July 2009 Camping World Truck Series Archive - Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site

July 2009 Truck Series News Archive

Kansas race moves to Sunday in 2010: When the Indy Racing League announces its schedules for the 2010 season later today, there will be a new twist for Kansas Speedway’s 10th anniversary. The IndyCar Series, for the first time, will run on a Saturday instead of a Sunday at Kansas Speedway. The IndyCar race will be Saturday, May 1; the NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series, traditionally a Saturday event, will move to Sunday, May 2. Because of television conflicts with Talladega, Kansas Speedway started the IndyCar and trucks races after 4 p.m. In 2010, they can start at noon or 1, Central time because the Sprint Cup series will be at Richmond on Saturday night, so there will not be conflicts on either day. “From the feedback we received from the fans, we were trying to move the start times earlier in the day, and this works out well,” said Jeff Boerger, president of Kansas Speedway. “Fans were telling us we were starting the races too late. Saturday was not so much of a concern, but Sunday is a concern because people have to get back to work on Monday. “If we’re starting the races at 4, by time they get out of the race track, it’s 6 o’clock and they have some driving to do because so many of our fans come from outside of Kansas City. It’s a switch that accommodates schedules and times, and something we all agreed to do to help the fans and accomplish what we want.” (Kansas City Star)(7-31-2009)
Goodyear Tire Notes: This is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams ran at Nashville last season . . . this is also the same tire set-up that NASCAR Nationwide teams have run at Nashville for all four races between 2008-2009 . . . this is the only track at which these two tire codes will be run this year . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Nashville . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.(Goodyear PR) [Compete tire specs are posted on the Nashville Race Page](7-31-2009)
Nashville another series first for Malsam UPDATE plans to return to trucks in 2010: Saturday’s race at Nashville Superspeedway will be Tayler Malsam’s first NASCAR race in the #81-One Eighty Toyota at the track. Malsam competed at the 1.333-mile Superspeedway one year ago in the ARCA/ReMax Series. With Malsam’s solid effort at Kentucky, the Seattle, Washington native extended his lead in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Point Standings. Malsam currently leads second-place Johnny Sauter by a total of eight points.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(7-29-2009)
UPDATE: Malsam’s seventh-place finish last week at O’Reilly Raceway Park was his fifth top-10 in the last eight races and sixth of the season, and it came despite an unscheduled pit stop for a flat tire at midrace. Malsam’s Toyota was a contender to win a week earlier at Kentucky before contact with Timothy Peters near the end cut a tire and he finished 13th. “We can run better, but we’re happy where we’re at,” Malsam said. “[Crew chief] Doug Wolcott and the team does a good job of putting good trucks underneath me. We want to finish in the top-five [in points] and we’re only 65 out of it.” Malsam’s career has moved quickly up the ladder, but he’s not in a hurry to make another jump. “I’ll run trucks again next season,” Malsam said. “I definitely want to be ready for Nationwide and Sprint Cup.”(SportingNews.com)(7-31-2009)
Artist Sam Bass named Grand Marshall for Nashville: During an interview on Sirius Speedway, Artist Sam Bass announced that he has been named Grand Marshall for this Saturday’s Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville Superspeedway. Sam Bass has distinguished himself as the premier artist in NASCAR racing for more than 25 years, and well-known as the artist who hand-paints the Gibson Guitar awarded to the winner of the race at Nashville.(7-30-2009)
Young returns to SS Green Light Racing: Jason Young will return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Saturday’s running of the Toyota Tundra 200 in SS Green Light Racing’s #07 at the Nashville Superspeedway. The former Texas Super Late Model Champ feels he has something to prove this weekend. “We didn’t get to race much at Memphis so I’m really looking forward to this weekend. The truck that Bobby is prepping has run well at Nashville in the past so I’m hoping we can pick-up right where they left off. I need to be able to run solid laps and get a good feel for these trucks so we can get more opportunities down the road.”(SS Green Light Racing PR)(7-29-2009)
PC* Miler Navigator partners with RMM to sponsor Skinner: Randy Moss Motorsports is pleased to announce that PC*MILER Navigator has signed with the team to sponsor Mike Skinner for a multiple races in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. Skinner, the 1995 Truck Series Champion, will carry the PC*MILER Navigator brand for the first time as a primary sponsor this week at Nashville Superspeedway. Specific races and dates for remaining dates will be released in the future. For more information about PC*MILER Navigator, please visit pcmilernavigator.com.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(7-28-2009)
Double-file restart announcement soon UPDATE 2 No changes for NCWTS: During an interview on Sirius Radio’s The Morning Drive program, NCWTS Director Wayne Auton said that NASCAR would be making an announcement at O’Reilly Raceway Park this weekend regarding when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will start utilizing double-file restarts.(7-21-2009)
