Las Vegas Motor Speedway will present a doubleheader — the Smith’s 350 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, paired with Global RallyCross — on Saturday, Sept. 29. Over the years, the Camping World Truck Series races have earned a reputation of producing first-time winners and thrilling green-white-checkered finishes. Last year, Ron Hornaday Jr. held off a late-race challenge by Matt Crafton to take the victory — his only win ever at LVMS. Johnny Sauter won his first-ever NASCAR Truck Series race in the 2009 Smith’s 350. Todd Bodine grabbed the lead from Ted Musgrave on the final lap to win the 2005 Smith’s 350. This season is shaping up for more fireworks when the drivers get to Las Vegas. Four first-time winners have been crowned in the series’ past five races. Young Ryan Blaney was a surprise winner last week in Newton, Iowa. Ty Dillon scored his first NASCAR win in the Truck Series at Atlanta on Aug. 31 and Nelson Piquet Jr. did likewise in Michigan on Aug. 18. Joey Coulter started the run by winning his first NASCAR race on Aug. 4 at Pocono, Pa. Just 11 points separate the top three drivers in the series as the season winds down. Leader Ty Dillon is just eight points ahead of Timothy Peters. James Buescher is three points behind Peters — and all three are battling to win their first championship. In the 15 Smith’s 350s held at LVMS, only two repeat winners have emerged: Jack Sprague (1996, 1998) and Mike Skinner (2006, 2008).(Las Vegas Motor Speedway PR)(9-24-2012)
