August 2005 Truck Series News Archive

 

  • Winners of a race in Cup, Busch and Truck Series races: see my Misc Stats page for this and many others.
  • Truck Race in Calgary? UPDATE: NASCAR officials are reported to be studying the possibility of scheduling a Truck tour race at a proposed new track in Calgary, Alberta, as part of their new Canadian strategy. And NASCAR executives have stepped up public-relations operations in Toronto, bringing in top Cup drivers such as Jimmie Johnson and Bobby Labonte in recent weeks to promote NASCAR’s entry into the Canadian market. One possibility is a Truck race on Toronto’s temporary street course.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-7-2005)
    UPDATE: Canadian beer giant Molson talking with a premier American racing series about staging an event in Calgary [Alberta, Canada] to be held at the Stampede Grounds. Molson has met with NASCAR and local officials about staging a Craftsmen Truck Series race on the grounds. The CTS is NASCAR’s third most-important series behind only the Busch and Nextel Cup. The potential venues in Calgary for a CTS race are the Stampede Grounds and Race City Motorsport Park, with the former seemingly the most likely, according to sources. A temporary roadcourse circuit winding through the Grounds is the front-runner, but the idea of converting the horse track at the Grounds has been floated. A new horse-racing facility is slated to be built north of the city for an April 2007 opening. First off, Molson, NASCAR, the Stampede Board and the mayor’s office confirmed there was a meet-and-greet held in Calgary in July during the Stampede. It was, however, a very informal meeting, said all involved, including NASCAR CTS manager of communications Owen Hearns. “It’s no secret we’ve been looking at Canada for years,” said Hearns. “But in terms of anything specific, there’s nothing really to say at this point.”(Edmonton Sun)(8-31-2005)
  • Testing at Richmond: As the hours and minutes tick down to the waving of the green flag for the Chase weekend at Richmond International Raceway, several NASCAR Craftsman Truck, Busch and NEXTEL Cup Series teams have tests planned at the 3/4-mile facility. Test sessions at Richmond International Raceway are free to the public. Fans can enter the track through gate 70 on the frontstretch.
    The scheduled list of dates and drivers:
    Monday, August 29
    NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: #19-Jonathan Leonard; #06-Mike Bliss; #59-Robert Pressley; #16-Jack Sprague
    Tuesday, August 30
    NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: #19-Jonathan Leonard; #50-Todd Kluever; #88-Matt Crafton; #75-David Starr; #23-Johnny Benson; #16-Jack Sprague; #14-Rick Crawford; #10-Terry Cook
    Wednesday, August 31:
    #23-Johnny Benson; #5-Mike Skinner; #22-Bill Lester; #30-Todd Bodine
    Tickets and information for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Weekend are available online or by calling 1-866-455-RACE (7223).(RIR Site)(8-29-2005)
  • Craven will not be back with Roush in 2006: Roush Racing and Ricky Craven announced today that they will part ways at the end of the 2005 season. Craven currently drives Roush’s #99 Superchips Ford entry in the Truck Series. “I want to thank Jack Roush for the opportunity he has given me to drive for him in the Craftsman Truck Series this year,” Craven said. “Roush Racing is an incredible organization and I have the utmost respect for everyone there. I have also truly enjoyed racing in the truck series. The competition is outstanding and I’ve had a lot of fun this season. My goal right now is still to get the #99 Superchips Ford F-150 in victory lane before the season ends.”
    “Ricky’s experience, talent and professionalism have benefited our entire truck operation this year,” said Jack Roush. “He has helped our crew chiefs, managers and engineers as well as serving as a mentor to rookie Todd Kluever. We wish Ricky the best of luck in his pursuit of other professional racing opportunities for 2006.”(Roush Racing site)(8-26-2005)
  • DW one more Truck Race: Martinsville: It will be “One and Done” for Darrell Waltrip at Martinsville Speedway, October 22, when he takes the steering wheel of the #12 Darrell Waltrip Motorsports Toyota Tundra for his final appearance as a NASCAR driver in the Craftsman Truck Series race at the Virginia short-track. “I love racing at Martinsville — always have,” says Waltrip. “I’ve won there 11 times in the past, but knowing this is definitely the last time racing there does make me sad. I love the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series because it’s a great place for these young drivers to get their feet wet, and it gives old guys like me the chance to go out and have some fun. But we’re definitely “One and Done’ this time at Martinsville.” During his stellar racing career, Waltrip has made 16 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts since 1995, including six races at Martinsville Speedway. In 1996, Waltrip recorded the best career result of his Craftsman Truck Series career when he had a fifth-place finish at Martinsville. In that same race, Waltrip started on the outside of row one, his best starting spot in an NCTS race. Overall, the Owensboro, Ky.-native has eight top-10 finishes in his 16 NCTS starts — which includes a pair of 2004 starts in the #11 Toyota Tundra at Martinsville and Indianapolis. After Darrell Waltrip competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 1995, his vision to become a truck owner came to fruition in 1996 and 1997 when Waltrip-owned truck teams participated in the series. In 1997, the #17 Darrell Waltrip Motorsports truck finished second in the points standings with three wins, four pole awards, 15 top-fives and 17 top-10s. Reopening an operation in Concord (N.C.), Darrell Waltrip Motorsports returned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series arena in 2004 with driver David Reutimann and the #17 NTN Bearings Toyota Tundra team. At the beginning of the 2005 season, the #12 Toyota Tundra team was added to the organization’s roster. This season Darrell Waltrip Motorsports celebrated their first victory at Nashville Superspeedway in the Toyota Tundra 200 as Reutimann became a first-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series winner in front of 6,000 Toyota employees.(DWM PR)(8-24-2005)
  • Mansfield close to a third Truck race: For the third year in a row, it appears the half-mile Mansfield Motorsports Speedway oval will host a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. “They have so many people pulling them in so many directions, but I had a gut feeling they would be back,” MMS owner Michael Dzurilla told the News Journal in an exclusive. The tentative date is May 27, a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend. Dzurilla said nothing is official until contracts are signed and NASCAR officially announces its 2006 schedule. He said it could be completed in the next week. “(NASCAR) was very pleased with us, but you never believe it until you have a signed contract,” Dzurilla said. “It’s like in sales, you never want to spend the commission check until you’ve got it in your hand.” Dzurilla said the campground will be nicer, the on-site entertainment will be moved closer to the campers and SAFER Barrier soft walls probably will be added to the track.(Mansfield News Journal)(8-24-2005)
  • Skinner wins at Bristol: #5-Mike Skinner won the O’Reilly 200 presented by Valvoline at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday night leading 190 of 200 laps for his first win of 2005 and first win since November 1996 at Bakersfield, CA. It was Skinner’s 17th career Truck Series win. #30-Todd Bodine finished 2nd, folowed by #16-Jack Sprague, #23-Johnny Benson and #15-Kyle Busch. Points leader #46-Dennis Setzer finished 16th. There were 3 lead changes by 2 drivers and were 6 cautions for 34 laps.