UPDATE: During the prerace show on SPEEDtv, Krista Voda reported that Series Director Wayne Auton told the teams that the Camping World Truck Series will not be changing to double-file restarts and also no changes to pit stops for the remainder of 2009.(7-24-2009)
UPDATE 2: The Trucks will continue to use the traditional restart lineup with lap-down cars on the inside and lead-lap trucks on the outside. “We took a close look at the changes we introduced at the beginning of the year and have decided not to implement double-file restarts for the series this season,” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Director Wayne Auton said. “We have discussed this with the teams and will re-evaluate everything at the end of the year. The changes made this season are working. There is a lot of interest in the series and the competitors continue to put on some of the best racing anywhere.” The Truck series has different rules for pit stops than the other two series. The change, designed to cut costs, prohibits teams from refueling and changing tires on the same pit stop.(SceneDaily.com)(7-28-2009)
More races planned for Rob Fuller Motorsports: Following their series debut at ORP, Rob Fuller Motorsports has plans to run four more races this season. They are looking at running Loudon, Martinsville, Talladega and Phoenix. There will be two drivers involved, Rob Fuller and Robert Richardson Jr. [not determined yet who will run which race], and will run the #71-Chevy truck. Sponsor for driver Rob Fuller will be Draco; sponsor for Robert Richardson Jr. will be Mahindra.(Rob Fuller Motorsports PR)(7-28-2009)
Drivers to appear at Nashville charitable event: Stacy Compton, David Starr, Timothy Peters, Brian Scott, TJ Bell & others are scheduled to participate in the Billy Reasons NASH-CAR Party” on Thursday, July 30th at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville to benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The event, will also feature appearances by Alabama lead guitarist, Jeff Cook, “The World’s Strongest Redneck” Steve McGranahan, comedian Steve Hofstetter and many more. NCWTS haulers will be parked on 2nd Avenue leading up to a night of good times and good music for a great cause. The event starts at 5:00 PM. Ticket prices start at $10 and can be purchased at the Wildhorse Saloon box office or through Ticketmaster. Ticketholders will be treated to live music, free tours of NASCAR haulers and a NASCAR memorabilia-filled silent auction. A select number of VIP tickets are available for purchase. The VIP tickets include premium seating as well as an exclusive Meet & Greet with the drivers and artists.(Powerhouse Entertainment Group PR) [Find more information on the Jayski Charities Page, listed under Billy Reasons NASH-CAR Party.](7-28-2009)
Bodine & Ventrilo team up again at Nashville: Ventrilo, a product of Flagship Industries, was the first company to announce a multi-race program with the #30 Ventrilo Tundra. That relationship debuted at Kansas Speedway and has continually grown. Ventrilo added Nashville Superspeedway to its primary sponsorship program with the # 30 Ventrilo Tundra which included four races in the 2009 season. The first race was at Kansas Speedway, followed by O’Reilly Raceway Park, then Bristol and Gateway. Bodine has three top-five and four top-ten finishes in four Truck Series races at Nashville Superspeedway.(Germain Racing PR)(7-28-2009)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Nashville:
*James Buescher was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the July 24 AAA Insurance 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Buescher scored a sixth-place finish, his second consecutive top-10 and third of the 2009 season. He claimed top rookie honors for the third time this season.
*At least one Raybestos Rookie has finished in the top-10 in the last nine consecutive races.
*Tayler Malsam posted a seventh-place finish, his sixth top-10 of the season.
*Malsam leads the overall Raybestos Rookie standings by eight points (143-135) over Johnny Sauter entering the August 1 Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.
*Colin Braun was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2008 Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville, grabbing a sixth-place finish.
*Carl Edwards is the only Raybestos Rookie to win in eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races at Nashville. Edwards won the 2003 race by 1.209 seconds over Ted Musgrave in 2003. He is also the only Raybestos Rookie to lead the most laps at Nashville, holding the top spot twice for 76 of 150 laps. *A Raybestos Rookie has finished in the top-10 in ALL EIGHT NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races at Nashville.(Raybestos PR) [Rookie point standings are posted on the Nashville Race Page.](7-28-2009)
NCWTS Post Race Stats – Racing Resources says….
*This is the 23rd career win for Kevin Harvick Inc., and the sixth win this season.
*Hornaday led twice for 67 laps, including the last 32. He now has led at least one lap in 12 of the 13 races in 2009, including the past 11.
*Hornaday leads the Truck standings by 174 points.
*Mike Skinner (second) took over second in the point standings.
*Matt Crafton (16th) came into the race second in points but dropped to third, 176 behind Hornaday.
*Aric Almirola (third) scored his best career finish.
*James Buescher was the best-finishing of the five rookie of the year contenders in the race.
