The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship goes down to the wire for the 10th time in 11 seasons this Friday and the only thing certain is that the Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway will produce a first-time champion. Ted Musgrave (#1 Mopar Dodge), whos never finished worse than third in the points in four fulltime seasons, carries a 58-point lead into the 25th race of the 2005 season. Rival Dennis Setzer (#46 Chevrolet Z71 Silverado Chevrolet) also has been here before and likewise has come up empty. Setzer finished second to Travis Kvapil in 2005 and a year ago to Bobby Hamilton (#04 Baileys Dodge). For Musgrave, the math is simple: finish 10th or better and win the championship.
Martin returns to series after nine-year absence Mark Martin (#33 Roush Racing Ford) hasnt turned a wheel in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since winning the Sept. 28, 1996 event at the old North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway. He makes his return this week with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chief Pat Tryson calling the shots. This is really where my hearts been throughout the summer. Through the musical chairs of the Cup Series, it sort of put me in the position of postponing a fulltime schedule until 07 but Im still committed to running Homestead and six or seven races next year to get this team refined for 07, said Martin. ETC. All three of NASCARs national touring series will decide championships at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a first since the advent of the tracks tripleheader weekend. Musgrave has been named to the All-America Racing Team (Touring Series) second team of drivers as voted by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. Setzer received honorable mention in the same category. NASCAR Busch Series points leader Martin Truex Jr. received the first team nod. Musgrave has led the most laps of any race winner at Homestead 86 of 167. His 10.588-second margin of victory over Kvapil is the fourth-widest in series history. The most lead changes at Homestead, 17, came in 1999. A Dodge has won three of the last four races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Ford won consecutive events between 1996 and 1999 while Chevrolet counts two victories. Kluever will wrap up Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors at Homestead and become the fourth Roush Racing competitor to capture the freshman award. Clevite Engine Builder of the Year, Featherlite Most Improved Driver and Mobil1 Command Performance awards will be determined by the Ford 200. Mike Hillman Jr., Bodines crew chief, clinched the International Truck Crew Chief award at Phoenix. Skinner is the seasons Wix Filters Lap Leader Award winner.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Sprague hasnt won at Homestead but is due Sprague has the most top five (six) and top 10 (seven) finishes in South Florida. Hes also run the most laps/miles (1,251/1,876.5), led the most laps/miles (241/361.5) and led the most races (six). His best finish is second in 1996 and 1998.
10 YEARS TOUGH
Homestead-Miami Speedway was the first track of over one mile in length to host a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. The inaugural event was held on March 17, 1996 and saw Dave Rezendes beat Jack Sprague by .022-second as Sprague slid backwards across the stripe.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
There have been no repeat winners in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. A 10th different winner will match the series record established in September at New Hampshire International Speedway. Bobby Hamilton is the only driver to win both a Bud Pole and a race at Homestead. He won from the #1 starting spot in 2003.
FAST FACTS
Next Event: Ford 200. (Race #25 of 25).
Where: Homestead-Miami Speedway (Homestead, Fla.).
When: 8:15 p.m. ET Friday, Nov. 18.
Track layout: 1.5 -mile paved oval.
Race length: 201miles/134 laps.
Posted awards: $607,190.
TV: SPEED Channel, 8 p.m. ET.
Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
2004 winner: Kasey Kahne.
2004 polesitter: David Reutimann.
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Friday Practice 9:00 a.m. 10:20 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Qualifying 5:10 p.m. Trucks impounded after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(11-17-2005)