    For race results see:
    ESPN.com
    Truckseries.com
    Motorsports One
    NASCAR.com.(8-24-2005)
  • Reutimann wins pole at Bristol: last race winner, #17-David Reutimann won the pole for the O’Reilly 200 presented by Valvoline at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 126.278mph. Starting second is #5-Mike Skinner, followed by #60-Chad Chaffin, #10-Terry Cook and #38-Brandon Whitt. Points leader, #46-Dennis Setzer will start 10th. Missing the race were: #68 Wayne Edwards; #02 Kelly Sutton; #70 Tam Topham; #91 Casey Kingsland; #00 Eric King; #27 Frank Wilson Jr.
    See qualifying results/starting lineup at:
    Truckseries.com – Starting Lineup
    Truckseries.com – Qualifying Results
    NASCAR.com.(8-24-2005)
  • News and Notes – Bristol:
    Five series champions entered at Bristol … With Mike Bliss (#06 MRD Motorsports Chevrolet) making his first appearance since November 2002, five NASCAR Craftsman Truck champions could be part of the O’Reilly 200 starting field. He joins series regulars Hornaday, Sprague, Bobby Hamilton (#04 Bailey’s Dodge) and Mike Skinner (#5 Toyota Tundra Toyota). Bliss is the only former NASCAR Craftsman Truck champion without a start since winning the title.
    ETC. … The Bristol event is the fifth (of seven) races held this season on tracks of less than a mile. There have been four different winners and eight consecutive different winners on short tracks dating to Chad Chaffin’s (#60 Jeff Wyler Toyota) Aug. 6, 2004 victory at Indianapolis Raceway Park. … Hornaday and Sprague are the only O’Reilly 200 winners expected to compete this week. … Kyle Busch (#15 ditech.com Chevrolet) returns to the series at Bristol. Busch won back-to-back races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Dover International Speedway and finished second in his most recent start in June at Michigan International Speedway. … Raybestos Rookie of the Year leader Todd Kluever (#50 World Financial Group Ford) hopes to improve on the best rookie performance at Bristol. Jay Sauter finished third in 1996. … Chevrolet has won five times at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ford counts two victories. … The O’Reilly 200 is the third and final series race to be run this year in Tennessee. It is the 26th race to be held in the Volunteer State. Virginia also has hosted 26 events with two more on the schedule – at Richmond Sept. 8 and Martinsville Oct. 22.
    ON THE RIGHT TRACK
    Bodine, Spencer shine in Thunder Valley … Todd Bodine (#30 Germain Motors Toyota) and Jimmy Spencer (#2 Team ASE Dodge) may be first-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck competitors at Bristol, but each has tasted victory at the speedway. Bodine’s NASCAR Busch Series wins came in 1992-93 while Spencer also won twice in the division in 1997 and 2002. Spencer has three top-five finishes in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competition including a second place in March 2002. Hornaday is Bristol lap leader … Hornaday didn’t lead a lap at Bristol until his third appearance there but the California native is the series’ laps/miles leader with 378/201.474. He’s the only competitor to lead three different races – 1997, ‘98 and ‘99.
    10 YEARS TOUGH
    Bristol Motor Speedway is the site of Ford’s first victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on June 23, 1995. Ruttman and Butch Miller battled fender-to-fender until the 143rd of 150 laps when Ruttman – amazingly – surprised his rival by diving onto the apron between Turns One and Two. Geoffrey Bodine was second with Miller third and sprint car star Sammy Swindell fourth as Ford swept the first four positions.
    FROM THE ARCHIVES
    The last three drivers to win the Bud Pole at Bristol Motor Speedway have failed to finish among the top five. Greg Biffle (1999) finished ninth, Ted Musgrave (2003) was 15th and Ken Schrader (2004) placed 10th. Neither Biffle nor Schrader was able to lead a lap racing from the #1 starting position.