*The top 10 consisted of two Chevrolets, six Toyotas and two Fords.(ESPN.com)(7-27-2009)
Kvapil to pilot #51 at Nashville: Travis Kvapil, the 2003 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, will pilot the #51 Miccosukee Resort Billy Ballew Motorsports truck at Nashville Superspeedway Saturday, August 1, 2009. Kvapil won the 2007 Truck Series race in his last start at the 1.33-mile superspeedway just outside Nashville, Tennessee. The current Yates Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver has five previous Camping World Truck Series starts at Nashville Superspeedway, posting one win, two top-five and three top-10 finishes. (Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(7-27-2009)
Martins approved to run Nashville: After his performance last weekend at ORP in Indianapolis, NASCAR has approved Tommy Joe Martins to compete this weekend in the Camping World Truck Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.(Middle TN Racing Scene)(7-27-2009)
Feese returns with Billy Ballew Motorsports at Nashville: Blake Feese will make his return to NASCAR Saturday August 1, 2009 at Nashville Superspeedway piloting the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports NASCAR Camping World Truck. The 27-year-old driver has one career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start driving for Billy Ballew Motorsports in 2005 where he finished in the 15th-place position. Feese ran 13 events in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2004 and 2005.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(7-27-2009)
Fitzpatrick to make Nashville debut with KHI: J. R. Fitzpatrick will be making his third career start for Kevin Harvick Inc. and the # 4 team at Nashville Superspeedway. This will be Fitzpatrick’s first trip to the speedway. Last week Fitzpatrick joined KHI team co-owner Kevin Harvick at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for a test session to prepare for the Nationwide Series events at Watkins Glen International on August 8 and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 30. Fitzpatrick learned quite a bit from the boss who was quickest of the two at the session.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(7-27-2009)
Crew Chief Rick Ren tied for most wins: With last week’s win at ORP, Rick Ren is now tied with Dennis Conner as the all-time winningest crew chief in Truck Series history. Ren has tallied a total of 26 wins with five different drivers, three of which include Kevin Harvick Inc.’s very own Rick Carelli (KHI General Manager), Andy Houston (spotter for the #4 Truck team) and driver of the #33, Ron Hornaday. Hornaday, driving the #33-Longhorn Chevy, will go for an unprecedented five wins in a row this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(7-27-2009)
Hornaday sets new series record: Ron Hornaday Jr., held off a late challenge from Mike Skinner to win the AAA Insurance 200, making him the first driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series to win four consecutive races. Hornaday, the three-time series champion, had won at Milwaukee, Memphis and Kentucky. Five drivers had shared the record of three wins in a row: Hornaday (1997 and 2009), Skinner (1996 and 2007), Greg Biffle (2000), Todd Bodine (2005) and Johnny Benson (2008).(ESPN/AP)(7-24-2009)
Musgrave joins ARCA team as driver coach: Officials from Sheltra Motorsports have announced that NASCAR veteran Ted Musgrave has joined the veteran ARCA RE/MAX Series team as a driver coach for Indiantown, Florida native Patrick Sheltra beginning with Saturday night’s Wolverine Power Systems 200 presented by Generac at Berlin Raceway. A familiar face at the racetrack, Musgrave, the 2005 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion will act as a mentor to the 23-year old rising star as Sheltra progresses through his third year of ARCA competition.(Sheltra Motorsports PR)(7-23-2009)
Hornaday WIX Filters Lap Leader of the Race in AAA Insurance 200: Ron Hornaday Jr. led twice for 67 laps to earn WIX Filters Lap Leader of the Race honors in the AAA Insurance 200. Hornaday Jr. has now led 633 total laps this season and at least one lap in 12 of the 13 races this season including the last 11 consecutive. Hornaday Jr. has now led 8,395 laps in 238 career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. Hornaday Jr. claimed WIX Filters Lap Leader of the Race for the 10th time this season for the fourth consecutive race and enjoys a commanding lead over JR Fitzpatrick and Ryan Hackett in the overall WIX Filters Lap Leader standings. Fitzpatrick and Hackett have each earned the honor once.(WIX Filters PR)(7-24-2009)
Goodyear Tire Notes – O’Reilly Raceway Park: Teams in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series will run the same tire set-up at O’Reilly Raceway Park this weekend, though the Nationwide tires will be branded “Goodyear Eagle,” while the Truck tires will be branded “Goodyear Wrangler” . . . in the Nationwide Series, teams have already run this exact combination of left- and right-side tires at Milwaukee and New Hampshire in 2009 . . . they are also scheduled to run this same set-up at Memphis in October . . . in addition, Nationwide teams have run this left-side tire code (D-4238) with a different right-side code at both Phoenix and Richmond earlier this season . . . in the Camping World Truck Series, this is the only track at which teams are scheduled to run this right-side code (D-4250), though they have run this left-side code twice already (Milwaukee and Memphis) and are scheduled to run it twice more (New Hampshire and Phoenix) this season . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at ORP. [Complete tire specs are posted on the ORP Race Page.](Goodyear PR)(7-24-2009)
NASCAR penalizes #33-Crew Chief for rules infractions at Kentucky: Rick Ren, crew chief for the #33 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been fined and placed on probation for rule infractions committed this past weekend at Kentucky Speedway. The No. 33 truck was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR Officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20B-12A (mounting points on the axle housing must be evenly spaced and welded to prevent movement; mounting points were not evenly spaced) of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rule book. The infractions occurred during opening day inspection on July 17. Ren has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR) [Previous news on this story is posted on the July Archive Page](7-22-2009)
Martins set to make series debut at ORP: ASA Challenge Series racer Tommy Joe Martins will be making his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut this weekend at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. Martins has raced at the track before in ASA competition, and will run his familiar #44 number on the truck. It is his own team’s truck that they have purchased, but will be making the attempt with support from Baker Curb Racing.(Tommy Joe Martins PR)(7-22-2009)
