June 2007 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.

  • Bires still in for Wood: UPDATE: Wood returning to trucks: Kelly Bires doesn’t mind his race-by-race schedule as the relief driver in the #47 Clorox Ford. As long as he’s needed, he will show up with helmet – and enthusiasm – in hand. Bires will continue his supporting role at this Saturday’s Camping World 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway. He will drive in place of Jon Wood, who continues his recovery from an adverse reaction to prescribed medication. It will be Bires’ fourth appearance in the Busch Series for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing.(Wood Bros./JTG Racing PR)(6-27-2007)
    UPDATE: Dave Burns announced during Busch race TV coverage that Jon Wood will likely return to racing July 14 in the Craftsman Truck Series race. Kelly Bires will remain in the #47.(6-30-2007)
  • Keselowski to practice #40 at Memphis: UPDATE 2: Compton now set as driver: Brad Keselowski, the oldest son of former Craftsman Truck Series driving standout and long-time team owner Bob Keselowski, has been hired to practice the #40 Curtis Key Plumbing Chevrolet Silverado for Key Motorsports this weekend in Memphis, TN. After agreeing to drive for Key Motorsports last Friday, Chaffin agreed to also drive the #49 BAM Racing Dodge in several upcoming Nextel Cup Series races – the first of which will be this weekend’s Lenox Industrial Tools 300 at the New Hampshire International Speedway. Chaffin will practice and attempt to qualify the car on Friday at the 1-mile Loudon, NH track and will then fly down to Memphis on Saturday to qualify and race the truck. Brad will be on hand Saturday to spot for Chaffin during the race and to be available to drive should for any reason Chaffin not be able to get to Memphis from New Hampshire in time for either qualifying or the race.(Key Motorsports PR)(6-26-2007)
    UPDATE: With Brad Keselowski bowing out of his practice day assignment with Key Motorsports for this weekend’s Craftsman Truck Series race at the Memphis Motorsports Park, veteran Stacy Compton has agreed to fill-in to assist the Mooresville, North Carolina based race team.(Key Motorsports PR)(6-27-2007)
    UPDATE 2: Stacy Compton, will now practice, qualify and drive the #40 Curtis Key Plumbing Chevy in Saturday night’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 200 at the Memphis Motorsports Park.(6-29-2007)
  • NASCAR suspends Musgrave one race: UPDATE: More from NASCAR PR: NASCAR announced today that Ted Musgrave, driver of the #9 Toyota in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, has been suspended from competition until July 3, penalized 50 championship driver points, fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for a rule violation he committed during the race at the Milwaukee Mile on June 22. Musgrave was found to be in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; hitting another competitor’s truck during a caution period) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. In addition, Bob Germain, owner of the #9, has been penalized 50 championship truck owner points. The next race on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule is at Memphis Motorsports Park on Saturday.(NASCAR PR)(6-27-2007)
  • UPDATE: Musgrave showed disregard for safety: NASCAR officials say that Ted Musgrave showed “total disregard for the safety of another competitor” when he hit Kelly Bires during the Craftsman Truck Series race last weekend, which played a role in the sanctioning body’s decision to suspend the former series champion from competition this weekend. Musgrave was involved in an on-track incident with Bires and then hit Bires again in an action NASCAR officials deemed to be intentional. Brad Keselowski will drive Musgrave’s No. 9 Germain Racing Toyota this weekend at Memphis Motorsports Park. Asked if the fact that Musgrave hit the driver-side door played a role, NASCAR Managing Director of Communications Ramsey Poston said that this was simply a safety issue. “I think it was a total disregard for the safety of another competitor,” he said. “Musgrave used his vehicle as a weapon in hitting that car and the driver into the wall,” Poston said. “… So that warranted a severe punishment.” The incident also happened on the track, closer to the fans and possibly creating another safety issue there, another factor the sanctioning body considered. “I think all that was looked at,” Poston said Friday morning at New Hampshire International Speedway. “That, in part, is how the penalty was determined.”(Scene Daily.com)(6-29-2007)
  • Mike Hillman statement regarding Musgrave suspension: Mike Hillman Sr., general manager of Germain Racing, says the team understands and supports NASCAR’s decision. The team will not appeal, and Musgrave will miss the race this weekend at Memphis Motorsports Park, where he will be replaced by Brad Keselowski. “We regret that the incident happened,” Hillman said. “The Team ASE crew has had some excellent races this season, and we know Ted Musgrave still has the fire it takes to win races for us. We look forward to having him back in the Team ASE Tundra in Kentucky.” (Scene Daily)(6-27-2007)
  • Keselowski subbing for Musgrave: Brad Keselowski, the young racer from Rochester Hills, MI, will drive the #9-Team ASE/Germain Toyota in Saturday’s O’Reilly 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Keselowski, 23, was highly recommended to Germain Racing by drivers such as Todd Bodine, Mark Martin and Ted Musgrave. He fills the seat of the Craftsman Truck Series 2005 champ while Musgrave serves a one-week suspension, handed down by NASCAR on Wednesday afternoon.(Germain Racing PR)(6-28-2007)
  • Matthews picks up sponsor for Memphis: When Ryan Mathews signed to drive the #36 Toyota Tundra for Bill Davis Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, it may have come as a surprise to some. However, the 26-year-old Wisconsin native has already made his presence known in one of the world’s top racing series. Mathews is still looking for a permanent primary sponsor, but he does have a sponsor for this weekend’s Truck Series race in Memphis, Tenn. Logos representing the Lilly Company and Toyota Industrial Equipment will adorn the side of the #36 truck. The Lilly Company is the local authorized dealer for Toyota Industrial Equipment. It sells and services warehouse lift equipment, forklifts and other industrial equipment.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(6-27-2007)
  • KHI announces primary sponsor for 2008 season: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced today that they have extended their partnership with Camping World. The Bowling Green, Ky. based company will be the primary sponsor on the #33 Truck Series entry, driven by two-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday, for the 2008 season. “Camping World has been very supportive since signing on with my #33 Chevy team this year,” said driver Ron Hornaday. “I am very excited to know that they are so confident in our abilities here at KHI that they are ready to commit to the 2008 season. That says a lot. Now I can just focus on going out there and winning the Truck Series championship this season. Camping World, the only parts, accessory and service retail brand in the RV industry, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2006. The company has grown from a single store in Bowling Green, Ky. to more than 75 Super Centers with more than 500 service bays, in 25 states. Camping World plans to reach 100 locations by 2008. (Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-27-2007)