    Fast Facts
    Next Event: O’Reilly 200 presented by Valvoline. (Race #17 of 25)
    Where: Bristol Motor Speedway.
    When: 9:15 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Aug. 24.
    Track layout: .533-mile banked concrete oval.
    Race length: 200 laps/106.6 miles.
    Posted awards: $461,774.
    TV: SPEED Channel, 9:00 p.m. ET.
    Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
    2004 winner: Carl Edwards.
    2004 polesitter: Ken Schrader.
    Pre-race schedule (all times local): Wednesday – Practice 11:15 – 12:30 p.m. and 1 – 2 p.m. Qualifying at 5:30 p.m. Trucks impounded after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(8-24-2005)
  • Wallace to run the #12 in most of the remaining 2005 races: Tuesday night Mike Wallace revieled to Motorsports Lounge that he will drive Darrell Waltrip’s #12 Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the remainder of the 2005 season, minus two races. Darrell Waltrip is scheduled to be behind the wheel of his own truck for the Martinsville race on October 22nd, and the race prior in Las Vegas conflicts with Mike’s commitment to his NASCAR Nextel Cup ride in Dover the same weekend.(Motorsports Lounge)(8-20-2005)
  • Busch back in the #15 at Bristol: Kyle Busch will run the #15 ditech.com Chevy Silverado in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event Aug. 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Busch, who became the youngest winner in NCTS history earlier this season, will drive for Billy Ballew Motorsports.(Hendrick Motorsports)(8-19-2005)
  • Another Johnson UPDATE Sponsor: Jarit Johnson [#48-Jimmie’s brother] will be making his first-ever start at Michigan International Speedway and in the ARCA RE/MAX Series on Aug. 19. Johnson will pilot the #5 (currently un-sponsored) Chevy for Bobby Gerhart Racing. Johnson’s only prior experience in an ARCA Series car was an August 2004 test session with Gerhart Racing at Chicago Land Speedway. A one-race deal between Johnson and Gerhart was struck just five days before the event. The two came to an agreement in support of Johnson’s upcoming efforts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Johnson hopes this race will provide added experience heading into the Craftsman Truck Series. His current race team SS Racing, is planning to enter at least two Craftsman Truck events before the end of the 2005 season.(SS Racing)(8-16-2005)
    UPDATE: Levi Strauss Signature announced that they will sponsor Jarit Johnson in his first-career start in the ARCA RE/MAX Series at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) on August 19, 2005. The younger brother of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Jimmie Johnson, Jarit will pilot the #5 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owned by Bobby Gerhart Racing.(Alan Taylor Communications)(8-19-2005)
  • Renshaw and #8 Team Announce New Primary Sponsor: Deborah Renshaw and her BHR2 team are proud to announce the signing of Heritage Warranty Insurance as the new primary sponsor on their #8 Dodge. The new sponsorship program will debut this week at the Nashville Superspeedway and continue for the rest of the 2005 season. The New Heritage Warranty Insurance Company, Inc. is a leader in vehicle service contracts. The New Heritage Warranty is reaffirming its dedication to their customers by providing high quality service contracts and other related products. C.S.I. – Character. Strength. Integrity. (This is the motto of The New Heritage Warranty). The company’s primary goal is to offer financial security and peace of mind to its customers through world class customer service and high quality products.(Integrity Sports Marketing)(8-13-2005)
  • Stout to attempt Nashville: JC Stout of Castile, NY. JC is in his third year of competion in the series on a limited basis. He is taking his #91 Chevy Silverado to Nashville for the Aug. 13th Toyota Tundra 200. The all-volunteer team consists of professionals with vast experience and the utmost dedication. Driver John “JC” Stout, 21, and the team have earned a reputation for their positive attitude, dignified public image and clean, on-track competitiveness. JC and the Stellar-Quest Racing Team are headquartered in Castile, N.Y. more info at jcstout.com.(8-13-2005)
  • Leonard in the #19: On Speed Channel’s ARCA coverage, it was reported that Johnny Leonard would run a few races in the #19 Xxpress Motorsports Chevy in the 2nd half of the year.(8-13-2005)
  • Reutimann wins at Nashville: #17-David Reutimann won the Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville Superspeedway for his first career Truck Series win, passing pole sitter, #5-Mike Skinner just before the white flag after Skinner smacked the wall after getting in some oil. Skinner fell back to finish 4th. Finishing 2nd was #1-Ted Musgrave followed by #30-Todd Bodine, Skinner and #50-Todd Kluever. Points leader, #46-Dennis Setzer finished 14th decreasing his points lead to 178 [was 227]. Reutimann’s win moved him into the top-5 in points. #5-Skinner led the most laps witrh 98. There 9 lead changes by 5 drivers. There were 9 cautions for 35 laps.
    For race results see:
    ESPN.com
    Truckseries.com
    Motorsports One
    NASCAR.com.(8-13-2005)
  • Special Hood Scheme for Cook: US 99.5 FM radio personalities Big John and Ramblin’ Ray will be featured on the hood of Terry Cook’s #10 Ford Power Stroke Diesel by International race truck during the Toyota Tundra 200 Race from the Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday, Aug. 13th. For the past four years, Cook has joined the show as “Crew Chief” to discuss his picks for the weekend’s winners. Following the Nashville race, Big John and Ramblin’ Ray will take possession of the hood to auction it off to a fan and donate the proceeds to charity. Cook was introduced to the show while in Chicago promoting Power Stroke Diesel engines for his NASCAR sponsor, International Truck and Engine Corporation. For more information, please visit www.ppcracing.com.(8-13-2005)
  • Skinner wins pole at Nashville: #5-Mike Skinner won the pole for the Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville Superspeedway breaking the previous track record with a lap of 161.440mph, his 4th pole of the season and 19th of his career. #22-Bill Lester will start 2nd on the outside pole, followed by #38-Brandon Whitt, #16-Jack Sprague and #14-Rick Crawford. #8-Deborah Renshaw will start 8th with her new sponsor, her best career start. Points leader #46-Dennis Setzer will start 16th. #59-Robert Pressley gets the final spot, 36th. Two drivers will miss the race: #24-Roland Isaacs and #68-Wayne Edwards.
