the adrenaline flowing through you when you are competing on the racetrack you don't feel any pain, but in this case my wrist hurt right away. I was hoping for the best, maybe that I had just banged it up. As more time passed after the wreck it felt more and more like a broken bone. It was the hardest hit of my career and the steering just yanked out of my hand. Usually I try and let go of the wheel if I know I am going to hit the wall hard but in this situation I didn't have time. You have to commend NASCAR on the safety measures they have put in place. I am fortunate to have an injury that I can deal with and still compete effectively. We will go to Milwaukee and make the most of the situation."(Xpress Motorsports PR)(6-16-2009)
Almirola returns to #15 at The Milwaukee Mile: Aric Almirola will take to the track at Milwaukee Mile Friday, June 19, 2009 in the #15 Zaxby's NASCAR Camping World Series truck at Milwaukee. Almirola previously piloted the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports entry at Texas Motor Speedway, and will step in for Brian Ickler who will drive the #51 Miccosukee Resort Toyota Tundra. Richie Wauters is the crew chief for the #15 Zaxby's Toyota. (Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(6-16-2009)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes - Milwaukee: Brian Ickler was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 13 Michigan 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Ickler scored a third-place finish, his best in five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. He collected his second top-five and second top-10 of the 2009 season and grabbed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the first time this season. Ickler won his first career pole position at Michigan, joining Jamie McMurray (2000) as the only Raybestos Rookie pole winners in 10 previous races. He has qualified inside the top-10 in four of his five starts. A Raybestos Rookie has won the pole position for last two consecutive races: Johnny Sauter at Texas Motor Speedway (race No. 8) and Ickler at Michigan. Tayler Malsam scored a sixth-place finish, his best in 11 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts and his fourth top-10 this season. Malsam leads Sauter by two points (98-96) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 19 Copart 200 at The Milwaukee Mile. Marc Mitchell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2008 Copart 200 at Milwaukee, logging a 12th-place finish. Mitchell also led the race once for two laps.(Raybestos PR)(6-16-2009)
Bliss returns with #40 truck, double-duty weekend: Mike Bliss jumps into the #40 Key Motorsports truck before his regular duties behind the wheel of James Finch's #1 Nationwide Series racecar on Saturday at The Milwaukee Mile.(The Milwaukee Mile PR)(6-16-2009)
Carmichael returns to the #4 for KHI: Ricky Carmichael returns to the #4 Kevin Harvick Inc. Monster Energy truck this weekend at The Milwaukee Mile for his first career Truck Series start at America's Legendary Oval. Not only will Carmichael be making his first appearance at the track, but this will also mark his first trip to Wisconsin. Carmichael spent much of last week in California, shooting a segment for the popular BBC-TV show "Top Gear." Carmichael rode a motorcycle on an obstacle course in conjunction with Monster Energy rally car driver Ken Block for the automotive enthusiast show which is seen worldwide. The show is telecast in the United States on the BBC America channel.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-15-2009)
Cook to make his 300th series start at Milwaukee: On Friday, June 19, Terry Cook [#25-Toyota] will make his 300th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start at the famed Milwaukee Mile. Cook is second on the all-time list of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts behind Rick Crawford, who has 306. What is most impressive about Cook's starts is the first 278 of his soon-to-be 300 starts were consecutive (from Jan. 18, 1998 - Nov. 14, 2008). Cook heads to Milwaukee seventh in the standings after moving up two spots from ninth with his 10th-place finish at Michigan International Speedway last Friday.(NASCAR PR) [More prerace News & Notes are posted on the Milwaukee Race Page.(6-15-2009)
Double-duty for Hornaday at Milwaukee: As a double duty driver this weekend, Hornaday will also make his 10th Truck Series start at the track Friday night for the #33 Copart Chevy. In nine previous Truck Series starts, Hornaday has one win, seven top-five and nine top-10 finishes, has led 199 laps and completed 100 percent of the laps. This weekend when Ron Hornaday takes the green-flag at The Milwaukee Mile from behind the wheel of the #33 Jimmy John's Chevrolet, he will make his 10th career Nationwide Series start at Milwaukee. In nine previous starts at the track in the Nationwide Series, Hornaday has one win, three top-five and five top-10 finishes and has led 119 laps.(Kevin Harvick Inc PR)(6-15-2009)
Ickler returns to the #51 at Milwaukee: Brian Ickler will take to the track in the #51 Miccosukee Resort/Samsung Instinct Toyota Tundra at Milwaukee Mile Friday, June 19, 2009 for the running of the Camping World 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. This will be the 23 year-old driver's first start at the flat mile track in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Miccosukee Resort will serve as the primary sponsor on the No. 51 Camping World Truck with Samsung Instinct as the associate sponsor.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(6-15-2009)
Oliver to drive for Corrie Stott Racing at Milwaukee: Corrie Stott Racing is proud to announce that 19 year old Dillon Oliver, with sponsor Potencia Energy Drink/Piranha Water, will be behind the wheel of the #02-Chevy for the upcoming Camping world series truck race at the Milwaukee mile on June 19th. Dillon will make his second appearance at the famed track in just over a month after a 5th place finish in the ASA challenge series race.(Corrie Stott Racing PR)(6-15-2009)
Monday Rundown - Racing Resources says....