  • Roush Fenway Racing to showcase young drivers; planning for ’08: As Roush Fenway Racing makes plans for the 2008 Craftsman Truck Series, the team has decided to showcase some of its young driving talent in several upcoming Craftsman Truck Series races. The #50 truck will serve as the test truck, with a few different drivers slated to make starts for the remainder of the 2007 season. “We have a talented pool of young drivers at Roush Fenway Racing,” said team owner Jack Roush. “Peter Shepherd and Danny O’Quinn have been impressive, and T.J. Bell has shown great promise as well. We’re going to give these guys an opportunity to show what they can do, and we’ll make a decision as far as who we’re going to put in our trucks for 2008 based off of that.” Peter Shepherd made his first start of the 2007 season at Milwaukee last week, and is scheduled to race the #50 at Memphis Motorsports Park this weekend and Kentucky Speedway next month. Danny O’Quinn will make the first Craftsman Truck Series start of his career at O’Reilly Raceway Park in July. T.J. Bell will return to the seat of the #50 truck at Nashville, with additional races later in the season. Northern Tool + Equipment, primary sponsor of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Ford in the Craftsman Truck Series, will sponsor the #50 in selected upcoming races. The truck will carry a reversed paint scheme of Darnell’s #99 Ford truck. The complete schedule of drivers and their races will be released at a later date.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(6-27-2007)
  • Keven Wood to make debut in the #21 truck at Memphis: Kevin Wood will make his debut in Saturday night’s O’Reilly 200 Craftsman Truck Series race at the Memphis Motorsports Park. He will drive the #21 Bush’s Baked Beans Ford F-150 for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing. Wood is the son of car owner Len Wood and part of the legendary Wood Brothers Racing lineage.(Wood Bros/JTG Racing PR)(6-27-2007)
  • Memphis – home track for Bill Davis Racing: Memphis Motorsports Park is the home track of team owners Bill and Gail Davis, [#5,/#23/#36] who grew up across the river in Arkansas. The Davis’ first business venture, Bill Davis Trucking, started over 30 years ago and is located in Batesville, Ark. Bill Davis Trucking employs more than 60 people.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(6-27-2007)
  • Bobby Hamilton remembered at Memphis: The late Bobby Hamilton, who passed away from complications of head and neck cancer in January, will be honored in pre-race ceremonies being carried live on SPEED. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has proclaimed June 30 “Bobby Hamilton Day.” A street within the racing complex will be renamed in Hamilton’s honor. Each truck participating in the O’Reilly 200 will carry a special Bobby Hamilton memorial decal on the B post.(NASCAR Media)(6-26-2007)
  • Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers, Ford Racing & Kentucky Speedway extend partnership: The Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers, Ford Racing and Kentucky Speedway announce the three-year extension of entitlement partnerships associated with the Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) “Built Ford Tough 225 Presented by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers” event at the 66,089-seat venue. Ford Racing will extend its title sponsorship of the race and The Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers will continue as the event presenting sponsor through 2010. Both partners have supported the Craftsman Truck Series visit to Kentucky Speedway since 2003. The Craftsman Truck Series will join the ARCA RE/MAX Series at Kentucky Speedway for the fourth of five 2007 event weekends July 13-14.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(6-26-2007)
  • First time at Memphis for Schrader: Ken Schrader will be making his first career start at Memphis Motorsports Park when he pilots the #18 Fastenal Dodge on Saturday night. Schrader will pilot “Slim” this weekend at Memphis. Schrader drove this particular chassis to a third place finish at Mansfield and to a 12th place finish at Martinsville earlier in the season.(BHR PR)(6-26-2007)
  • Hamlin back in the #4 this week: Kevin Hamlin will drive the #4 Open Joist Dodge this weekend at Memphis Motorsports Park. He will be making his fifth career Craftsman Truck Series start on Saturday. In four previous races Hamlin has an average starting position of 26th and finishing position of 17th.(BHR PR)(6-26-2007)
  • Raybestos Rookie News & Notes: Tim Sauter was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 22 Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200 at The Milwaukee Mile. Sauter finished 16th and took top rookie honors for the first time this season.. Aaron Fike leads Sauter by 32 points (122-90) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 30 O’Reilly 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Fike is ninth in the Craftsman Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. Erik Darnell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2006 O’Reilly 200. Darnell finished second, .251 seconds behind race winner Jack Sprague and scored the best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in eight Craftsman Truck Series races at Memphis. Greg Biffle is the only Raybestos Rookie to win a pole at Memphis, grabbing the top starting spot in 1998.(Raybestos PR)(6-26-2007)
  • Memphis celebrates milestone – 10 years of NASCAR racing: Memphis Motorsports Park celebrates another milestone this season – 10 Years of NASCAR in Memphis! On September 13, 1998, Memphis Motorsports Park hosted its first NASCAR race – the first in the city’s history. The response from race fans in the Mid-South was remarkable. Here in the heart of the NASCAR Nation, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ‘Memphis 200’ took the green flag in front of a sold-out crowd and a national television audience. This 10th anniversary race is dedicated to Hamilton, the Memphis and national series champion just three seasons ago. In celebration of his life, his Tennessee roots and his commitment to the sport, the Bobby Hamilton Racing team – including his wife Lori and crew members of both the #4 and #18 trucks – will be honored and recognized as Grand Marshals of the race.(Memphis Motorsports Park PR)(6-25-2007)
  • Almirola in the #51 at Memphis: Aric Almirola is scheduled to take wheel of the Billy Ballew Motorsports #51-Chevy entry at the Memphis Motorsports Park for the running of the O’Reilly 200 Saturday, June 30, 2007. Kelly Sutton ended her last scheduled run in the #51-Team Copaxone Chevy with a 20th place finish at Milwaukee.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(6-25-2007)
  • Almirola to Ginn in 2008? Hearing Aric Almirola, who was credited with the Milwaukee Busch Series race win Saturday night, will join Ginn Racing in 2008 as a protege to #01-Mark Martin. Supposedly the plan is for Almirola to run part-time Cup, Busch and Trucks in 2008 and take over the #01 Chevy full-time in 2009.