    See qualifying results/starting lineup at:
    Truckseries.com – Starting Lineup
    Truckseries.com – Qualifying Results
    NASCAR.com.(8-13-2005)
  • New Crew Chief for Craven: Roush Racing announced that John Quinn has been named crew chief of the 99 Superchips Ford driven by Ricky Craven in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Quinn has been with Roush Racing since the 2003 season. He worked as a shock specialist and spotter for the Craftsman Truck teams for the past two and a half years. He has also worked closely with Roush’s Busch Series teams. “Being from the northeast, I’ve known Ricky Craven for years and look forward to being his crew chief,” Quinn said. “This is a great opportunity for me to move into this position with an organization like Roush. The team has so much potential and with 10 races remaining there is plenty of time to win a few races yet this season.”(Roush Racing PR), no word on the fate or plans of former crew chief John Monsam.(8-11-2005)
  • Wimmer back in the #08, Bickle in the #07: Chris Wimmer returns to Nashville Superspeedway this weekend August 13th in the Green Light Racing entry for the running of the Toyota Tundra 200 in Lebanon, Tennessee. This week Chris will be in the #08 Chevy and Rich Bickle will be in the Green Light Racing’s #07 that Chris previously ran at Milwaukee, with a 22nd place finish, and Memphis, with a 17th place finish. Chris is hoping to move up to a top 10 finish this weekend at a track where he had previously race last year for MB Motorsports, but had a disappointing finish due to engine failure. This will be the 3rd start this season for Chris with Bobby Dotter and Gene Christiansen’s Green Light Racing Team. Wimmer Racing has sponsorship opportunities available for the Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville this weekend and for any other NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races this year. More about Chris Wimmer at www.wimmerracing.com.(8-11-2005)
  • Mike Wallace to Drive #12 Toyota at Nashville: Mike Wallace confirmed tonight with Motorsports Lounge that he will drive Darrell Waltrip’s #12 Toyota Tundra in this weekend’s NASCAR Truck Series race at Nashville Speedway. Mike was available to drive the truck due to his current NASCAR Cup ride, the #4 Lucas Oil Morgan McClure Chevy, removing him from behind the wheel this coming weekend at Watkins Glen to put in a road racer [P.J. Jones] instead.(Motorsports Lounge)(8-10-2005)
  • News and Notes – Nashville:
    Setzer joins exclusive list of series “streakers” … By winning the Aug. 5 Power Stroke Diesel 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Dennis Setzer (#46 Chevrolet Silverado 200) became the fourth driver to win four of his last six starts in the same NASCAR Craftsman Truck season. Greg Biffle was the most recent to do so in 1999. Biffle and Ron Hornaday Jr. (#6 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet) posted six victories in eight starts in 1999 and 1997, respectively. Setzer also reached a single-season high in wins. He won three times in 1999 and 2003.
    Raybestos Rookie leader maintains torrid pace … Todd Kluever (#50 Shell Rotella T Ford) came within a couple of truck lengths of upstaging Setzer at Indianapolis. The runaway Raybestos Rookie of the Year leader – by nearly 100 points – finished second, matching his series-best finish at Kentucky Speedway. He started 16th. That was a tall order on a track where nine of 11 winners have started third or higher. Kluever has three top-10 finishes in four starts since Mike Beam took over as crew chief. The 27-year-old driver had three top 10s in his previous 11 appearances. “There was nothing wrong with the guys I had but we’ve really clicked,” said Kluever. “It’s been a phenomenal last four weeks and a lot of fun. I thought tonight was going to be our night.”
    ETC. … Setzer is the third driver in 2005 to win from the #1 starting position. Inclement weather caused the field to be set via the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rule Book with Setzer on top by virtue of his rank in the standings. The seventh consecutive different winner at IRP, Setzer has eight wins on short tracks to go with eight victories on speedways. He last won on a short track in October 2003 at South Boston Speedway in Virginia. … Last year’s Nashville race saw 27 among 30 finishers complete all 150 laps. The first number is a series record matched in June at Michigan International Speedway. … Caution laps have increased each year that the event has been run: 10, 13, 17 and 30. Still, only 10 percent of the race’s 601 laps have fallen to the yellow light. … Two of four Nashville races have been settled by less than one second. The closest was Mike Bliss’ .305-second victory over Rick Crawford (#14 Circle Bar Truck Corral Ford) in 2002. … The Bud Pole starter has won two of four events. Defending winner Bobby Hamilton (#04 Bailey’s Dodge) started 15th and led 17 laps – fewest by any Nashville winner. … Musgrave has led all four races (for 85 laps) at Nashville Superspeedway, the only driver to do so. …Smyrna, Tenn. resident Chad Chaffin (#60 Jeff Wyler Toyota Toyota) has become the 28th series competitor to reach $1 million career winnings. Chaffin’s total is $1,005,879 following a 21st-place finish at IRP. Setzer needs $92,446 to join Jack Sprague (#16 Chevy Trucks Chevrolet) as the tour’s only $4 million winner.
