For the second time in less than a decade, Steve Portenga is leaving the CTS and returning to his roots in the western states. After a 19th-place finish in the 2002 CTS point standings, Portenga finds himself on the outside looking in as the trucks prepare to begin the 2003 campaign. Portenga faced a similar situation after the 1995 truck campaign. “I love running the trucks,” Portenga said. “We aren’t giving up on getting back to that level or above, but if it never happens, I have a lot of memories and a lot of photos to look at from the years we’ve raced trucks. Racing at Daytona was one of the highlights, something I’ll remember forever.” Portenga’s departure from the NCTS was necessitated when Roto-Rooter, his primary sponsor, was unable to continue funding the program at its 2002 level. As an owner/driver, Portenga was faced with the business decision of trying to find the best opportunity for himself in 2003. He feels he’s found that with Performance Motorsports, a team headed by Joe Nava that fields cars in the NASCAR Winston West Series. “We’re going to pursue the Winston West full-time,” Portenga said. “It will be my first time in Fords, so that’s a bit of a change. Roto-Rooter is still going to support us. King Taco, which has been with me a long-time, is involved. With them and the team that Joe has built, I think everything’s in place to win races and contend for the Winston West championship.” Portenga isn’t closing the door on the trucks series. He continues to own a fleet of Chevrolets and may compete in some capacity yet in 2003.(PR)(1-17-2003)