*Colin Braun won the Michigan 200 at the Michigan International Speedway. Braun scored his first career win in his 35th start. He is the second first-time winner in 2009, joining Brian Scott, who won at Dover.
*This is the 50th series win for Roush Fenway, most of all teams. Braun is the 11th different driver to score a win for Roush Fenway.
*Crew Chief Mike Beam scored his 11th series win -- six with Mark Martin and four with Travis Kvapil.
*Braun is the seventh different winner in the nine races in 2009. Kyle Busch and Todd Bodine are the only repeat winners this season. Braun led twice for 26 laps, including the final 24.
*Ford scored its fifth win at Michigan, all by Roush.
*It is the first win of 2009 for Ford.
*Kyle Busch finished second, leading 62 of the 100 laps. It is the fifth time the driver who led the most laps failed to win the race, fourth straight at Michigan.
*Pole-sitter Brian Ickler finished third, the best of the seven rookie of the year contenders. It is Ickler's best career finish.
*Matt Crafton, who finished fourth, continues to lead the standings by 39 points over Ron Hornaday. The top four are within 100 points.
*Taylor Malsam, who finished sixth, posted his fourth top-10 of 2009 and seventh straight top-15 finish. Malsam jumped from 11th to eighth in the standings.
*Ron Hornaday, who was seventh, made a green-flag pit stop on Lap 22 for a right front flat tire. Hornaday was later involved in an accident on Lap 27. Hornaday received the free pass during the third caution and was able to recover for a top-10 finish.
*There were just 19 trucks running at the finish, the fewest ever at Michigan.
*The top 10 consisted of six Toyotas, three Chevrolets and one Ford. The highest-finishing Dodge was Jason White in 14th.(ESPN.com)(6-15-2009)
Last season for Roush Fenway? Geoff Smith, who runs Roush Fenway Racing, says that Roush's lone Truck team is being run at a deficit, because of Ford's pullout, and Smith said Sunday that Roush will not field a Truck next season. We are only in the Truck series this year with one team because we'd made a sponsorship commitment to Conway [Con-way] Freight to run that program this year.(MikeMulhern.net)(6-14-2009)
Roush Fenway Racing gets 50th Truck Series win: Colin Braun captured Roush Fenway Racing's 50th win in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series today at Michigan International Speedway. The 50 wins have spanned over 14 years and 11 drivers. Currently Jack Roush has the most wins of any owner in the series. Mark Martin captured Roush Fenway's first win at North Wilkesboro Speedway on September 28, 1996. Other drivers adding to the total are Greg Biffle (16), Martin (7), Joe Ruttman (6), Carl Edwards (6), Travis Kvapil (4), Kurt Busch (4), Jon Wood (2), Erik Darnell (2), Ricky Craven (1), Mike Bliss (1) and Braun (1). Roush Fenway Racing also captured the series championship in 2000 with Biffle.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(6-14-2009)
Hackett WIX Filters Lap Leader of the Race in Michigan 200: Ryan Hackett led once for three laps to earn WIX Filters Lap Leader of the Race honors in the Michigan 200. Hackett led for the first time in his six-race NASCAR Camping World Truck Series career.(WIX Filters PR)(6-14-2009)
Samsung to sponsor Billy Ballew Motorsports remainder of season? During the race broadcast on SPEEDtv, Ray Dunlap reported that Billy Ballew Motorsports is working on an agreement with Samsung to continue its sponsorship of the #15-Toyota for the remainder of the 2009 season.(6-13-2009)
Ford Driving Skills for Life partners with Braun: Colin Braun, 20-year old NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver has teamed up with Ford Driving Skills for Life (to promote the importance of safe driving to teens around the country. Braun, now in his second year driving the #6 Con-way Freight Ford F-150 for Roush Fenway Racing, knows the importance of safe driving on and off the track. As part of the yearlong partnership, Braun will participate in DSFL hands-on training events and various nationwide teen safe-driving initiatives. Throughout the year visitors to www.DrivingSkillsforLife.com will have a chance to view Braun's blog dedicated to safe driving tips, videos, photos and updates from his race season.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(6-13-2009)
Benson driving for BBM at Milwaukee? Johnny Benson might have a one-shot deal at next Friday's Truck race at Milwaukee Mile thanks to [Kyle] Busch. "That really stunk, because I would have liked to have seen last year's champion keep his ride," Busch said. "But unfortunately, money woes there took him out of that deal. "If I could, I would have stepped out (of my truck) this week, but too much stuff with (primary sponsor) Miccosukee and I couldn't do it. I would have liked to give Johnny my truck ride -- I have enough to do. That didn't quite work out, but I think we are going to get it worked out where he can drive mine at Milwaukee."(MLive.com)(6-13-2009)
GM cutting support in Nationwide & Truck Series UPDATE: General Motors is cutting factory support for Chevy teams competing in NASCAR's Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series as the automaker restructures under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to a story that will appear in Friday's edition of SportsBusiness Journal. According to SBJ's Michael Smith, who wrote the story, the cost-cutting measures are likely to have the greatest affect on larger organizations, such as Kevin Harvick Inc., which fields teams in both series, and Rusty Wallace Inc. and JR Motorsports, which field teams in the Nationwide Series. As Smith points out, support from manufacturers typically comes in the forms of engines, parts and cash. In most cases, factory support goes to larger, more substantial organizations, while smaller teams receive little assistance, if any. "Chevy's (and GM's) involvement in racing is a sound business decision that translates directly into the sale of cars and trucks," an unidentified GM spokesperson said in a statement provided to SBJ. "It is essential, however, that we continue to look at every penny we spend as General Motors takes the necessary steps to become a leaner company with a significantly stronger balance sheet. While Chevy Racing is talking to its business partners about ways to reduce cost and maximize the return on investment, it is our policy to not talk about the details of business relationships with our partners."(Sporting News)(6-12-2009)
