Etc. Following a 12th-place finish at Bristol, Hamilton leads Dennis Setzer (No. 46 Chevrolet Silverado Chevrolet) by 99 points. Nine races remain on the 2004 schedule Ken Schrader (No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet) won his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Bud Pole at Bristol. He is the fourth competitor to win both a pole and a race on all three of NASCARs national touring series. The others are Greg Biffle, Terry Labonte and Jimmy Spencer. Bristol winner Carl Edwards (No. 99 Super Chips Ford) ended the series streak of different short-track winners at 10. Edwards previously won in August 2003 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Shane Hmiel (No. 15 Earl Smalls Harley-Davidson Chevrolet) led the OReilly 200 at halfway and finished second to match his best series performance. The event was the 14th of the 2004 season in which the halfway leader hasnt won. Hamilton at Kentucky Speedway and Ted Musgrave (No. 1 Mopar Dodge) at The Milwaukee Mile are the only winners to overcome whats beginning to look like a mid-race jinx. Andy Houston was released from the No. 2 Team ASE/Carquest Dodge following last weeks event. Ultra Motorsports has not yet named a replacement driver. The team has 17 series victories, the most recent by Spencer at New Hampshire International Speedway last September. Bill Lesters No. 22 Bill Davis Racing Toyota will carry a special Hire*A*Hero logo at Richmond International Raceway. The promotion, which focuses on members of the military transitioning back into civilian life, spotlights employment opportunities at 1,400 Toyota and Lexus dealerships and the companys corporate and manufacturing facilities. Craftsmans bonus for winning from the pole, unclaimed since Musgraves June 25 victory in Milwaukee, is worth $16,000 at Richmond.
Fast Facts
What: Kroger 200 (Race No. 17 of 25).
Where: Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, Va.
When: 8:45 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 9.
Track layout: .75-mile paved speedway.
Race length: 200 laps/150 miles.
Posted awards: $398,013.
TV: SPEED Channel, 8:45 p.m. ET.
Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
2003 winner: Tony Stewart.
2003 polesitter: Time trials not held (Travis Kvapil via Rulebook).
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Thursday, Practice 10:00 a.m. until 11:55 a.m. Qualifying 2:05 p.m. Trucks impounded following qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(9-5-2004)