    However: in a press conference at Sonoma, JGR president J.D. Gibbs said of Almirola: “Really, for us, he [Almirola] is a huge part of our future. We have invested a lot in him both time wise and financially but more importantly, just getting to know him. No one wants him to succeed more than us. He is a perfect fit all the way around to race here for JGR and will be in this sport for years to come.” and “He’ll run another race for them [Rockwell, sponsor of JGR Busch team] here down the road this year and they’ll line up and do a full deal with him next year. That’s what I hope.” and “Rockwell has been a great partner for many years. For us, they are kind of evaluating where they go next year.”(GM Racing PR)(6-25-2007)
  • Trucks to test spec engine at Martinesville: Bill Davis Racing and Roush Fenway Racing each will test a truck at Martinsville Speedway for NASCAR on Monday. Davis said the teams will use a spec engine as NASCAR explores the possibility of making all the engines the same for the Craftsman Truck series at some point. “On the surface, it really looks good because of the cost reduction,” Davis said of a spec engine in the truck series. “The only thing that concerns me, not only my operation but a lot of truck operations are very manufactured-dependent for sponsorship. I’m afraid if the manufacturer doesn’t have his engine in there, it’s a spec motor, is the attraction still going to be there?” Johnny Benson is scheduled to test for Bill Davis Racing. Travis Kvapil is scheduled to test for Roush Fenway Racing.(Roanoke Times)(6-23-2007)
  • Chaffin returns to #40 at Memphis: Chad Chaffin is returning to the Craftsman Truck Series and to Key Motorsports as team owner Curtis W. Key, Sr. has announced that Chaffin will drive the #40 Curtis Key Plumbing Chevrolet Silverado next weekend in Memphis. Chaffin will be the fourth driver in the #40 this year, joining the list that includes Mike Bliss, Clay Rogers and Shane Huffman. Bliss raced in the first four races after which Rogers ran four times and Huffman twice, although the latter is driving tonight in the Toyota Tundra 200 at The Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, WI.(Key Motorsports PR)(6-22-2007)
  • Screaming Eagles dropping in for start of O’Reilly 200: The “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne Division will deliver the green flag to the O’Reilly 200 with a mid-air jump and parachute demonstration on Saturday night, June 30, at Memphis Motorsports Park. As part of pre-race ceremonies for the Craftsman Truck Series O’Reilly 200, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Parachute Demonstration Team – also known as the “Screaming Eagles” from Fort Campbell, Ky. – will begin their dramatic descent at approximately 8:00 p.m., right after driver introductions, so that their touch-down coincides with the performance of the National Anthem by multi-platinum country music star Neal McCoy.(Memphis Motorsports Park PR)(6-21-2007)
  • Smith & MB Motorsports reunite for Milwaukee: Short-track veteran, Jack Smith was once again tapped to drive the MB Motorsports’ #63 ride for this weekend’s “Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200” at the Milwaukee Mile. The MB Motorsports #63 Ford F-150 that Jack Smith will pilot carries sponsorship from Cooper Bussmann, Dave Porter Truck Sales, Mittler Brothers Machine & Tool, Tanner Racing Products by MB, F150online.com, Advanced Signs and Childs Tire.(MB Racing PR)(6-21-2007)
  • Lynch to make first appearance at Milwaukee: UPDATE: Image added Scott Lynch will make his first-ever appearance at the Milwaukee Mile this Friday night, in the running of the Craftsman Truck Series Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200. Lynch will pilot the #29 Jasper Engines and Transmissions-Intertech Dodge, fielded by startup Windward Racing in their first Truck Series effort. For Lynch, however, this weekend will mark his 13th start in a truck.(Windward Racing PR)(6-20-2007)
    UPDATE: See image at the 2007 Paint Scheme Gallery.(6-21-2007)
  • Bliss returns to #4 Dodge: Mike Bliss will climb back behind the wheel of the #4 Open Joist Dodge this weekend at Milwaukee. It will be Bliss’ second start in the Bobby Hamilton Racing Dodge. He will be making his 10th start at The Milwaukee Mile on Friday. He has three NASCAR Busch Series and seven NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts at the one mile oval.(Bobby Hamilton Racing PR)(6-21-2007)
  • Benny Gordon in the #16 at The Mile: UPDATE: Sponsor named: Pro Cup Series driver, Benny Gordon will be handling the driving duties at The Milwaukee Mile for the #16 Xpress Motorsports Ford. The team plans on running the entire season, but is still looking for sponsorship for the remainder of the season. Chris Fontaine is scheduled to be behind the wheel at Memphis Motorsports Park.(6-20-2007)
    UPDATE: Sponsor for this weekend at Milwaukee will be Samuel Metals, who is the sponsor for Benny Gordon’s Hooters Pro Cup car.(6-20-2007)