    ON THE RIGHT TRACK
    Ultra isn’t the only master of concrete … Roush Racing also likes concrete, and has done Ultra Motorsports one better. Roush drivers have swept the schedule’s three concrete-surfaced tracks – Dover, Nashville and Bristol Motor Speedway. Carl Edwards won at Nashville in 2003 and Bristol in 2004. The latter win, on Aug. 25, is Ford’s last in the series. Biffle and Kurt Busch each won at Dover. Roush and Ultra remain the series co-leaders with 36 owner wins apiece.
    BHR teams race well at home track … Bobby Hamilton Racing teams, headquartered in Lebanon, Tenn., have won the Bud Pole at Nashville Superspeedway in consecutive seasons. Bobby Hamilton Jr. led 89 laps of last year’s Toyota Tundra 200 from the pole before finishing fourth behind his father. The elder Hamilton won in his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck appearance at the track. Chaffin was the #1 qualifier in 2003 and finished sixth.
    10 YEARS TOUGH
    Nashville has been a stop on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since 1996 when – with the backing of the late promoter Bob Harmon – a 255-lap race was run at the .546-mile Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Dave Rezendes won the inaugural event over Ron Hornaday Jr. and Jack Sprague. Jimmy Hensley gave Richard Petty his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck victory there in 1998. Competition shifted to Nashville Superspeedway in 2001.
    FROM THE ARCHIVES
    The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion has won at Nashville Superspeedway in two of the past three seasons. Bobby Hamilton edged David Starr in the most recent edition of the Toyota Tundra 200. Mike Bliss, the 2002 series champion, won that year’s Nashville event.
    Fast Facts
    Next Event: Toyota Tundra 200. (Race #16 of 25)
    Where: Nashville Superspeedway.
    When: 5:15 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 13.
    Track layout: 1.333-mile banked concrete oval.
    Race length: 200 miles/150 laps.
    Posted awards: $438,690.
    TV: SPEED Channel, 5:00 p.m. ET.
    Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
    2004 winner: Bobby Hamilton.
    2004 polesitter: Bobby Hamilton Jr.
    Pre-race schedule (all times local): Friday – Practice 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. and 4:15-5:15 p.m. Saturday – Qualifying at 11 a.m. Trucks impounded after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(8-9-2005)
  • #88 Team, Driver fined from infraction: NASCAR announced that penalties have been issued to a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver, owner and crew chief resulting from a rule violation during post-race inspection at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Aug. 5. Matt Crafton, driver of the #88 Chevrolet, was fined 25 NASCAR Craftsman Truck driver points for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q, any determination by NASCAR officials that the truck, truck parts, components and/or equipment used the event do not conform to NASCAR rules – an unapproved right front spring. Rhonda Thorson, the #88 truck’s owner, was fined 25 NASCAR Craftsman Truck owner points under the above sections of the Rule Book. Crew chief Vance Haefele, crew chief for the #88 truck, was fined $5,000 for violating the above sections of the Rule Book.(NASCAR PR)(8-9-2005)
  • Setzer wins at IRP: #46-Dennis Setzer won the Power Stroke Diesel 200 at the Indianapolis Raceway Park, dominating the race and leading the most laps and increasing his points lead to 227 points over #1-Ted Musgrave, who finished 14th. It is Setzers 4th win of 2005 and 16th of his career. Rounding out the top-5 were #50-Todd Kluever, #6-Ron Hornaday, #88-Matt Crafton and #2-Jimmy Spencer. Spencer and Hornaday were racing for 3rd and got together, Spencer held on for 5th with a badly damaged truck. In his 2nd Truck Series start, #47-Aric Almirola finished 10th.
    For race results see:
    ESPN.com
    Truckseries.com
    Motorsports One
    NASCAR.com.(8-5-2005)
  • Goodwrench not back on #6 in 2006: Ray Dunlap reported in the IRP Truck Series pre-race show on Speed Channel, that sponsor GM Goodwrench will not return to Kevin Harvick Inc.’s #6 team and driver Ron Hornaday for the 2006 season, no word if GM Goodwrench will go to a different team or leave the series or who the sponsor will be for the #6.(8-5-2005)
  • Qualifying Rained Out: Rain washed out Qualifying for the Power Stroke Diesel 200 at the Indianapolis Raceway Park. The field was set by the NASCAR rule book, which puts current point leader #46-Dennis Setzer on the pole. The rest of the top-5 are: #1-Ted Musgrave, #04-Bobby Hamilton, #15-John Andretti, and #6-Ron Hornaday. Missing the race were: #44-Clay Rogers; #27-Frank Wilson Jr.; #33-Bobby East; #43-Johnny Sauter; #53-Michael Faulk; #91-Casey Kingsland.