Malsam making first trip to ORP: Friday’s race at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis will be Malsam’s first race at the legendary track. Malsam will look to bring home a solid effort with the #81-One Eighty Toyota in only his fourth short-track race of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. With Malsam’s solid effort at Kentucky, the Seattle, Washington native extended his lead in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Point Standings. Malsam currently leads second-place Johnny Sauter by a total of three points. In addition, Malsam is the highest Raybestos Rookie in the NCWTS Championship Point Standings, as he holds the seventh position.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(7-22-2009)
Milwaukee Mile officially cuts ties with promoter UPDATE Six promoters express interest: The Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors formally ended its contract with Wisconsin Motorsports on Monday night. Wisconsin Motorsports Chief Executive Officer and President Claude Napier had given the board permission last week to find a new promoter, and the move Monday was expected. Napier honored more than $1 million in race tickets for which his company received no monetary compensation – the tickets were sold before Napier took over the promotion of the track in February – and also faced several other unanticipated and insurmountable financial challenges. Wisconsin Motorsports reportedly owes NASCAR more than $1.8 million for the Camping World Truck and Nationwide series races last month. Those fees likely would need to be paid before NASCAR would sanction races there in 2010. It is anticipated that anyone who would enter into an agreement with the state to promote the track would ask the state to foot that bill.(SceneDaily.com) [For past news on this story, see the July Archives Page.](7-21-2009)
UPDATE: Six investor groups have expressed interest in taking over promotional rights for the historic Milwaukee Mile racetrack. NASCAR and the Indy Racing League are poised to post their 2010 schedules soon, creating a tight timeline to pull off a deal. Wisconsin State Fair Park interim executive director Craig Barkelar said Tuesday that the board has had “general discussions” with six groups and hopes to receive formal bids by Friday. The State Fair Park board voted Monday to end its partnership with promoter Wisconsin Motorsports, which is believed to owe NASCAR and the IRL several million dollars.(Associated Press)(7-22-2009)
Almirola to double up at ORP: Aric Almirola returns to one of his favorite tracks, O’Reilly Raceway Park this weekend in the #15 RedTop Auto Auction Billy Ballew Motorsports entry. Almirola will be playing double duty at the Indianapolis, Indiana racetrack running in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Series races in the #40 NNS car for Key Motorsports. RedTop Auto Auction will serve as the primary sponsor on the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports truck. Auction Broadcasting Company, parent company to the Atlanta, GA-based ABC Red Top Auto Auction is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR) [Image of the #15 Redtop Auto Auction Toyota is posted on the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.](7-21-2009)
Ventrilo returns as Bodine sponsor: For the second time this season, Germain Racing’s #30-Toyota with driver Todd Bodine, will be sponsored by Ventrilo at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Bodine will also drive the Ventrilo Tundra at ORP, Bristol and Gateway. Ventrilo 3.0.0 is the next evolutionary step of Voice over IP (VoIP) group communications software.(Germain Racing PR)(7-21-2009)
Surgery scheduled for Johnny Benson UPDATE: [Note from Debbie Benson] Johnny will have surgery to repair the shoulder separation on Monday July 20 at 8:00am. Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated. Words cannot describe how overwhelming the support from friends, family and fans has been. Nothing we say or do could adequately express our gratefulness to you. Please accept our simple, sincere and heartfelt thank you. For those JB fans wanting to send get well cards to Johnny as he recuperates you may send them to: JBFC – PO Box 150619, Grand Rapids, MI 49515.((JohnnyBenson.com) (7-20-2009)
UPDATE: [Note from Debbie Benson] Surgery went well!! It lasted just over 2 1/2 hours as expected. He has a pain block in that will last until Thursday evening. Physical therapy begins next week.((JohnnyBenson.com) (7-21-2009)
Carmichael X-Games bound: When the Truck Series heads to Nashville Superspeedway, Ricky Carmichael will return to the X-Games to participate in two events. Carmichael will take his Suzuki to compete in the Best Whip competition as well as defend his 2008 gold medal in the Step-Up competition. Carmichael is a two-time X-Game gold medalist. Carmichael will be in the #4-Monter Energy KHI Chevy this weekend at O’Reilly Raceway Park.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(7-21-2009)
Harriman to make series debut at ORP: Richard Harriman is scheduled to make his NASCAR Truck Series debut this Friday at ORP driving the #47-Fast Track Racing Chevy with sponsor CJ Electrical Service. Richard currently works full time for JD Motorsports, a NASCAR Nationwide Series team. Harriman’s background ranges from Karts, Late Models, and most recently, captured the 2007 W.E.S.C.O Sprint Car series championship in his rookie season before relocating to North Carolina in 2008.(RH Motorsports PR)(7-21-2009)
Kyle Busch returns to #51 at ORP: Kyle “Rowdy” Busch will make his return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Friday, July 24, 2009 for the running of the AAA Insurance 200 presented by JD Byrider at O’Reilly Raceway Park piloting the #51 Miccosukee Resort/RedTop Auto Auction Toyota Tundra. Busch last piloted the Billy Ballew Motorsports entry at Michigan International Speedway in June posting a second place finish.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(7-20-2009)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – ORP:
*Ricky Carmichael was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the July 18 Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky Speedway. Carmichael scored a seventh-place finish, his best in nine NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. He grabbed his second top-10 and claimed top rookie honors for the second time in 2009.
*Carmichael equaled his best-career qualifying effort at Kentucky, claiming the third-place starting position. The Kentucky race was the third time Carmichael has started in third-place this season.
*James Buescher posted an eighth-place finish at Kentucky, his second top-10 in 2009.
*Two Raybestos Rookies led at Kentucky: Tayler Malsam (once for 12 laps) and Brian Ickler (once for one lap).
*Malsam leads Johnny Sauter by one point (129-126) in the overall Raybestos Rookie standings entering the July 24 AAA Insurance 200 at O’Reilly (Clermont, Ind.) Raceway Park.
*Malsam is seventh in the series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He trails sixth-place Brian Scott by 73 points and is 14 ahead of eighth-place Terry Cook.
*Donny Lia was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2008 AAA Insurance 200, scoring a ninth-place finish.