UPDATE: General Motors is planning to cut back on its support of NASCAR teams in all of the sanctioning body's professional series. Chevy spokesman Terry Rhadigan says GM, which is reorganizing through bankruptcy, is discussing what he described as incremental cutbacks in support. He says cuts will be made soon and that the discussions are "indeed NASCAR-wide." Rhadigan would not say if one series would be affected more than others, nor would he say the size of the cuts or how much GM spends on NASCAR. The automaker, through its Chevy brand, provides cash and other support to teams including engines and parts.(Associated Press)(6-12-2009) Comment here
Congrats to Johnny & Cortney Sauter! During the final practice session on SPEEDtv, Rick Allen announced that Johnny and Cortney Sauter are expecting their first child in early January.(6-12-2009)
Goodyear Tire Notes - Michigan: Teams in the two NASCAR series in action at Michigan this weekend will be running slightly different tire set-ups . . . while Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck teams will run the same left-side tire code (D-4134), they will be running different right-side codes (Truck Series' right-side code: D-4148) . . . in the Truck Series, this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams ran at Michigan and Kentucky in 2008 . . . truck teams are also scheduled to run this same tire set-up at Kentucky on July 17-18 . . . teams in this series should be especially familiar with this left-side code, having run it the last two races and a total of six times in 2008 . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Michigan . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. [Complete specs can be found on the Michigan Race Page.](Goodyear PR)(6-12-2009)
Images added: New paint schematics added; #33-Turtle wax Chevy driven by Ron Hornaday Jr. and #30-Copart Toyota driven by Todd Bodine. Check them out on the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.(6-11-2009)
First start at MIS for Fitzpatrick; Auto-Owners Insurance to sponsor UPDATE Double-duty weekend: J.R. Fitzpatrick, driver of the Kevin Harvick Inc. #4 Auto-Owners Insurance Chevrolet Silverado, will not have to travel very far this weekend when he makes his first career start at Michigan International Speedway in Saturday's Michigan 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Fitzpatrick resides in his hometown of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, which is 252 miles northwest of MIS. Auto-Owners Insurance, based in Lansing, Michigan, will be the primary sponsor on Kevin Harvick Inc.'s #4 Chevrolet Silverado this weekend at Michigan International Speedway with J.R. Fitzpatrick behind the wheel.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-8-2009)
UPDATE: On Sunday, Fitzpatrick will return to his homeland to make his first start in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series for the 2009 season at Mosport International Raceway-a 200-kilometer race on the 10-turn, 2.459-mile road course. He will start the race from the back due to missing Saturday's qualifying session while at Michigan International Speedway competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event. Series veteran Jim Lapcevich will practice and qualify the #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevrolet.(TSN.ca)(6-11-2009)
Sun Studios partners with Memphis for special award: A sleek, black, acoustic Sun Studio guitar will be awarded to the pole winner on NASCAR race days at Memphis Motorsports Park, starting this summer with the MemphisTravel.com 200 presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts on Saturday, June 27. Just a few blocks from Beale Street in downtown Memphis, Sun Studio is the legendary 'Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll' and the 'Million Dollar Quartet' - Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. Those associations alone draw thousands of tourists to the National Historic Landmark. The iconic Sun Records label is laser engraved into the guitar, which will be awarded to the fastest qualifier, the "pole" winner, in two ceremonies on race day - at the NASCAR hauler immediately after qualifying Saturday afternoon, and again on stage in front of the fans during driver introductions Saturday evening.(Memphis Motorsports Park PR)(6-10-2009)
AAA Insurance to sponsor ORP race: O'Reilly Raceway Park and AAA Insurance officials announced that AAA Insurance has been named as the title rights sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at O'Reilly Raceway Park. The official race title will now be the AAA Insurance 200. Length of the contract will be for two years.(ORP PR)(6-10-2009)
Roush Fenway Racing eyeing 50th NCWTS win: Roush, co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing, is vying for his 50th win in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in Saturday's race at Michigan International Speedway and no other track on the NASCAR circuit holds more promise for the team. Roush Fenway Racing owns four Truck Series and 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins at Michigan, more than any other venue in either series, and went to Victory Lane in last June's Truck race with Erik Darnell, the team's 49th and most recent. Colin Braun [#6-Con-way Freight Ford], still looking for his first NASCAR win, is riding a wave of momentum after tying a career-best series finish of third last week at Texas. Not only would a Braun checkered flag give Roush 50 series victories, winning at Michigan would be a hometown hit, as the team's manufacturer, sponsor and truck owner's headquarters are centrally located around the track.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(6-10-2009)