    See the starting lineup at:
    Truckseries.com – Starting Lineup
    NASCAR.com.(8-5-2005)
  • Almirola back in the #47 at IRP: Aric Almirola will make his second Truck Series start in the #47 Home Depot Silverado at the upcoming Power Stroke Diesel 200 on August 5, 2005 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Almirola made a successful debut in the Morgan-Dollar Motorsports fielded truck at Memphis Motorsports Park on July 23rd. He worked his way through the field until contact late in the race sidelined the 21-year old driver. Almirola was running in 14th position at the time of his exit from the race and had displayed patience and maturity running in the thick of the competitive truck field. The Home Depot, primary sponsor of Almirola’s Joe Gibbs Racing late model stock car and Tony Stewart’s championship winning NASCAR NEXTEL Cup program, will be on board the #47 Silverado at IRP in support of Almirola’s second NCTS race. FedEx Express and Joe Gibbs Racing Performance Oil will serve as major associates on the truck with critical support from GM Racing as part of the Team Silverado program. In preparation for his second race, Almirola tested at IRP with the Randy Goss-led team. Although rain showers shortened the available track time for the Cuban-American from Tampa, FL native, Goss was pleased with the results of both the Memphis race and the test. Almirola has spent the past two seasons as a member of the Reggie White/Joe Gibbs Racing Diversity Program racking up wins and top-five finishes in a late model at short tracks all over North Carolina. JGR’s diversity program traces it roots back to May of 2003. In partnership with the late Reggie White, a Hall of Fame defensive end who played in the National Football League, JGR formed the diversity program to create a grassroots stock car team that would identify and assist minorities with the desire and talent to make a career in motorsports. In January of 2004 the diversity program became reality, thanks in large part to the support of JGR’s sponsors, most notably, The Home Depot and MBNA, the team’s primary sponsors, and Rockwell Automation and Cintas. the team’s associate sponsors.(GM Racing PR)(8-5-2005)
  • East to debut in the CTS; tested a Brewco car: Reigning USAC National Midget Car Series champion Bobby East will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut on Friday at Indianapolis Raceway Park when he will attempt to qualify a third truck for Roush Racing as part of Ford Racing’s driver development program. East was unable to get some seat time behind the #33 F-150 at IRP in preparation for [Friday night’s race], but did turn about 100 laps last Monday in a Busch Series car thanks to Brewco Motorsports. After splitting from his USAC team – Lewis Racing – last week, East will be using some of his open weekends to get ready for a possible full season of NASCAR Busch or Truck Series competition next season.(RacingOne via BGNRacing)(8-5-2005)
  • Bliss in the #06 for five races: hearing that 2002 Truck Series Champ Mike Bliss and Concord, NC based MRD Motorsports have agreed to a five race package in 2005. Bliss currently drives full-time in the Nextel Cup series in the #0 NetZero Chevrolet will perform double duty in the MRD Motorsports #06 Chevy Silverado at companion races with the Nextel Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series. The scheduled races will be Bristol, Richmond, Atlanta, Texas and Homestead.(8-5-2005)
  • DW to serve as Grand Marshal for Nashville Truck Series race: Nashville Superspeedway will play host to the Toyota Tundra 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Saturday afternoon, August 13 and racing legend Darrell Waltrip will serve as Grand Marshal for the race. Waltrip will be joined by more than 9,000 Toyota employees from around the nation for the second annual “homecoming” event to celebrate the Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Toyota Tundra 200 tickets include the ARCA RE/MAX Series race at 1 p.m., the Toyota Tundra 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at 4:15 p.m., and the Capitol Records Post Race Concert featuring Chris Cagle 15 minutes after the checkered flag. Tickets are available by calling toll-free 1-866-RACE-TIX or on-line at www.nashvillesuperspeedway.com.(Nashville Superspeedway PR)(8-4-2005)
  • Triple Duty on Tap for Hines at IRP: For many of the competitors in the Truck Series, it takes them three weeks in the middle of the busiest stretch of the season to run in three races. For Tracy Hines, he’ll take the green flag three times in three successive nights during the Kroger Speedfest at Indianapolis Raceway Park. In addition to his full-time duties behind the wheel of the #13 ThorSport Racing/David Zoriki Chevrolet in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Hines will also pilot the #37 Indiana Underground Beast/Mopar in Thursday’s USAC Silver Crown action, and then stick around an extra night to drive Ray Evernham’s #6 Hungry Drivers Dodge in the NASCAR Busch Series race. “This is one of my favorite weekends of the whole year,” Hines said. “It’s so close to home, and it’s one of my favorite racetracks. It just seems like everything in the world of racing is going on in Indianapolis this weekend, and it’s pretty cool to be a part of everything we’re doing.” On Saturday night, Hines is scheduled to make his second start with Ray Evernham’s #6 Busch Series team.(ThorSport Racing PR)(8-4-2005)
  • Andretti in the #15 for IRP and Nashville MORE: Billy Ballew has appointed John Andretti as driver of the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports entry for the next two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) and Nashville Superspeedway to be held Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 13, respectively. Andretti has competed in the #15 Chevrolet in two events already this season and racked up top-10 finishes in both races held at Kansas Speedway and Memphis Motorsports Park. And with a little help from a friend, the Billy Ballew Motorsports team will be sponsored when they head to Indianapolis this weekend. To help support his and the team;s efforts at IRP Friday evening, Andretti called upon good friend, Jeff Stoops of Stoops Freightliner. Stoops Freightliner, one of the largest dealerships in the country, has agreed to come on board for the race in their hometown of Indianapolis. Not only is Indy, Stoops’ hometown, it is also the city in which Andretti calls “home.”(Billy Ballew Motorsports)(8-3-2005)