  • Bires remains in the #47 Busch car for Wood: Though Jon Wood is on the preliminary entry list in Wood Brothers/JTG Racing’s #47 Ford for the AT&T 250 Busch Series race at the Milwaukee Mile, a team spokesman confirmed Kelly Bires would race the car. Wood has missed two races to deal with what the team is calling a negative reaction to prescription medication given to Wood for a misdiagnosis of attention-deficit disorder. Bires was 15th at Nashville and seventh at Kentucky last weekend. Milwaukee will be his third Busch Series start, and he’ll also compete in the Craftsman Truck Series there this weekend for the team. The spokesman said Wood is feeling better and should be back in the car soon.(scenedaily.com)(6-20-2007)
  • Shepherd to start in the #50 Ford: Peter Shepherd will make his first Craftsman Truck Series start of the 2007 season this weekend at Milwaukee. Shepherd last competed in the Truck Series at Las Vegas in September of ’06, where he drove the #6 truck to an 18th-place finish. Shepherd is currently scheduled to drive the #50 at Milwaukee, Memphis and Kentucky.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(6-19-2007)
  • Brevak Racing & Mueller head to Milwaukee: Brevak Racing will make their way home as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series sets its sights one The Milwaukee Mile this June for Friday night racing action. Behind the wheel of the #31 Dodge will be Wisconsin short track ace Brad Mueller. Mueller, who has achieved great success throughout Wisconsin will pilot the Brevak Racing entry after finishing an impressive 15th the last time he climbed behind the wheel of the #31.(BrevakRacing.com)(6-19-2007)
  • Double-duty for Hornaday at Milwaukee: Ron Hornaday is scheduled to drive the #77-Dollar General Chevy in this Saturday’s AT&T 250 at The Milwaukee Mile. Hornaday and Wally Rogers will work together as crew chief and driver with the Dollar General stores crew on Saturday during the Busch Series event. Rick Ren will call the shots on Friday during the Truck Series event for Hornaday in the #33-Camping World Chevy.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-19-2007)
  • Lagasse making 2007 Busch debut at Milwaukee: After helping David Stremme and the #41 Wrigley’s Winterfresh team prepare to go racing throughout the last two weeks at Nashville and Kentucky, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates development driver Scott Lagasse Jr. will not only shake down the #41 Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Dodge this weekend at The Milwaukee Mile but he will also pilot the CGRFS Dodge in Saturday night’s race. It will mark Lagasse’s first NASCAR Busch Series start of the year.(CGRFS PR)(6-19-2007)
  • Benson in for Yeley in Busch event: Johnny Benson is scheduled to compete at Milwaukee in the Busch race Saturday. He will be driving the #1 James Finch / Phoenix Racing machine sponsored by Miccosukee Resort Gaming.(JohnnyBenson.com)(6-19-2007)
  • Sixth Annual Elmer Musgrave Memorial at Illiana Speedway: Ted Musgrave is scheduled to greet the fans and participate in this annual event to honor his father, Elmer Musgrave on Saturday night, June 23, at Illiana Speedway. “Saturday is special for me. It’s something I do every year, and there was some worry that this year would be the last one, but I hear every thing’s worked out so the race track will be having another one next year, but I will be at the 6th Annual Elmer Musgrave Memorial race, on Saturday, at Illiana Speedway” (Schererville, Ind.), said Musgrave. “I’m taking my mother, my sister, and my brothers to Illiana Speedway, and I guess I’ll be racing in something there on Saturday night. It’s a great time, it’s in honor of my father, and it’s something I hope I never miss.” For more information visit the Illiana Speedway website.(Germain Racing PR)(6-19-2007)
  • Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Milwaukee: Aaron Fike was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 16 Michigan 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Fike finished 17th and claimed top rookie honors for the third consecutive race and for the seventh time in 10 races this season. Fike leads Tim Sauter by 33 points (112-79) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 22 Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200 at The Milwaukee Mile. Fike is eighth in the Craftsman Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He is 32 points behind seventh-place Johnny Benson and holds a 27-point advantage over ninth-place Jack Sprague. Aric Almirola was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2006 Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200, scoring a 13th-place finish.(Raybestos PR)(6-18-2007)
  • Matthews signs for at least five more with BDR: Bill Davis Racing has announced that Ryan Mathews, developmental driver of its #36 Toyota has signed on for a minimum of five more races and is looking to expand for more. After stepping into the seat of the #36 Tundra in May, Mathews’s now has four races under his belt. With one top-15 and three top-20 finishes, Mathews is looking to gain more ground starting in Milwaukee.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(6-18-2007)