Peters and Red Horse Racing teaming up? UPDATE Peters & Strutmasters.com join Red Horse Racing: Hearing that Timothy Peters is moving his team to Red Horse Racing beginning with this weekend's Camping World Truck Series Michigan 200 at Michigan Int'l Speedway. Peters will remain the #17 Toyota but will be using equipment from the #1-Red Horse Racing team.(6-8-2009)
UPDATE: Red Horse Racing is pleased to announce NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver, Timothy Peters and his sponsor, Strutmasters.com will join the RHR family. Peters will be joined by crew chief Chad Kendrick at Red Horse Racing, with their first race being this weekend's event at Michigan International Speedway. Peters has participated in all eight races this season for Premier Racing. Sponsor Stutmasters.com has been with Peters since Daytona and recently announced they would stay on board for the remainder of the year. Red Horse Racing recently ceased operations of the #1 Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Benson due to a lack of sponsorship funding. This partnership with Peters and Strutmasters.com allows Red Horse Racing to continue to field two trucks while providing the sponsorship backing they need to do so.(Red Horse Racing PR)(6-10-2009)
Double-duty for Skinner at MIS: In addition to driving the #81-Randy Moss Motorsports Toyota in Saturday's Camping World Truck Series Michigan 200 at Michigan Int'l Speedway, Skinner will once again attempt to qualify the #36 Toyota Camry for Tommy Baldwin Racing in the Sprint Cup Series race. Skinner will participate in 16 more races this season for the independent team. In six NCWTS races, Skinner has recorded three top-five finishes and four top-10 finishes. Skinner has also claimed two pole positions, most recently last year in 2008 and also in 2006.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(6-9-2009)
Melling to grace Compton's quarter panels: Stacy Compton's #60 SafeAuto Insurance Toyota Tundra will carry Melling Engine Parts on its quarter panels this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. "It's always fun to go to Michigan," said Compton. " Mark Melling has been a big part of our family for a long, long time and I feel like we've been a big part of his. Michigan is where Mark actually contacted me the first time. I sat on the pole for the Truck race and was heading to the media center and Mark approached me and asked me if I wanted to drive his Cup car the next year. That's where our relationship started."(Wyler Racing PR)(6-9-2009)
Bodine taking new Copart Tundra to Michigan; still needing sponsorship down the road: Bodine, who has four top-ten finishes in four NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at Michigan along with two wins in NASCAR's number two series at MIS, will work tirelessly with the #30 Tundra crew of Germain Racing to make sure the freshly redesigned #30 Copart Tundra is as good as it can be for Saturday's Michigan 200. Bodine doesn't count on momentum to equal consecutive on-track performances, but he hopes the team's six consecutive seasons of winning efforts will help convince a company that the great exposure from of a competitive Truck Series team is what's needed in their marketing plan. "What's hard to believe is that we're going to Michigan, a great track for our team, coming off of a huge win at Texas, and next week, the #30 Tundra has no sponsor. Our relationship with Copart has truly been great. They are an excellent company with great people but we only have three races remaining with them this year- Michigan, Memphis and Kentucky. Unfortunately, that means our hood is empty at Milwaukee."(Germain Racing PR) [Rendering of the new #30-Copart Toyota paint scheme is posted on the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.](6-9-2009)
Fontaine makes first series start at Michigan: Chris Fontaine and the BDH Construction #84 NCWTS race team are taking on their biggest challenge to date in the 2009 season by running the Michigan 200 at the two-mile Michigan International Speedway this Saturday, 6-13. "I want to get the experience at Michigan, and look forward to the opportunity to improve," Fontaine said. This will be the third race for Fontaine's newly formed truck team.(Chris Fontaine PR)(6-9-2009)
Potencia Energy Drink sponsoring #02 at MIS: Potencia USA LLC's Potencia Energy Drink, in alliance with Bebida Beverages Company are proud to announce they will back Corrie Stott Racing's #02 Chevy with driver Andy Ponstein in this week's Camping World Truck Series event being held at the Michigan International Speedway in the Michigan 200. The following week at Milwaukee 19 year old driver Dillon Oliver will make his second appearance in the truck series driving the #02 Chevy Silverado.(Corrie Stott Racing PR)(6-9-2009)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes - Michigan 200: Johnny Sauter was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 5 WinStar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Sauter scored a sixth-place finish, his second consecutive top-10 and third in eight races this season. All three of Sauter's top-10 finishes have been in the last four races. He claimed top Raybestos Rookie honors for third time in 2009. Sauter won the pole at Texas, his first in 19 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts and the first by a Raybestos Rookie this season. Tayler Malsam placed ninth at Texas, his third top-10 finish of the season. Malsam is 11th in the series NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. Sauter leads Malsam by four points (87-83) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 13 Michigan 200 at Michigan International Speedway. This is the first time in 2009 that Sauter has led the standings. Scott Speed was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2008 Michigan 200, scoring a third-place finish. Speed was also the only Raybestos Rookie to lead the race, holding the top spot twice for 17 laps. Kurt Busch owns the best finish by a Raybestos Rookie at Michigan, a second place effort in 2000. Jamie McMurray is the only Raybestos Rookie to win a pole at Michigan. McMurray captured the top starting spot for the 2000 race.(Raybestos PR)(6-9-2009)