    MORE: Billy Ballew Motorsports Welcomes the Addition of Local Indianapolis Sponsors for Friday’s Truck Series Race at IRP: Stoops Freightliner, Pedigo Chevrolet and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) have agreed to jump on board the #15 Chevrolet Silverado in support of their driver John Andretti. Stoops Freightliner, one of the country’s largest Freightliner dealerships, will be the primary sponsor. Andretti contacted Jeff Stoops, owner of Stoops Freightliner, who obliged simply out of friendship. Andretti and Stoops go way back to Andretti’s earlier racing days when he competed in USAC competition, as Stoops Freightliner was formerly a sponsor of USAC. Pedigo Chevrolet has also agreed to join the Billy Ballew Motorsports team this weekend at IRP. Gary Pedigo, owner and president of Pedigo Chevrolet, is also the co-owner of Panther Racing, one of the top-performing Indy Racing League teams with drivers Tomas Scheckter, Tomas Enge and Buddy Lazier. It’s only fitting that Indy’s #1 Chevrolet dealership partner with one of Chevrolet’s top NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team, Billy Ballew Motorsports, who currently sits fourth in the owners points standings. The third local supporter of Billy Ballew Motorsports this weekend is the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The ABC is the construction industry’s voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media.(Billy Ballew Motorsports)(8-4-2005)
  • Ren new crew chief for Benson: Bill Davis Racing announced today Rick Ren is assuming the crew chief duties for the #23 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) Tundra in the Truck Series, starting this weekend at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Ren has been a staple in Toyota’s success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, bringing the manufacturer its first win in a NASCAR touring series at Michigan International Speedway in 2004. Ren, a 31-year NASCAR veteran, will lead the TCUV team and driver Johnny Benson for the remainder of the 2005 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. “I am pleased Ren has come on board as the crew chief of the TCUV team,” commented Bill Davis, team owner and president of Bill Davis Racing. “He brings more than 30 years of experience to our program and has proven he knows how to win. We have the best equipment in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series garage and Ren is a strong leader, hopefully this will be the combination we have been looking for to get our #23 team in victory lane.” Ren was a founding member of the Bang Racing Organization and most recently worked at Robert Yates Racing as the crew chief of the #90 Busch Series team. Ren takes over the duties of the #23 team’s former crew chief, Greg Ely.(BDR PR)(8-3-2005)
  • New ownership structure for the #9 and #30: Germain Racing announced the formation of a new ownership structure as well as a new team name and logo. Formerly known as Germain / Arnold Racing, the team fields the #9 and #30 Toyota Tundra’s in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Effective immediately the team will run under the banner of Germain Racing. The new ownership structure and new team name comes as a result of the departure of Don Arnold from the organization. Arnold was co-owner of Germain / Arnold Racing organization but has left to focus his attention on his Nextel Cup Series operation which fields the #50 Dodge in the top series of NASCAR. The teams new name reflects the departure of Don Arnold from the organization. “Without the original direction of Don Arnold – the Germain’s might not have had the opportunity to begin racing at the NASCAR level,” said Bob Germain. “He remains a good friend of the Germain family and we wish him the best of luck in his own racing pursuits with his Nextel Cup program. At this time Germain Racing is totally committed to getting the job done for Toyota in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.” This name and ownership change has changed nothing with the race operations of the organization which are led by Mike Hillman, Sr. In fact, the team has posted a win (Kansas) and a second place finish in two out of their last three races. Germain Racing also announces the launch of a new team website – www.germainracing.com. The new site reflects the new team logo as well as pertinent information on the team and its drivers.(Integrity Sports Marketing)(8-3-2005)
  • #91 Team to Help Find Missing Children: TommyRaz Motorsports’ Casey Kingsland, the 20-year-old rookie driver from Las Vegas, Nevada, will feature a missing child on his #91 Speed Zone Energy Drink Dodge Ram during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Power Stroke Diesel 200 on August 5th at IRP . In a partnership with non-profit Nevada Child Seekers, TommyRaz Motorsports Ram will display a photo of missing child Alexander ” Chino” Laurel in hopes that someone can help identify his whereabouts. The two-year old boy is missing from Nevada and is believed to be heading towards Illinois. Hoping the exposure to thousands of dedicated NASCAR fans will expand the network, TommyRaz Motorsports will use its team all year to help locate missing children. If one child can be found because of the exposure with our team, that would be special. To further help raise money and awareness, TommyRaz Motorsports will give away a custom motorcycle October 17, 2005 to the holder of a winning ticket. Tickets may be purchased at the TommyRaz Motorsports booth at all events. A portion of the proceeds will go to Nevada Child Seekers to help find missing children. For more information on what you can do to help increase awareness about missing children or if you have any information on Alexander “Chino” Laurel please contact Nevada Child Seekers at nevadachildseekers.org. For more information about Casey Kingsland and TommyRaz Motorsports, visit their website at tommyrazmotorsports.com.(8-3-2005)
  • Mike Wallace in the #12 at IRP: Darrell Waltrip Motorsports announced today Mike Wallace will drive the #12 Toyota Tundra NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry at Indianapolis Raceway Park Friday night. “I appreciate the opportunity to drive for Darrell Waltrip Motorsports,” said Wallace. “It’s kind of a historic weekend for me. I’m also driving for Rusty Wallace in his RWI car on Saturday night. I’m driving for two past NASCAR champions at IRP. I’ve got a full weekend with the truck race Friday night, the Busch race Saturday night and then the Brickyard on Sunday. Hopefully, we’ll have success in all three. I’m excited to work with Bobby Kennedy and the whole 12 crew at IRP. I’ve won a Busch race at IRP before and had success there in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck.”