  • Milwaukee marks memorable weekend for the Wyler’s: The Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200 will mark the second anniversary for Wyler Racing and the #60 truck. In 2005, the father and son duo of Jeff and David Wyler formed Wyler Racing and entered their first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Milwaukee, with driver, Chad Chaffin. “Running a partial schedule in 2005 was a way to prepare us for all the demands of a competitive series,” said Jeff Wyler. “When we decided to start a NASCAR team it happened in a blink of an eye. We had looked at our options for several years, but in a matter of days it was a reality. Our team was literally born overnight. During our first season, we took our time to establish ourselves while looking for a winning sponsor and driver combination. We have found that in Con-way Freight and Jack Sprague.”(Wyler Racing PR)(6-18-2007)
  • Fike Raybestos Rookie of the Race: Aaron Fike in the #1 RFMS/Red Horse Racing Toyota was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race at Michigan. Fike finished 17th and took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the seventh time this season. Unofficially, Fike leads the Raybestos Rookie standings by 33 points (112-79) over both Tim Sauter and Willie Allen, who are tied for second.(Raybestos PR)(6-17-2007)
  • #7-Pennington Motorsports switching manufacturer? During the pre-race show on SPEED/TV, analyst Ray Dunlap reported that the #7-Hooters Energy Drink truck owned by J. L. Pennington may be changing manufacturers from Chevy in the near future. Possibly to Dodge?(6-16-2007)
  • Darnell wins ARCA 200 at MIS: Despite a healthy line-up of top-quality teams in his rear view mirror, Roush Fenway Racing’s Erik Darnell [#99 Ford] drove away from Penske Racing’s Sam Hornish, Jr. to win the ARCA RE/MAX 200 Friday afternoon at Michigan Int’l Speedway. Darnell spent the most time on the point with 58 laps led over Hornish, who led the first 29 circuits. Darnell, in the fuel conservation mode, stretched his advantage to 20 lengths at the final stripe over Hornish, Jr., who finished second in his career-first series start. It was Darnell’s second RE/MAX Series victory of the season. Darnell spent the most time on the point with 58 laps led over Hornish, who led the first 29 circuits.(arcaracing.com)(6-16-2007)
  • Post-Race show set for “O’Reilly 200 at Memphis: Country music superstar Neal McCoy headlines the post-race concert respectively for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series O’Reilly 200 on June 30. McCoy, a multi-platinum country music dynamo, has done it all: Entertainer of the Year. Video of the Year. Humanitarian of the Year. The concerts are included as part of Memphis Motorsports Park’s season ticket package.(Memphis Motorsports Park PR)(6-15-2007)
  • Smith’s Food & Drug Stores return as co-sponsor at LVMS: The Craftsman Truck Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will continue to have co-sponsorship from Smith’s Food & Drug Stores and Las Vegas Events. Smith’s joined with longtime Truck race sponsor Las Vegas Events last year and both have elected to return to their title roles for the Sept. 22 Smith’s Las Vegas 350 on the super speedway’s high-banked oval. This will mark Las Vegas Events’ sixth consecutive year as a sponsor of the Truck race. Smith’s, a division of the Cincinnati-based Kroger Corporation, currently operates 32 stores in Southern Nevada.(LVMS PR)(6-13-2007)
  • NASCAR fines crew chief for violations at Texas: NASCAR announced today that Kevin Starland, crew chief of the #14 Ford driven by Rick Crawford in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, has been fined due to rule violations this past week at Texas Motor Speedway. Starland was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and12-4-W (using added weight in less than five pound blocks and improperly attached) of the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rule Book. The infraction was discovered during pre-qualifying inspection on June 7.(NASCAR Media)(6-13-2007)
  • ARCA rookie, Silas enters truck race: It will be a busy week for Bryan Silas, who turns 20 on Wednesday. Silas is entered in the truck series event driving the #71 Chevy owned by Andy Hillenburg. Nortrax, Fast Track High Performance Driving School and Palm Beach Grading (PBG) will all sponsor Silas’ third attempt in the Truck Series. Before turning all his concentration to the trucks, Silas will compete in Friday’s ARCA 200.(Fast Track PR)(6-13-2007)
  • Rusty Wallace: NASCAR Trucks, Busch ‘possible’ in Iowa: Rusty Wallace is hopeful, but not certain. The former NASCAR star turned TV broadcaster and Iowa Speedway 10-percent owner rests most of his local aspirations on the Newton track’s June 24 Iowa Corn Indy 250 IndyCar Series race. But that’s not all. Wallace said in a Teleconference Wednesday that he believes the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Busch Series could be possibilities for Iowa Speedway’s future schedules. “We’ve talked to them,” said Wallace, a motorsports analyst for ABC and ESPN. “It’s in their hands now, but they do love everything they’ve seen about Iowa. All the drivers. In fact, I was listening to an interview this morning from Kevin Harvick, and (he) said, ‘(Iowa Speedway) was one of the nicest tracks I’ve ever drove my entire life.’ He said, ‘I highly recommend NASCAR gets a Busch or a Truck race there.'” Whether NASCAR agrees is unknown.(Des Moines Register)(6-13-2007)

    UPDATE: Kittleson will be behind the wheel of the #46 Bob Steele Chevy, and will be making his first start at the 2-mile D-shaped oval. Kittleson is looking forward to heading to the Irish Hills of Michigan and securing a solid run for MDM.(Morgan Dollar Motorsports PR)(6-13-2007)