Busch back in the #51 at MIS: Kyle "Rowdy" Busch will return to the #51 Miccosukee Resort Toyota Tundra at Michigan International Speedway for the running of the Michigan 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race Saturday, June 13, 2009. Busch has three previous starts at the 2-mile D-shaped track in Brooklyn, Michigan for Ballew posting second place finishes in 2005 and 2007. Kyle Busch will also be racing his #51 Super Late Model car Wednesday, June 10, 2009 in Berlin, Michigan. The children from the St. John's home which is supported by the Kyle Busch Foundation will be in attendance for the race.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(6-8-2009)
Tough economic times force RHR to suspend operations of #1 team UPDATE More on Benson: Red Horse Racing regretfully announces the closure of the #1 Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Benson. The decision is effective immediately. Red Horse Racing worked to secure sponsorship for the #1 team since last December but has been unsuccessful in doing so. Sponsorship for Benson was thought to be secure before the season began but the economic downturn kept that sponsor from being able to participate with Red Horse Racing. Red Horse Racing will continue to field the #11 Toyota Tundra, driven by TJ Bell, as that truck does have some support.(Red Horse Racing PR)(6-8-2009)
UPDATE: Benson is the defending NASCAR Camping World Trucks champion, but the plain white #1 Toyota truck he drove during the season's first eight races has served as a reminder that finding sponsorship is difficult even for drivers with the most impressive of resumes. Still, Benson said Monday he was a little surprised when he learned his Red Horse Racing team was shutting down due to lack of sponsorship. "Part of me was (surprised)," said Benson, 45. "We have had discussions about this before, and we were told that (lack of a sponsor) was not going to be a problem. Apparently, it is. But we have had this before, and we are actively looking for something else. We will mosey on and try to figure out what is next. This is a little disheartening to see this happen because we wanted to help build a championship team," said Benson, a 1981 Forest Hills Northern High School graduate. Benson and Greg Biffle are the only drivers in NASCAR history to earn championships in the Busch (now Nationwide) and Trucks divisions. Benson won a Busch title in 1995 before capturing the Truck championship with Bill Davis Racing a year ago. BDR closed its doors last fall after Benson won the title.(MLive.com)(6-8-2009)
Carmichael analyst for motocross event on NBC; next race, Milwaukee: Ricky Carmichael will be a color analyst on NBC-TV next Saturday, June 13 during the live network coverage of the High Point National motocross event in Mount Morris, Pa. Watch the telecast for a feature story on Carmichael's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series efforts. Carmichael is scheduled to race the Monster Energy / KHI All-Star Silverado again Friday night, June 19 at The Milwaukee Mile.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-8-2009)
Turtle Wax on board with Hornaday at MIS: Kevin Harvick Inc. is pleased to welcome new sponsor Turtle Wax to the #33 team with driver Ron Hornaday Jr. Turtle Wax is the number one selling brand of car care products in the world with sales in more than 90 countries. Turtle Wax will serve as the #33 primary sponsor for races at MIS and Chicagoland Speedway in July. (Kevin Harvick Inc PR)(6-8-2009)
Double-duty for Ickler at Michigan: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie, Brian Ickler will play double duty next weekend at Michigan International Speedway piloting the #15 Samsung Instinct in the Michigan 200 and the #51 Toyota Camry in the Racing for Wildlife 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race. Ickler will be making his first start at the 2-mile D-shaped racetrack in Brooklyn Michigan. He has two previous ARCA RE/MAX Series starts in 2009 with a best finish of fourth place position.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(6-8-2009)
Monday rundown - Racing Resources says....
*Todd Bodine won the WinStar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Bodine scored his 17th career win in his 123rd start, moving into a tie with Ted Musgrave for fifth all-time.
*Bodine scored his fifth series win at Texas in his 10th race there. He became the first driver in series history to win five races at a single track.
*Bodine scored his second win of 2009; he joins Kyle Busch as only the second repeat winner of the season. Bodine posted his 10th win on 1.5-mile tracks, the most of all drivers. He led twice for 52 laps, including the final 43.
*Germain Racing scored its 18th series victory and sixth at Texas.
*Toyota scored its sixth series victory at Texas and sixth win of 2009.
*The two cautions in the race set a track record for the fewest number of cautions in a Texas race; the old record of three cautions happened three times. The 10 laps of caution set a track record for the fewest number of caution laps in a Truck race at Texas, breaking the record of 12 laps set in June 2004.
*The race's average speed of 152.282 mph set a track record, breaking the old mark of 148.959 mph set in June 2004.
*Matt Crafton, who finished second, took over the points lead for the first time in his 205-race career.
*Ron Hornaday (19th) dropped to second in the points, 30 behind Crafton.
*Colin Braun (third) posted his best finish of the season.
*Pole-winner Johnny Sauter finished sixth, the best of the five rookie of the year contenders in the race.
*Jason White (eighth), who turned 30 on race day, posted his third top-10 finish in the past four races.
*Taylor Malsam (ninth) posted his third top 10 of 2009 and sixth straight top-15 finish.
*The top 10 consisted of five Toyotas, two Chevrolets, two Fords and a Dodge.