*Carl Edwards is the only Raybestos Rookie to win in 14 previous races at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Edwards won the 2003 event by .617 seconds over Travis Kvapil.(Raybestos PR)(7-20-2009)
Double-duty for Hornaday at ORP: This weekend at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, Ron Hornaday will step behind the wheel of the #33 Kevin Harvick Inc. Vlasic Pickles Chevrolet. In In addition to running the Nationwide Series race on Saturday evening at ORP, Hornaday will also run the Truck Series race on Friday night, looking to take the #33 Veterans of Foreign Wars Chevrolet to victory lane and score his fourth straight Truck Series win.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(7-20-2009)
Bainey makes second series start at ORP: Tim Bainey Jr. and the #00 Aaron’s Lucky Dog Truck Series Team made a rather impressive NASCAR Debut nearly two months ago at Dover International Speedway, finishing on the lead lap in the 15th position – now they turn their focus to O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis for the 2nd event on their 2009 schedule. “We’re looking forward to getting the #00 Aaron’s Lucky Dog Truck back on the track,” said Tim Jr. “We had a great run at Dover, and it definitely gives us some great momentum as we head into our next few events.”(Tim Bainey Jr. PR)(7-20-2009)
Caitlin Shaw to debut with Red Horse Racing at ORP UPDATE 2: Billy Venturini as crew chief: Caitlin Shaw will debut with Red Horse Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at O’Reilly Raceway Park Friday. Shaw will be driving the #1 entry. Shaw’s background is in open-wheel racing, but she made the switch to stock-car racing this year at Hickory Motor Speedway. Shaw competed in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series in the #12 Late Model to get approved for NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series.(SceneDaily.com)(7-19-2009)
UPDATE: On the preliminary entry list, ARCA veteran driver & crew chief, Billy Venturini is listed as crew chief for the Red Horse Racing #1 team at ORP.(7-20-2009)
UPDATE 2: The AAA Insurance 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park will mark Shaw’s first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start. Shaw currently races in the USAC National Series but has more than a decade of racing experience under her belt. Sponsorship for the #1 Red Horse Racing Tundra comes from several sources including Sparco USA, Toyota Racing Development, GirlRacer.co.uk, Community Healthcare Service, Piloti Driving Shoes, Calico Coatings, Racing Radios and K&N; Engineering. Billy Venturini will serve as the crew chief for the #1 Toyota Tundra. Venturni Motorsports’ ARCA/REMAX team will serve as Shaw’s crew members for the AAA Insurance 200.(Red Horse Racing PR)(7-20-2009)
NASCAR officials confiscate parts from KHI’s #33-Chevy UPDATE:Rear-end housing confiscated: Hearing that prior to qualifying, NASCAR inspectors confiscated the rear-end of the #33-KHI Chevy of driver, Ron Hornaday Jr. Apparently officials allowed Hornaday’s team to pull the rear-end out of the backup truck for Hornaday to use for the race.(7-18-2009)
UPDATE: During the pre-race broadcast on SPEEDtv, Ray Dunlap confirmed that during prerace inspection the rear-end housing of the #33-KHI Chevy was found to be offset and outside the provisions of the NASCAR rule book. As a result, the part was confiscated by NASCAR officials, and more than likely, penalties will come down from NASCAR early next week.(7-18-2009)
Gateway race rebranded as Copart 200: As the result of an agreement between Camping World and Copart, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Gateway International Raceway on Sept. 12 has been re-branded as the Copart 200. The race was previously the Camping World 200. “Camping World is actively working to bring new and relevant companies like Copart to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World. “Copart is a great company and they have quickly become one of the leading supporters of the Series, its member tracks, and the teams.”(Gateway Raceway PR)(7-17-2009)
Goodyear Tire Notes — Kentucky: This is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams ran at Kentucky last season . . . Truck Series teams have run this specific tire set-up three times in 2008 (Kentucky, Dover and Michigan) and once already in 2009 (Michigan) . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Kentucky . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than the outer tire.(Goodyear PR) [Complete specs are posted on the Kentucky Race Page.] (7-17-2009)
Crawford visiting Ford plant on the way to Kentucky: Rick Crawford, driver of the #14-Circle Bar/International Truck & Engine Ford, is scheduled to visit Ford’s Sharonville Transmission Plant on Thursday afternoon. Located just north of Cincinnati, the Ford Motor Co. factory in Sharonville, Ohio, produces the five-speed transmission used in its F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks. “We’re looking forward to going to Kentucky this weekend for the Built Ford Tough 225 and we’re going out early this week to visit one of Ford’s manufacturing plants, so we’re doing a lot to help promote Ford and the race sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers” said Crawford.(Circle Bar Racing PR)(7-15-2009)
MB Motorsports to run Stancill at Kentucky: MB Motorsports will run their third NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race of 2009 this Saturday, July 18th in the “Built Ford Tough 225” at the Kentucky Speedway. Ayden, North Carolina’s Ben Stancill will once again take the wheel of the [#63] MB Motorsports Ford F-150, after having a very strong Top-20 run at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in his last race with the MB Motorsports Team on May 15th. It was Ben’s second Top-20 in only 3 previous NCWTS starts. Longtime partners, Mittler Bros. Machine & Tool, Dave Porter Trucking, and Don Shetler Ford, will continue their support of MB Motorsports again in 2009.(MB Racing PR) [Image of the #63-Mittler Bros. Machine & Tool Ford is posted on the Paint Schemes Page.](7-14-2009)
Busy week for Malsam: Tayler Malsam will compete in four races this week – three 360 Sprint Car races in Oregon, topped off by his Truck Series race driving the #81 One-Eighty Toyota for Randy Moss Motorsports on Saturday evening at Kentucky Speedway. Malsam also competes for Rudeen Racing in the Sprint Car Series, driving the #26 car.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(7-14-2009)