  • Labonte & BHR team up for Michigan race: Cup veteran Bobby Labonte climbs behind the wheel of the #4 Open Joist Dodge this weekend; it will be his second start for BHR. Labonte drove this same truck last season at Michigan and finished third. Mike Bliss was scheduled to pilot the Open Joist Dodge, but is unable due to a previous commitment with his NBS team. Labonte will be making his 10th Truck Series start on Saturday, and in nine previous races Labonte has scored one win, five top-five finishes and five top-10 finishes.(Bobby Hamilton Racing PR)(6-13-2007)
  • Busch returns to #51 this weekend: Billy Ballew Motorsports will field two trucks at Michigan. Full-time BBM driver Bill Lester, #15 Christian Debt Consolidation Chevy, will team with Kyle Busch behind the wheel of the #51 Flanders Beef Patties Chevy. Busch last raced the truck at MIS in 2005 where he had a pole and a second place finish.(GM Racing PR)(6-13-2007)
  • Raybestos Rookie News & Notes: Aaron Fike was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 8 Sam’s Town 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Fike finished 11th and claimed top rookie honors for the sixth time in nine races this season. Fike leads Tim Sauter by 30 points (101-71) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 16 Craftsman Truck Series 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Sauter was the only Raybestos Rookie to lead a lap at Texas, leading the race once for one lap. Fike is 10th in the Craftsman Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He is three points behind ninth-place Matt Crafton and holds a 45-point advantage over 11th-place Dennis Setzer. Erik Darnell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2006 Michigan 200, scoring a 12th-place finish. Kurt Busch owns the best finish by a Raybestos Rookie at Michigan, a second place effort in 2000.(Raybestos PR)(6-12-2007)
  • Kittleson in #46 for Morgan-Dollar: UPDATE: First start at MIS: Preliminary entry list shows Travis Kittleson as the driver of the #46-Bob Steele Chevrolet Chevy; a second entry for Morgan-Dollar Motorsports at Michigan.(6-12-2007)
  • Darnell doubling up at MIS: Erik Darnell will attempt to make his second ARCA Series start at Michigan International Speedway this Friday in the #99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford. The last time Darnell raced in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, he scored his first career victory at Kentucky Speedway. Darnell will also drive the #99 Northern Tool+Equipment Ford in Saturday’s Craftsman Truck Series race.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(6-12-2007)
  • Harvick set to drive #2 again at Michigan: For the fourth time this season, Kevin Harvick will drive the #2-Camping World Chevy in Saturday’s Michigan 200 at the Michigan International Speedway. Harvick is scheduled to drive the #2 truck for Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI), once more this season at the Phoenix International Raceway.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-11-2007)
  • Bodine still planning to run races in other Series: During an interview on Sirius Radio’s The Driver’s Seat, Todd Bodine said they [Germain Racing] were still planning on running a couple of races in the Busch & Cup Series this year. As of now, the plan is to run the Busch event at Gateway Int’l on July 21st and in Cup at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 29th.(6-11-2007)
  • Bires to continue to fill-in for Wood: Kelly Bires will continue to fill in as needed for Jon Wood in the Busch Series while Wood. [Eddie Wood said son Jon Wood might be experiencing adverse reactions to prescribed medications, resulting in the headaches that forced him out of the car for the Dover 200 Busch Series event.] The #47 Clorox Ford team will race next Saturday in the Meijer 300 at the Kentucky Speedway. Wood’s status remains race-by-race.(Wood Bros./JTG Racing PR)(6-11-2007)
  • Compton back in #09 at Michigan: Stacy Compton is set to be the driver of the #09 Zaxby’s Ford F-150 at this Saturday’s Michigan 200 at the Michigan International Speedway. Compton shares the driving duties with Joey Clanton in the #09 Zaxby’s Ford. Compton finished second in the truck two weeks ago at Dover, then he drove in relief of Kelly Bires [#21] last Friday in a 10th-place effort at the Texas Motor Speedway. (Wood Bros./JTG Racing PR)(6-11-2007)
  • Martin returns to #21: Mark Martin said it doesn’t get any easier – or better – than this. The Michigan International Speedway and the Craftsman Truck Series are a perfect fit. He will be in the #21 Bush’s Baked Beans Ford in Saturday afternoon’s main event. Martin shares the driving duty in the #21 Bush’s Baked Beans Ford with 22 year-old rookie Kelly Bires. Martin won’t return to Wood Brothers/JTG Racing until the Aug. 22 race at Bristol, Tenn. Bires will drive the team truck June 22 at The Milwaukee Mile.(Wood Bros./JTG Racing PR)(6-11-2007)
  • Cook to mark 250th start at Michigan: The Michigan event will mark Terry Cook’s 250th Craftsman Truck Series career start; third in all-time number of starts. [Rick Crawford and Jack Sprague both have 256 starts going in to the MIS race.] Cook, who drives the #59-HT Motorsports Toyota, jumped to 12th in the point standings after nine races. Cook, who was 29th in the championship chase after the first two races of the year, is now just 81 markers out of the Top-10.(HT Motorsports PR)(6-11-2007)