(ESPN.com)(6-8-2009)
NASCAR to implement double-file restarts soon UPDATE Change on pit road too? As a part of the announcement that NASCAR was implementing double-file restarts in the Nextel Cup Series, it was also noted; "The format will be adapted for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the near future".(NASCAR PR)(6-4-2009)
UPDATE: During the prerace broadcast on SPEEDtv, Ray Dunlap reported that he's hearing that along with the double file restarts for the Truck Series, there may also be also some changes on pit road and teams may be going back to seven men over the wall.(6-5-2009)
Goodyear Tire Notes - Texas: This is the same combination of left- and right-side tire codes that NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams ran twice at Texas last season . . . this is the first time this season that truck teams will be running this tire set-up, though they are scheduled to run it again at Chicagoland later this summer . . . teams in this series just ran this left-side tire code (D-4134) with a different right-side code at Dover last weekend . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to20run inner liners all four tire positions at Texas . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.(Goodyear PR) [Complete specs are posted on the Texas Race Page](6-5-2009)
Texas marks beginning of four straight on SPEED: The next NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on SPEED is tomorrow [Friday] night from Texas Motor Speedway with NCWTS Setup at 8:30pm/et and race coverage beginning at 9:00pm/et. The event marks the first of four consecutive Truck racing weekends on SPEED. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series continues its growth on SPEED, driven in part by increased viewership by younger audiences. Nielsen Household Ratings have been higher in three of the five NCWTS races on SPEED this season, with all three earning double-digit ratings increases among Men 18-49. Daytona saw Truck ratings increase 12 percent in the demographic, Atlanta enjoyed a 16-percent surge and last weekend's race at Dover was up 24 percent.(SPEEDtv PR)(6-4-2009)
Sauter sinking roots into series: It doesn't sound like Johnny Sauter much likes the term NASCAR nomad when applied to his driving career and that's understandable. There can be a lot of unflattering connotations connected to that description. But Sauter is an it-is-what-it-is kind of guy, and what his NASCAR career has been is transient. Sauter's best option for the current season became a Camping World Truck Series ride. It's a ride with the team owned by Duke Thorson and it's full time [#13-Fun Sand/Curb Records Chevy]. "I thought the trucks series was a place I could go and have fun again," Sauter said, "to get back to what it was more or less about and that's have fun and I'm having a blast." Second off, things are looking good on the competition front for Sauter and his team. After a rough start, the team has posted three top-15 finishes in the last three races. Sauter's best finish, fifth, came last weekend in Dover.(Read full story on RacinToday.com)(6-4-2009)
Images Added: Photos added for the following trucks from Dover: #4-KHI/Equipment Express Chevy; #00-Aaron's Dream Machine Chevy; #07-tiwi.com Chevy; #12-LiveWire Energy Chevy; #24-Zachry/AustismSpeaks.org Toyota; #88-Australian Gold Chevy. From Lowe's; #30-Copart.com Toyota; #87-Safe Surfin Foundation/Copy Wizard Chevy. Check them out by visiting the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.(6-4-2009)
Tiwi returns as McCumbee sponsor; green dot mystery revealed: Ever wonder what the green dot on the windshield of NASCAR racecars and trucks is for? As Chad McCumbee and the #07 SS Green Light Racing team take to Texas Motor Speedway for this weekend's Windstar World Casino 400k with sponsor tiwi on board for the second-consecutive weekend, the secret is revealed. The green dot placed in the upper right-hand corner of the windshield is inthinc inc.'s tiwi brand logo placed on the lap counter, which ensures accurate timing and scoring information for NASCAR. Although the logo is only apparent on the windshields in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, the tiwi lap counter is also used by NASCAR in the Sprint Cup Series. inthinc's Crash Data Recorder is also on board each vehicle in NASCAR's top three series. This technology is similar to "black box" data recorders used in the airline industry. The information gathered and evaluated from such recorders often lead to higher safety standards.((PPR Plus/SS Green Light Racing PR)(6-3-2009)
Fan efforts ensure Hall of Fame Bricks for Benson: JB Fans will be represented at the NASCAR Hall of Fame located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thanks to the efforts of Ray Patten and donations from JB fans, there will be a permanent memory of Johnny's 2008 Craftsman Truck Championship and his 1995 Busch Championship. Once the information is distributed on where the bricks are located, it will be posted on the board [Benson web site]. Photos are posted on the site.(JohnnyBenson.com)(6-3-2009)
MRD & Setzer set through Memphis; then may cut-back? Plans for the #8-MRD Motorsports Chevy with driver Dennis Setzer, remain unclear for the remainder of the season. Following a season-high second place finish at Dover and gaining momentum in the point standings, lack of sponsorship nonetheless continues to plague this team. As a result Team MRD may be forced to limit races entered for the rest of the 2009 season. Right now the plan is to run the next four races, and then run only select races if no additional funding is obtained. Dennis Setzer is a former two-time winner at Texas Motor Speedway and both he and team owner, Dave Malcomson look forward to a great run in the WinStar World Casino 400.(MRD Motorsports)(6-3-2009)
Bischoff Racing to make first start at Milwaukee UPDATE Crew Chief named: Duane Bischoff Racing will be making their first NCWTS start with the #27 truck at the Milwaukee Mile on June 19th. Co-owner and driver Duane Bischoff, along with his wife (Doty) and family have been racing in the ARCA Lincoln Welder Truck series for six years and have recently purchased two trucks from Xpress Motorsports. The team intends to make five races if funding can be secured. PartBuddy.com is the primary sponsor now, but the team is also in talks with other potential partners. PartBuddy.com is a retail and wholesale parts company selling OEM manufacturer parts.(Duane Bischoff Racing PR)(4-24-2009)
UPDATE: Duane Bischoff Racing #27 has named Ryan Sebek (formerly of Bill Davis Racing),as their crew chief for the season. This will be his first time as crew chief in the truck series but has worked as crew chief in the Whelan Late Model Series for 3 years.(DuaneBischoffRacing.com)(6-3-2009)
Hackett Racing brings two entries to Texas & MIS; picks up sponsor for Michigan: Hackett Racing and driver Ryan Hackett are pleased to announce The Great American Spice Company will serve as sponsor for Hackett's #76 Ford F-150 in the June 13th Camping World Truck Series Race at Michigan International Speedway. Nicknamed the "The World's Largest Spice Store" The Great American Spice Company's primary sales medium is online at www.americanspice.com, though local customers can also visit their retail outlet and warehouse located at 1411 N. Coliseum Blvd in Fort Wayne, IN. Hackett Racing will also be debuting their second truck, the #75, which will be driven by Ryan Mathews this weekend in Texas at the WinStar World Casino 400. The team plans on bringing both trucks to Michigan as well.(Hackett Racing PR)(6-3-2009)
First person with Brian Scott: Xpress Motorsports driver Brian Scott earned his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win in Saturday's AAA Insurance 200 at Dover International Speedway. Here's a closer look at who he is, in his own words:
Most enjoyable stop on the NASCAR circuit: Daytona. Nothing is more exciting than Speedweeks and starting the season all over again.