Kentucky marked one-year anniversary for RMM: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will head to Kentucky Speedway this weekend where a veteran team will mark a new sort of anniversary, the one-year anniversary of team co-owner Randy Moss coming on board, transforming Morgan-Dollar Motorsports to Randy Moss Motorsports. After Moss came on board, several drivers rotated in and out of the #81 truck. The team finished out the year 20th in the owners’ points standings. As the 2009 season dawned, the team put the pieces together to head to Daytona with veteran Mike Skinner (#5 Toyota) and Raybestos Rookie of the Year contender Tayler Malsam (#81 One-Eighty Toyota) as their drivers. After the season’s first 11 races, the team has accomplished a lot in very little time. “It is definitely exciting to come to our one-year anniversary mark and head back to where our first race was last year,” said team co-owner David Dollar. Mike and Tayler have done a great job for our program and to have them both in the top seven in the points standings says a lot about our organization and the people we have working at RMM.”(NASCAR PR) [More of NASCAR’s Kentucky pre-race News & Notes are posted on the Kentucky Race Page](7-14-2009)
Wyler Racing to make “home track” visit: Driver Stacy Compton and his #60-SafeAuto Insurance Wyler Racing Toyota will visit the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati to watch the hometown Reds play host to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, July 16. Team owner Jeff Wyler is also a minority owner of the Reds, where as a college student he sold tickets to help pay for his education. “I think everybody’s got a home track, and for us, this is our home track – Kentucky Speedway,” said David Wyler, President of Wyler Racing. “We’re going to have a few hundred of our family, our employees, and our friends there. The track is a half-hour outside of where we live and it’s really special for us that we can have the race team come up so close to home and that everyone who is so close to us and our friends, family, and our co-workers can see firsthand why we love the sport of NASCAR so much.”(Wyler Racing PR)(7-14-2009)
Almirola returns for BBM at Kentucky; RedTop Auto Auction to sponsor: Aric Almirola returns to Kentucky Speedway piloting the #15 RedTop Auto Auction Billy Ballew Motorsports NASCAR Camping World truck in the Built Ford Tough 225 presented by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers Saturday, July 18, 2009. RedTop Auto Auction, a division of Auction Broadcasting Company, LLC will serve as the primary sponsor on the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports truck (Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(7-14-2009)
McCumbee & sponsor, tiwi return at Kentucky: Chad McCumbee and the #07-SS Green Light Racing tiwi-sponsored team will go all out in search of that elusive first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory at this weekend’s 225-mile race at Kentucky Speedway. tiwi is a first-of-its-kind system to mentor and monitor teen drivers as they develop critical driving habits. It is an onboard computer with the power to instantly alert and instruct young drivers while, at the same time, enabling parents to receive real-time notifications by phone, text or email concerning their teen’s current location, actions and driving safety.(PPR Plus/SS Green Light Racing )(7-14-2009)
Ickler in RedTop Auto Auction Toyota, plus double-duty at Kentucky: Brian Ickler will make his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start at Kentucky Speedway Saturday, July 18, 2009 piloting the #51 RedTop Auto Auction Toyota Tundra in the running of the Built Ford Tough 225 presented by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers race. Ickler has one previous start at the 1.5-mile D-shaped tri-oval in the ARCA RE/MAX Series finishing in the fourth place position after starting the event in the 33rd-place. Ickler will run a double header Saturday at the Sparta, Kentucky racetrack, first in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and will immediately jump into his ARCA RE/MAX Series car for the Click It or Ticket Buckle-Up Kentucky 150 race.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(7-14-2009)
HT Motorsports sponsor, Cajun Industries rewards employees with trip to track: Cajun Industries, sponsor of the #25-Toyota with driver Terry Cook, has started a safety incentive program whereby front-line supervisors without any safety incidents are placed in a drawing each month. Out of those supervisors, a winner is chosen to travel to the race track as an honorary Crew Chief to sit beside the team’s Crew Chief Danny Rollins. April’s contest winner was Robert Lively, a 27 year employee of Cajun. He attended Texas Motor Speedway as his reward. Plus, his name was displayed across the rear of the race truck in recognition of his good record. May’s contest winner was Justin Brewer who attended Memphis Motorsports Park and also had his name displayed across the rear of the race truck in recognition of his good record.(HT Motorsports PR)(7-14-2009)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Kentucky: Johnny Sauter was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 27 Memphis Travel.com 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Sauter scored an eighth-place finish, his fourth top-10 of the season and claimed top rookie honors for the fourth time this season. Tayler Malsam leads Sauter by one point (120-119) in the overall Raybestos Rookie standings entering the July 18 Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky Speedway. Malsam is seventh in the series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He trails sixth-place Brian Scott by 50 points and is three ahead of eighth-place Terry Cook. The streak stays alive – at least one Raybestos Rookie has finished in the top-10 in the last seven consecutive races. Marc Mitchell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2008 Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky, scoring a ninth-place finish. Carl Edwards is the only Raybestos Rookie to score a win in nine Camping World Truck Series races at Kentucky Speedway. Edwards won the 2003 event by 3.568 seconds over Ted Musgrave. He led the race only once, covering the final 40 laps.(Raybestos PR)(7-13-2009)