    “Right now, we’ve got Mike going in the truck at IRP,” said Waltrip. “He’s run really well there in the past and I think he’ll do a fine job. We really enjoyed the opportunity to work with Robert, who was Toyota’s first NASCAR champion. He did a great job for us and a tremendous job for Toyota. We wish him continued success in his endeavors.”(DW Motorsports PR)(8-2-2005)
  • News and Notes – IRP:
    Setzer holds point lead of historic proportions … Setzer is 158 points ahead of closest rival Ted Musgrave (#1 Mopar Dodge) entering the 15th race of 2005. The last time there was a lead greater than 158 points in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was the last race of the 2000 season, following California Speedway on Oct. 28, 2000. Greg Biffle’s lead was 230 points over Kurt Busch, 110 races ago. The largest lead in the series came the same season – following Dover International Speedway’s September event – when Biffle led Mike Wallace by 290 points.
    ETC. … Defending race winner Chad Chaffin (#60 Wyler.com Toyota) will become the series’ 28th $1 million career-winner by starting Friday’s race. Chaffin has current winnings of $997,839. Chaffin’s last-lap pass of Johnny Sauter (#43 Menards Chevrolet) was among the most dramatic finishes in series history. … The 2004 IRP finish was the second in three races in which the winner led only the final lap. … The IRP winner has started no worse than fifth and from among the top three on eight occasions. … Johnny Benson’s (#23 Toyota Certified Used Cars Toyota) first of four second-place finishes – his series bests – came at Indianapolis Raceway Park in 1995. … The Power Stroke Diesel 200 is the fourth of seven short-track races on this year’s schedule. There have been three different winners. … The 1998 race featured the most leaders, eight and most lead changes, 11. The series’ closest finish at the track – Biffle beating Stacy Compton by .261-second – came in 1999. … U.S. Auto Club 2004 National Midget champion Bobby East, 20, will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck debut this week in the #33 Roush Racing Ford. … Co-owner Don Arnold has departed Germain Racing to concentrate fulltime on his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup team. Germain Racing fields the #9 AISIN Toyota of Raybestos rookie contender Shige Hattori and the #30 Allman Brothers Band Toyota of Todd Bodine.
    ON THE RIGHT TRACK
    IRP has been kind to Terry Cook … Indianapolis Raceway Park would seem a perfect place for Terry Cook (#10 Ford Power Stroke Diesel Ford) to end a 72-race winless streak. Cook’s last of five series wins was recorded Aug. 2, 2002 at IRP, a race he won from the Bud Pole after leading 178 laps. Cook finished second in 2001 and ninth in 2003.
    Hamilton, Roush are two-time IRP winners … Four owners have won twice at IRP with Bobby Hamilton and Jack Roush looking to add a third victory in 2005. Hamilton’s #18 Dodge, then driven by Chaffin, is the defending race winner. Chase Montgomery is Hamilton’s driver this season. Ruttman won in the #18 truck in 2000. Roush’s victories came in 1999 and 2003 with Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, respectively.
    10 YEARS TOUGH
    The 1998 schedule of 25 races saw NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitors competing twice during the same week on two occasions. The July 30 Power Stroke Diesel 200 was run on Thursday night followed by an event at New Hampshire International Speedway on Sunday, Aug. 2. Teams did another “double” in September – on Thursday night at Richmond International Raceway and Sunday afternoon at Memphis Motorsports Park.
    FROM THE ARCHIVES
    There have been two repeat winners of the Power Stroke Diesel 200 – Mike Skinner in 1995-96 and Jack Sprague in 1998 and 2001. A different driver has won the race in six consecutive years dating to Greg Biffle’s victory in 1999. An IRP victory has been on the season champion’s record just twice – Skinner (1995) and Sprague (2001).
    Fast Facts
    Next Event: Power Stroke Diesel 200 (Race #15 of 25).
    Where: Indianapolis Raceway Park.
    When: 8:45 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 5.
    Track layout: .686-mile paved oval.
    Race length: 200 laps/137.2 miles.
    Posted awards: $498,400.
    TV: SPEED Channel, 8:45 p.m. ET.
    Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
    2004 winner: Chad Chaffin.
    2004 polesitter: Jack Sprague.
    Pre-race schedule (all times local): Friday – Practice 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12-1 p.m. Qualifying 5 p.m. Trucks impounded after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(8-2-2005)

  • 2004 CTS Yearbook can now be ordered: UMI Publications, Inc. is proud to announce two brand new exciting books, The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Yearbook and The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Yearbook. These two books continue the celebrated history of the yearbook series by delivering unsurpassed quality and value to NASCAR fans since 1988. Both of the yearbooks are beautiful leather-bound coffee table books that cover each of their respective series and capture all of the action-packed racing in words and pictures from every event during the 2004 season. These books are licensed by NASCAR and are part of the “NASCAR Library Collection.”

    – ***”First Edition”*** Introducing the Inaugural edition of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Yearbook. For 10 years, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has offered some of the most exciting and competitive racing in the country, and now all of the action is presented in a beautiful, hardback coffee-table book for you to enjoy over and over again for years to come. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own the FIRST-EVER edition of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Yearbook. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Yearbook 2004 contains 176 pages of amazing full color photos from some of the best photographers on the circuit.

    Each of these books may be ordered directly at www.umibooks.com or by calling 800-747-9287. Delivery by Christmas is guaranteed in the continental United States if ordered by December 10th 2004. Also, orders can be shipped via UPS Air as late as December 20th for a small additional fee.(11-19-2004)

 

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