Biggest influence on my career: My father. He is the reason I got started racing and the reason I am where I am today. He was a racer in his own right [jet boat racer and won the 1992 world championships in jet boat racing] and has always inspired me to follow my dreams, then supported me doing it.
My best friend in the garage: My crew chief [Jeff Hensley]. You need to be able to almost complete each other's sentences and be exactly on the same page.(Complete interview found at: SceneDaily.com)(6-2-2009)
Rookie Malsam makes first trip to Texas: Friday's race at Texas Motor Speedway will be Tayler Malsam's [#81 One Eighty Randy Moss Motorsports Toyota] first race at the Fort Worth track. After his 12th-place finish at Dover International Speedway, Malsam held his lead in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year point standings. The Seattle, Washington native is currently tied with Johnny Sauter with a total of 71 points. Malsam has won the Rookie of the Race award twice in thefirst seven races of the season..(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(6-2-2009)
Skinner's stats impressive, looking for win at Texas: Mike Skinner, driver of the #5 Randy Moss Motorsports Toyota has competed in 10 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races at Texas Motor Speedway. In those 10 NCWTS races, Skinner has recorded six top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes, which include the past two races at the Fort Worth track (2008 - fall and spring). Skinner has also claimed five pole positions, most recently in 2007 (fall). The 1995 Truck Series Champion has completed every lap of competition (1580 of 1580) and led a total of 458 laps at the 1.5-mile track. Skinner's average starting position is 3.7 and his average finishing position is 5.5.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(6-2-2009)
NCWTS continues to grow ratings on SPEED: The rain-delayed NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Dover enjoyed a five-percent Nielsen Household Ratings increase year-to-year, scoring a .86 (626,000 households) and peaking at a 1.11 (811,000 households). In 2008, the Dover Truck race earned a .82 (597,000 households) Nielsen Rating, peaking at just .99 (719,000 households). After a year of double-digit ratings growth in 2008, the Dover race marks the third time in five races that ratings have increased on SPEED for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2009. Daytona numbers were up 21 percent and Atlanta was up 23 percent. Charlotte was down slightly during All-Star week and Kansas was run on a Monday afternoon after being rained out over the weekend. In 2008, 19 of 22 NCWTS races on SPEED enjoyed ratings growth, 15 in double digits. In addition, the popular NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pre-race show, NCWTS Setup with Krista Voda, was up 58 percent from a year ago, earning a Nielsen Rating of .57 as compared to .36 in 2008.(SPEEDtv PR)(6-2-2009)
Braun hopes to break into win column at home track: Colin Braun, driver of the #6-Con-way Freight Roush Fenway Racing Ford considers Texas Motor Speedway his home track and he's hoping to break out during this weekend's race. A native of Ovalo, Texas, Braun has shown great promise in 2009 leading both the Charlotte and Dover races before contact with Kyle Busch and a blown right front tire respectively, took him out of contention. Braun has one top-five finish at Texas in only his second start there last year.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(6-2-2009)
Ickler steps in for Busch at Texas: Brian Ickler will be back in the #51 Miccosukee Resort / Samsung Instinct Toyota Tundra at Texas Motor Speedway Friday, June 5, 2009 for the running of the WinStar World Casino 400 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Due to the scheduling of the top tier NASCAR Series being in three locations this weekend; Busch is unable to race at the Texas Motor Speedway. Ickler, who pilots the #15 Samsung Instinct Tundra when Busch is in the #51 Tundra, will visit Samsung's corporate offices while in the Dallas/Fort Worth area promoting the sponsorship of the Billy Ballew Motorsports team.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(6-1-2009)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes - Winstar World Casino 400: Johnny Sauter was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the May 30 AAA Insurance 200 at Dover International Speedway. Sauter scored a fifth-place finish, his second top-five in 18 starts and his best of the 2009 season. He claimed top Raybestos Rookie honors for second time this season and posted his second top-10 in the last three races. Sauter became just the fourth Raybestos Rookie to score a top-five finish in 10 previous Camping World Truck Series races at Dover. Sauter and Tayler Malsam are tied for the lead (71-71) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 5 Winstar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Kenny Irwin won the inaugural Winstar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway in 1997, edging out Boris Said and Rick Crawford for the win. Irwin went on to capture Raybestos Rookie of the Year that same season. A Raybestos Rookie has won four of the 22 previous Camping World Truck Series races at Texas: Irwin, Travis Kvapil (2001) and Brendan Gaughan, who swept both races in 2002. Raybestos Rookies Kvapil and Gaughan gave the rookie class three consecutive wins in 2001-2002. Marc Mitchell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2008 June race, scoring a 12th-place finish.(Raybestos PR)(6-1-2009)