Hornaday to visit Longhorn’s Kentucky-based facility: On his way to Kentucky Speedway, Ron Hornaday will be stopping by the Swedish Match Manufacturing facility located in Owensboro, Kentucky. This plant produces all varieties of the Longhorn Moist Snuff brand, as well as other Swedish Match tobacco products. Hornaday is slated to tour the facility and work on the line as they make cans of Longhorn, as well as meet with Swedish Match employees and sign autographs. Hornaday will be behind the wheel of the #33-Longhorn Chevy Silverado for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Kentucky Speedway on Saturday, July 18th.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(7-13-2009)
Update on Johnny Benson UPDATE 2 Looking to return as soon as possible: It has been determined that Johnny has a grade 4 shoulder separation that will require surgery. Because of the bruise on his lung it has been recommended to wait another 10 days before proceeding with surgery. We are waiting to hear from the surgeon to find out what date has been scheduled but we are expecting sometime the week of July 20. It sounds silly to say but Johnny is actually excited about the surgery. His shoulder is what has caused him the most pain and is also what he has worried about healing correctly. He is glad that a procedure exists to fix it!! He does have a burn on his elbow that Nurse Deb [JB’s wife] washes, treats and bandages once a day.(JohnnyBenson.com) [For past news on JB’s accident visit the June Archive Page.](7-5-2009)
UPDATE: Benson wants to race as soon as possible, but that could be weeks away. He must first get through surgery to pin his shoulder — and find a truck ride. “When one door closes, another opens,” Benson said. “We’ll hopefully sign on with a good team and win another truck championship. We’ve had some interesting calls and have listened to some great opportunities. I’m going to get back in shape and get back on the track. I can’t imagine not doing this. I don’t think I could handle not racing. I’d like to race at least another three, four years before I retire.”(Detroit Free Press)(7-10-2009)
Kentucky Speedway schedule might change: The process of setting Kentucky Speedway’s racing schedule for 2010 is under way and there could be some major changes. Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith wants to consolidate the track’s schedule by pairing major events on the same weekend. “Like on the weekend of the IndyCar race we would like to have, say, a truck race on the same weekend. Maybe something else,” he said. “We would want to do something there.” Kentucky Speedway has two more race weekends scheduled this season – a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series/ARCA RE/MAX Series doubleheader on July 18 and an IndyCar Series/Firestone Indy Lights doubleheader on Aug. 1. An ARCA RE/MAX Series race was held in May followed by the Nationwide Series race in June. Neither race had a support event. The annual Nationwide Series race traditionally is the track’s best draw. “We want to put that with something,” Smith said. “Constantly with something. So we’ve got two events on the weekend. It works out better financially and expense-wise and everything else when you’re doing that.” The 2010 IndyCar schedule could be unveiled when the series visits Kentucky Speedway next month, according to The Indianapolis Star. NASCAR is expected to announce its 2010 schedules in the coming weeks. In NASCAR, discussions about date changes proposed by tracks or track owners are part of the sanctioning process. If there are ideas that come up with regard to scheduling, that’s part of the sanctioning process and we’re right in the middle of that,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. “We’re always willing to listen to good ideas that would serve the fans and the industry best.”(Cincinnati.com)(7-9-2009)
Oliver returns with CSR at Kentucky: Dillon Oliver will once again climb behind the wheel of the Corrie Stott Racing Chevrolet Truck in the Camping World Truck Series event at Dillon’s home state’s famed Kentucky Speedway. In his 2nd start recently at the Milwaukee mile Speedway Dillon had yet another solid finish of 22nd place after struggling with handling early on in the event. Oliver will once again be backed by his sponsors of Piranha Water and Potencia Energy Drink.(Corrie Stott Racing PR)(7-8-2009)
Ickler part of the revamped Braun Racing NNS schedule of drivers: Up-and-coming driver, Brian Ickler, is no stranger to Iowa Speedway. He will make his second NASCAR Nationwide Series start from the seat of the #32 Dollar General Toyota in August.. In only seven career NCWTS starts, he has two top-five, two top-10 finishes and two pole positions. Ickler will also drive the #32 at Memphis Motorsports Park in October.(Braun Racing PR)(7-7-2009)
Hornaday & Bodine among drivers testing tires at Bristol: Drivers from NASCAR’s top three series were at Bristol Motor Speedway Tuesday for a closed-session tire test to help Goodyear determine the best compounds for the upcoming August races. Past Camping World Truck Series champions Todd Bodine and Ron Hornaday were on hand representing that series. Bodine, the 2006 Camping World Truck Series champion, explained Goodyear’s motives behind the truck portion of the test. “The main thing with the trucks, with our new pit stop rules,” he said, “sometimes you have to leave the tires on. We want to make sure the tires will last more than one fuel run and not wear out and blister. They decided to come here with a different tire and try it. So far, so good. Rick Campbell, Project Manager for Goodyear’s NASCAR Development Program, said his team was in Bristol to learn more about the track surface and how the tires react to it. “With all three series being involved in that race weekend, it is a good opportunity for us to evaluate the requirements at the same time and under the same track conditions. It helps us understand what we need to do, and having a Cup car here helps us get a head start on next year.(Bristol Motor Speedway PR)(7-7-2009)
