For the driver of the #3-Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, the objective is to not be caught. With four races remaining in the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, Ty Dillon is the frontrunner. The rookie racer from Lewisville, NC, clings to the championship lead by a minuscule one-point margin as the series visits Martinsville Speedway this weekend. The Kroger 200 will mark Dillon’s second career outing at Martinsville Speedway. In his maiden attempt on March 31, Dillon tallied a stunning second-place finish behind Sprint Cup Series regular Kevin Harvick “We’re shaking [the truck] down today and trying to learn a few things. We’re going back with a lot more experience, and hopefully we’ll have a good run, stay out of trouble and extend the points lead.” James Buescher, #31 Great Clips Chevrolet, netted a third-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in the spring — his best effort in six career starts. But he concedes continued gains must be made to maintain a grasp on his title aspirations, hence the team’s day-long test at Motor Mile Speedway last Wednesday. “We’re here to improve on what we had at Martinsville earlier this year. We ran third; best we’ve ever ran. If we can improve on that, I think we’ve got a good shot at [the win],” explains Buescher. “I think we have to go run in the top five. If we can get out of there without losing points, then I’ll feel good about it.” Timothy Peters, #17-Red Horse Racing Toyota, is situated third in the standings, Peters may not be the favorite for the title. But the Danville, Va., native is an undeniable favorite for Martinsville Speedway’s Grandfather Clock. Statistics bode well for Peters. In the past three events, the #17 team has accumulated the most points among active drivers at Martinsville Speedway. Furthermore, he is the only top-five contender to boast a victory at the short track. With an undaunted attitude, Peters is entering Martinsville with a winning mindset, encouraged by the team’s practice last Tuesday. And for good reason: Compared to his championship counterparts, Peters’ #17 posted the best lap times spanning all test sessions.(Motor Mile Speedway PR)(10-25-2012)