Bodine tied for most wins at Texas: Todd Bodine is tied for the most NASCAR Camping World Truck Series wins at Texas Motor Speedway and leads all active Truck Series drivers in the win category for this Friday night's race at the Fort Worth mile and a half track. To go along with these Texas-sized statistics, the state is home to the two largest locations for sponsor Copart. Copart, an automobile remarketer that sells more than 1 million cars each year online has locations in Houston and Dallas, TX. Bodine has one pole award and four wins at Texas. Germain Racing has two pole awards and five wins at Texas. Bodine's four wins have him tied on the all-time Truck Series win list at Texas with Brendan Gaughan, who has moved on to racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.(Germain Racing PR)(6-1-2009)
Carmichael back in the #4 truck at Texas: Ricky Carmichael will make his sixth career start driving the #4 Monster Energy Chevy Silverado this Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway in the WinStar World Casino 400. He has two top-five starts and a career-best finish of eighth so far this season. The Texas race is one of 11 remaining races on the truck series schedule for Carmichael in 2009. Monster Energy Silverado. The #4 KHI team is led by crew chief John Monsam. This will be the first race together for Monsam and Carmichael. Monsam assumed crew chief duties for the #4 team last week at Dover with driver J.R. Fitzpatrick. Carmichael spent much of last week in California, shooting a segment for the popular BBC-TV show "Top Gear." Carmichael rode a motorcycle on an obstacle course in conjunction with Monster Energy rally car driver Ken Block for the automotive enthusiast show which is seen worldwide. The show is telecast in the United States on the BBC America channel.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-1-2009)
Camping World & Turtle Wax further brand exposure through KHI: Kevin Harvick Inc. partners Camping World and Turtle Wax have recently found a creative way to increase brand exposure through asset use in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and with Kevin Harvick Inc.'s #33 Truck Series team. Camping World and Turtle Wax have formed a partnership to feature Turtle Wax products in at-track Camping World stores, retail locations and online. Through the relationship, Turtle Wax will be the presenting sponsor of the Truck Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway September 19th, as well as, take over primary sponsorship of the #33 KHI Chevrolet Silverado driven by three-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday for two events at Michigan and Chicagoland. Turtle Wax is the number one selling brand of car care products in the world. The company is recognized for producing environmentally-friendly appearance and performance car care products for retail and commercial use.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-1-2009)
Monday Rundown - Racing Resources...
*Brian Scott won the postponed AAA Insurance 200 at Dover International Speedway. It was Scott's first series victory in his 39th race, all with Xpress Motorsports.
*Scott became the 10th different series race winner in 10 races at Dover. He is the fourth first-time winner at Dover.
*Scott scored his first victory in 14 races with crew chief Jeff Hensley. This marked Hensley's ninth win as a Truck series crew chief. His eight previous wins came with Mike Skinner.
*Scott, who led one time for the final 14 laps, became the sixth different race winner in the seven series races in 2009. Kyle Busch is the only repeat winner this season (two wins).
*Points leader Ron Hornaday Jr. crashed on Lap 34 because of a cut tire while running second. Hornaday finished 26th and ended a six-race streak of top-10 finishes. He remained first in the standings by 27 points ahead of Mike Skinner, who finished eighth.
*The pole winner won the first two series races at Dover (2000 and 2001). The pole winner has not won at Dover in the past eight races. Pole winner Hornaday was the fastest in the first practice and second-fastest in the final practice.
*Five of the top 10 in points changed positions at Dover.
*Two drivers made their series debut: Tim Bainey Jr. (15th) and Dexter Bean (27th).
*Jason White (fourth) scored his career-best finish.
*Johnny Sauter (fifth) was the highest-finishing rookie contender of the six in the race.
*The last time the Nationwide Series and Truck Series raced on the same day was at California in February. Busch won both races, leading 238 of the 250 combined laps. He led 241 of the 400 raced today and finished 17th in the Nationwide race and ninth in the Trucks race.
*The top 10 consisted of five Toyotas, four Chevrolets and one Dodge. *The highest-finishing Ford was Rick Crawford in 19th.(ESPN PR)(6-1-2009)
Hornaday looks for 3 in a row; Longhorn to sponsor: Ron Hornaday has won the last two truck series events at Texas Motor Speedway. Hornaday and the #33- Longhorn/Swedish Match team will bring the truck that swept both Texas events in 2008. In twelve years competing in the Truck Series, Hornaday has not won three races in a row at the same facility. If Hornaday can achieve the three-peat, he would add Texas and New Hampshire as tracks where he holds three career wins. Swedish Match is a global Group of companies with a broad assortment of market leading brands in smokeless tobacco, cigars and pipe tobacco, matches and lighters.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-1-2009)

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