Buescher makes a stop at Children’s Hospital; headed to Iowa for ARCA race: As the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series enjoys a two-week hiatus from racing, James Buescher went back to his home state of Texas and visited the Texas Children’s Hospital last Thursday to spend the afternoon with sick children and their families. Buescher, driver of the #10 MaxxForce International Ford F-150, has visited the Houston hospital numerous times in his young career, as he enjoys giving back to children who are facing hardships in their lives. This Saturday, July 11, 2009, Buescher will return to racing action at Iowa Speedway as he drives the #32 Wolfpack Rentals entry for Win-Tron Racing in the ARCA Re/Max Series. Buescher will attempt to capture his third win of 2009 in only his fourth race this season. The Plano, Texas native crossed the finished line first earlier this season at Daytona International Speedway and Kentucky Speedway.(James Buescher PR)(7-6-2009)
Hornaday off racing during off-week: Race fans will receive a treat tonight [July 3rd] when Hornaday competes in the 37th Annual Keith Fleck Miller 100 at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. “What else am I going to be doing?” Hornaday said. “I enjoy racing.” The three-time Truck Series champ and veteran NASCAR driver has been driving in occasional ASA Midwest Tour events the last few years. He enjoys visiting the smaller tracks, fans and drivers. “That’s what it’s all about – the fans,” said Hornaday, who’s 51. “I come out to put on a good show, see the fans and have a lot of fun.(The Gazette- Cedar Rapids) [More information is posted on the Jayski Appearance Page](7-3-2009)
Milwaukee owes NASCAR for race: UPDATE 2 Track closed for business: The race promoter for the Milwaukee Mile owes NASCAR money stemming from the races last weekend, and the Indy Racing League won’t say whether it has been paid yet for its event in May. “The sanctions fees are part of an overall deal,” Napier said Friday. “We have been working closely with NASCAR in resolving these issues.” Ramsey Poston, a NASCAR spokesman, said in a statement that, “despite having a terrific day of NASCAR racing last Saturday there remain outstanding issues which concern NASCAR. As a matter of policy I won’t get into the specifics of our business dealings. However, I can say we are working closely with the track management to resolve outstanding issues.” The competitors were paid, according to a Charlotte Observer story.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(6-27-2009)
UPDATE: The Milwaukee Mile’s financial mess has NASCAR’s attention. In documents obtained by the Journal Sentinel, NASCAR states that Wisconsin Motorsports, the race promoter at the Mile, owes it $1,878,228 for the two races NASCAR sanctioned earlier this month. The documents include an agreement that Napier signed in which he states that he is unable to pay in full the fees due NASCAR for sanctioning the races. As part of the agreement Napier signed, all of the revenue generated by the two races was sent directly to NASCAR. The documents include a letter written by a NASCAR lawyer to all Milwaukee Mile vendors, concessionaires, program sellers, and food and beverage sellers telling them the money they owe to Wisconsin Motorsports was instead coming to NASCAR. Napier signed the agreement on June 18, just a day before the truck race was scheduled to take place. On June 19, however, heavy rains postponed the truck race a day. Both the truck race and the Nationwide Series race were contested on June 20.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(6-30-2009)
UPDATE 2: UPDATE 2: The Milwaukee Mile office is closed, and all 12 staff members have been laid off at least temporarily. Whether the oldest auto racing facility in the country lives to see its 107th birthday is in grave doubt even among its biggest boosters. “It depends totally if I’m able to get some investors,” promoter Claude Napier said Thursday in a telephone interview from Texas. Napier, president and chief executive officer of Wisconsin Motorsports, admitted to the Journal Sentinel for the first time that he had no other financial backers when he entered into a deal in February with State Fair Park, where the track is located. “I’ve got a hunch it’s over,” said Dominic Giuffre, a former promoter with his brother Frank. “It’s too late.” The Giuffres, promoters at the Mile from 1983-’91, have expressed interest in returning to that role. It is “very uncommon” for NASCAR to stage a race without being paid in advance by the promoter, said Ramsey Poston, a NASCAR spokesman. The races were already scheduled and television contracts in place when Napier took over. Given its dealings this year, NASCAR is not expected to grant credit to the track – no matter who operates it – to return for 2010.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(7-2-2009)
White enters World Series of Poker: Jason White, Driver of the #23 Gunbroker.com Dodge, will cash in his position as a driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and enter the World Series of Poker. White will be the first-ever NASCAR Driver to participate in the 13-day event that begins on July 3rd at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. White will be in search of the first place prize at the end of the event which includes high payouts and the coveted World Series of Poker bracelet. Last year’s champion Peter Eastgate beat out 6,844 entries taking home over 9-million dollars.(Jason White PR)(7-2-2009)
Skinner among participants in England’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: Mike Skinner along with Rusty Wallace, Landon Cassill & Tayler Earnhardt, is scheduled to participate in this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex England on July 3-5, 2009. Held since 1993, the Festival celebrates historic cars from all forms of racing. The three-day event, hosted by the Earl of March at his family’s estate, features a 1.16-mile hill-climbing competition for all classes and types of race cars and motorcycles, plus a 2.5-kilometer course for historic rally cars. Mike Skinner will drive a former NASCAR Sprint Cup chassis fielded by Team Red Bull, for whom he’s driven on a part-time basis while competing full time for another NASCAR Camping World Truck Series title.(NASCAR PR) [More information on the Festival is posted on the Jayski Appearance Page.](7-1-2009)