  • Petty Enterprises/McCumbee in Victory Lane at Pocono ARCA Race: Chad McCumbee celebrated in victory lane Saturday afternoon in the ARCA RE/MAX Pocono 200. The car was a Petty Enterprises Dodge with Billy Wilburn and the #45 crew leading McCumbee to the front. For McCumbee, it was his first start for Petty Enterprises. He will race the Goody’s Cool Orange Dodge in Sunday’s Pocono 500 at the same track. Tim Andrews, son of #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge crew chief Paul Andrews finished third in Sunday’s race. The car Andrews raced is a former Petty Enterprises Dodge.(Petty Racing PR)(6-10-2007)
  • Benson to drive ISMA Super Modified at Toledo: Johnny Benson is slated to be at the wheel of an ISMA Super Modified for the All American Coach Fastest Short Track Show in the World on Friday evening, June 15 at Toledo Speedway. Details surrounding Benson’s ride for the event to be announced.(arcaracing.com)(6-7-2007)
  • Team co-owner to make political announcement at race: UPDATE: Green Light Racing [#07, #08] co-owner Gene Christensen will announce his candidacy for US Congress at the event in Texas this weekend.(Greenlight Racing PR)(6-7-2007)
    UPDATE: Long time Collin County [TX} resident, NASCAR team President, businessman and philanthropist Gene Christensen will announce his Republican candidacy for Texas’ 4th Congressional District on Friday June 8th, at the Texas Motor Speedway. The press conference will be at 5:30pm in the Deadline Room within Media Center at the race facility. “I feel it is appropriate that I make my initial candidacy announcement at the Texas Motor Speedway as the first NASCAR team owner to ever run for Congressional office”, Christensen said. ” I am excited to have a great deal of support within the NASCAR community as I launch my campaign”, he added. Gene Christensen is the President of Green Light Racing, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing team. He also serves as Executive Director of People Against Drugs Affordable Public Housing Agency.(NASCAR Media)(6-7-2007)
  • Bill France Tribute Decal: Cars in all NASCAR touring divisions will have special decals this weekend in memory of Bill France. The decal, which will placed on the C-post, will be on cars in the Nextel Cup Series at Pocono Raceway, Busch Series at Nashville Superspeedway, Craftsman Truck Series at Texas Motor Speedway and Grand National Division, Busch East Series at Stafford Motor Speedway.(NASCAR Media)(6-7-2007)
  • Bires subs for Wood at Nashville/Compton in #21: Driver Jon Wood missed last week’s race at Dover, Del., when he fell ill after the first practice session. Wood apparently was misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and he had an adverse reaction to mediation to treat it, said his father and co-owner, Eddie Wood. While Jon Wood recovers, team development driver Kelly Bires will be behind the wheel of the Clorox/American Red Cross Ford in the Busch Series Race at Nashville. Stacy Compton is the driver of the #21 Bush’s Baked Beans Ford for Wood Bros./JTG Racing.(Wood Bros/JTG PR)(6-6-2007)
  • Congrats to the Comptons! Congratulations go out to Stacy Compton and his wife, Vickie on the birth of their second child on Sunday, June 3, 2007. A little girl…9lb. 5oz…22in…”Izzabella Reese” mother and daughter are doing great. Daddy’s OK too.(Wood Bros/JTG Racing PR)(6-6-2007)
  • Starr part of safety campaign in Texas: As part of an all-star cast, David Starr joined, Bobby Labonte, Greg Biffle and Kasey Kahne for a TV commercial to promote seat belt use, better known as Click It or Ticket. Back in Dallas, Starr was behind the wheel of his International MaxxForce Diesel Ford F-150 cruising down the streets of downtown Dallas to kick off the city’s Safelight Campaign. Safelight is an initiative by the City of Dallas targeting high school students to stop at red lights. In addition to the media blitz, the City of Dallas distributed thousands of Safelight posters, featuring Starr and his MaxxForce Diesel Ford F-150, to area high school students. On the streets or on the racetrack Starr is serious about safety.(Circle Bar Racing PR)(6-6-2007)
  • Ruttman to start in the #4 at Texas: Joe Ruttman will climb behind the wheel of the #4 Open Joist Dodge this weekend. It will be his second start for BHR this season and his first in the #4 Dodge. Ruttman drove the #18 Dodge earlier this season in Kansas; finishing in the 25th position. He will be making his 10th NCTS start at Texas on Friday.(Bobby Hamilton Racing PR)(6-6-2007)
  • Schrader making first series start at Texas: Ken Schrader [#18 Fastenal Dodge] will be making his first Craftsman Truck Series start at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday night. Schrader has 13 Nextel Cup starts and two Busch Series starts at Texas Motor Speedway. He has one top 10 in both series.(Bobby Hamilton Racing PR)(6-6-2006)
  • Chris Wimmer & #76 entered at Texas:UPDATE: Chris Wimmer is set to drive the #76-Jeff Milburn Racing Chevy for the Sam’s Town 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 8. Jeff Milburn Racing is owned and operated in the state of Texas. (Jeff Milburn Racing PR)(6-2-2007)[See images at the 2007 Paint Scheme Gallery.]
    UPDATE: Sponsorship for the #76-Jeff Milburn Racing is Automotive Fabrication Chevrolet.(JMR PR)(6-6-2007)
  • Raybestos Rookie Notes – Texas: Aaron Fike was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 1 AAA Insurance 200 at Dover Int’l Speedway. Fike finished 10th, his third top-10 finish of the season and claimed top rookie honors for the fifth time this season. Fike leads Willie Allen by 26 points (90-64) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 8 Sam’s Town 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Fike is ninth in the Craftsman Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. Chad McCumbee was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2006 Sam’s Town 400 at Texas, scoring a ninth-place finish.(Raybestos PR)(6-5-2007)
  • Wise to run Truck & ARCA events: Josh Wise is entered as the driver of Waltrip Racing’s #00-Aaron’s Lucky Dog Toyota for the Sam’s Town 400 at Texas Motor Speedway this Friday night. Wise is also scheduled to drive the #22-Eddie Sharp Racing Toyota in the ARCA 200 at Pocono Raceway. David Reutimann will practice and qualify the car. Wise will be forced to start from the rear of the field for the ARCA race as he will not be driving the car for qualifying.(Toyota Motorsports PR)(6-5-2007)
  • Jack Sprague to carry the ACL banner in Texas and beyond: The Sam’s Town 400 at Texas Motor Speedway marks the launch of American Commercial Lines’ sponsorship of the #60-Con-way Freight Toyota. American Commercial Lines is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation and manufacturing companies in the United States with more than 3,000 employees.(Wyler Racing PR)(6-5-2007)
  • Cope in the #16 at Texas: Derrike Cope is listed as the driver of the #16-Xpress Motorsports Ford for this Friday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. Sponsor has yet to be named.(6-5-2007)
  • Aaron Fike to be featured on SPEED: Aaron Fike and the #1-Red Horse Racing team will be featured in a segment on the SPEED Channel that will air prior to the Sam’s Town 400 on Friday at Texas Motor Speedway.(Red Horse Racing PR)(6-5-2007)
  • Sad News: Bill France Jr.: during the race broadcast on FOX from Dover, it was reported that NASCAR Chairman, Bill France Jr., 74, passed away today, Monday, June 4, 2007.
    MORE: Bill France Jr., who transformed NASCAR from a small Southern sport into a billion-dollar conglomerate during his 31 years as chairman, died Monday. He was 74. He died at his Daytona Beach, Fla., home, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. France had been in poor health for much of the last decade – he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. Although he was in remission, the extensive treatments took a toll. He never regained his full strength, often had difficulty breathing and had taken to using a motorized scooter to get around. France was hospitalized at least twice this year but spent his final days resting at home. His last public appearance was Feb. 12 in Daytona Beach, where NASCAR’s top names gathered to “Roast and Toast” him at the Bill France Hot Dog Dinner during the Daytona 500 build-up. Even there, especially there, France Jr., who ruled NASCAR with an iron fist, called the shots. His toasters that evening were gently reminded to avoid any harsh roasting. France did not speak during the dinner but received guests from his seat on the banquet floor.(Associated Press)(6-4-2007)
  • Hornaday’s win – second series milestone: Ron Hornaday’s [#33-Camping World Chevy] win at Dover Int’l was the 300th race of the series and gives Hornaday two milestone wins in the Truck Series. His first came at the 100th Truck Series race at Evergreen (Wash.) Speedway on April 3, 1999. Hornaday also holds the series all-time win record at 31.(Kevin Harvick Inc PR)(6-4-2007)
  • Fike Raybestos Rookie of the race: Aaron Fike in the #1-RFMS/Red Horse Racing Toyota was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race at Dover. Fike scored a 10th-place finish in today’s race, his third top-10 finish of the 2007 season. Fike took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the fifth time in eight races. Unofficially Fike holds a 26-point edge over Willie Allen in the Raybestos Rookie standings.(Raybestos PR)(6-1-2007)
  • Hornaday’s win – second series milestone: Ron Hornaday’s [#33-Camping World Chevy] win at Dover Int’l was the 300th race of the series and gives Hornaday two milestone wins in the Truck Series. His first came at the 100th Truck Series race at Evergreen (Wash.) Speedway on April 3, 1999. Hornaday also holds the series all-time win record at 31.(Kevin Harvick Inc PR)(6-4-2007)
  • Kvapil could fill in for Wood at Dover: UPDATE: Travis Kvapil likely will replace the ailing Jon Wood in the #47 Wood Brothers/JTG Racing car for the Dover 200 Busch Series race Saturday at Dover International Speedway. Wood, suffering from severe headaches, missed the second practice session Friday. Mark Martin practiced the car, but having already run the truck race Friday, he didn’t want to pull triple-duty.(SceneDaily.com)(6-1-2007)
    UPDATE: Wood Brothers/JTG Racing team officials confirmed that Travis Kvapil will substitute the driving duties for Jon Wood in the #47 Clorox Ford for the Busch Series Dover 200. After completing the first Busch Series practice session Friday morning, Jon Wood complained of a severe headache. “We respect Jon’s decision to step aside while he’s not feeling well and look forward to having him back as soon as possible,” said team owner Tad Geschickter.(Wood Brothers/JTG Racing PR)(6-2-2007)
  • Bliss going for the triple: #49-Mike Bliss is the only driver attempting to race in all three NASCAR events at Dover this weekend — today’s AAA Insurance 200 Craftsman Truck Series race, Saturday’s Dover 200 Busch Series race and Sunday’s Autism Speaks 400 Nextel Cup Series race. He is looking forward to what should be one hectic weekend for him. “It is always a lot more fun for a driver to be behind the wheel during a race than to watch it from pit road,” Bliss said. “So, I like to take advantage of every opportunity I have to gain seat time.”(Delaware News Journal)(6-1-2007)
  • Greenlight Racing enters third truck at Dover: UPDATE: Shepherd as driver: Entry list shows a third entry for Greenlight Racing with owners Gene Christensen and Bobby Dotter. Johnny Chapman is slated to drive the #06-Engine Parts Plus Chevy.(5-31-2007)
    UPDATE: Morgan Shepherd is the driver that practiced and qualified the #06-Engine Parts Plus Chevy.(6-1-2007)

 

2007

May
April
March
Jayski Truck Series Silly Season Main Page
Jayski’s Silly Season Cup News Page
Jayski’s Silly Season Main Page

Born On Date: June 1, 2007

This page designed by Jayski LLC, 1996-2016©.. All Rights Reserved.
Jayski’s® is a registered trademark of Jayski LLC.
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without permission or credit.