November 2007 Craftsman Truck Series Archive - Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site

November 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.
NCTS delivers strong numbers in 2007; banquet to air Dec. 7: The Craftsman Truck Series was seen by more Total Viewers in 2007 than in any other season since moving to SPEED in 2003 according to Nielsen Media Research. With an average Total Viewer count of 686,000, the Truck Series also saw impressive growth in younger demos, posting its best numbers in Men 18-34, Men 18-49 and Men 25-54. To increase exposure of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and its participants, SPEED made two races from 2007 available to FOX (Martinsville and Mansfield) and developed a new popular pre-race program, NCTS Setup, hosted by Krista Voda. In 2008, the effort will continue as the plans are to again air a pair of Truck races on FOX, with the remainder live and exclusive to SPEED. SPEED will wrap up the 2007 NCTS season on Dec. 7, with coverage of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Banquet from Florida (9:00pm/et), as well as re-airs of the Trucks ’07: A Rivalry Renewed (8:00pm/et) and Bobby Hamilton: Live to Race, Race to Live (10:00pm/et).(SPEED/tv PR)(11-30-2007)
Wyler-Gaughan falls thru? UPDATE 2: South Point Racing disbanding: Gaughan talking to another team: Hearing that the Wyler Racing / South Point Racing-Gaughan ‘merger’ has fallen through for the 2008 season. No further details on what caused the deal to fall apart.(11-28-2007)
UPDATE: Brendan Gaughan told Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway Wednesday that the announced merger with Wyler Racing is off, and that his family’s South Point Racing team will disband. Gaughan offered very few details on the split, saying only that, “It’s unfortunate when individuals put themselves ahead of the team.” He said he is currently looking for a new position, and hopes to take 10-12 of his South Point crew members with him.(Sirius.com)(11-28-2007)
UPDATE 2: Gaughan said about a dozen South Point Racing employees committed to move with him to the new team. He said he is working on a deal to drive for an existing truck team next year, but it must include positions for his teammates. “Those guys have waited with me and for me. I could probably take a ride and leave everybody behind, but I don’t want to do that,” Gaughan said.(Las Vegas Review Journal)(11-29-2007)
Gaughan to the #10? Hearing that Brendan Gaughan may be talking to Circle Bar Racing about picking up the ride in the #10 Ford that opened up following David Starr’s recent departure.(11-29-2007)
Gaunt joins TRG Motorsports truck team: Just five weeks into announcing their takeover of Darrel Waltrip Racing’s Craftsman Truck Series team, the newly formed TRG Motorsports is proud to announce their most recent signing to the team, General Manager Marty Gaunt, to run their NASCAR operation in N.C. As a 25-year veteran of the racing and automotive business, the London-born Gaunt brings with him a wealth of experience and resources, with a history that includes working with such NASCAR teams as Penske Racing, Petty Enterprises, and most recently, the start-up Team Red Bull. As the team’s new General Manager, Gaunt will take over the day-to-day activities of building up the organization and infrastructure, allowing the team’s new owner to focus on the business side, as well as long-term strategy.(TRG Motorsports PR)(11-28-2007)
Marks headed for Snowball Derby: Germain Racing driver Justin Marks headed south on Tuesday afternoon to compete in the prestigious and 40th Annual Snowball Derby, December 2, 2007, at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. Marks will drive a #9 Chevy Monte Carlo Late Model under crew chief Robby Benton in Friday’s Snowball Derby.(Germain Racing PR)(11-28-2007)
Fike avoids prison with rehab plan, wants suspension to be lifted: NASCAR driver Aaron Fike understands where he was headed when he was arrested while shooting up heroin in an amusement park parking lot this summer. Facing a possible one-year jail sentence if convicted of the felony, Fike and his lawyer, Charlie Rittgers, put together a proposal in which Fike promised to speak and pass out literature at schools, race tracks and other places. The county prosecutor agreed to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor, and Fike was sentenced to two years’ probation. Fike has returned to Illinois, where he grew up, and last week filed incorporation papers for his nonprofit “Racing Against Drugs.” NASCAR has indicated it will go slowly in recertifying Fike. “It’s possible, but he’s got some work to do before we get there,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. “After he’s completed the legal process, he will have to undergo an evaluation by our substance abuse experts and follow a prescribed program that they would set for him.” Poston said NASCAR has no timetable other than “when we’re confident he’s ready to return.” Fike said he’ll do whatever it takes.(ESPN.com)(11-28-2007)
Skinner collected numerous year-end awards: #5-Mike Skinner collected numerous year-end titles at the NCTS awards banquet: the WIX Filters Award (lap leader), the Bud Pole Award (most poles), Mobil 1 Award (command performance) and the No. 5 Tundra pit crew won the Checkers/Rally Award (fastest pit crew) as well. This is BDR’s second consecutive year that they have captured the pit crew award. The #5 Tundra driver of Mike Skinner led the stable with five victories, 17 top-five finishes, 20 top-10 finishes and 11 poles en route to a second-place finish in the NCTS Championship standings. Skinner set the NCTS record of most poles in a single season (11) after breaking the record (10) he set in 1995 Skinner also led the NCTS field in a number of categories, including driver rating (116.1), average start (2.5), average running position (6.54), laps in the top 15 (3678) and laps led (1105 laps, 1217.31 miles). Skinner also set a new NCTS record of most race winnings in a single season ($737,520).(Bill Davis Racing PR)(11-27-2007)
Benson captures second consecutive Most Popular Driver award: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 TCUV/Exide Toyota was named the series’ Most Popular Driver for the second consecutive year and became only the second driver to win the award on multiple occasions. With four wins, 12 top-five finishes and 19 top-10 finishes, Benson finished third in the NCTS Championship points.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(11-27-2007)
Congrats! Congratulations go out to Sara Dykehouse and John Royer on their impending marriage. Sara, a Craftsman Truck Series official, and John who is the front tire changer on the #9 Evernham Motorsports Dodge team for Kasey Kahne, will be married this Sunday, December 2, 2007.(11-27-2007)
Marks to Germain Racing full-time in ’08: UPDATE: Marks replacing Musgrave; brings sponsorship: During the pre-race show on Speed/tv, Ray Dunlap reported that Justin Marks has been signed to drive full-time for Germain Racing in 2008. A formal announcement is expected next week.(11-2-007)
UPDATE: Germain [Racing] didn’t renew a contract with [Ted] Musgrave. Justin Marks, who competed in four truck races for the Germain team and finished eighth in his last race at Homestead, will replace Musgrave. Germain said Marks will bring solid sponsorship with him, which includes Croc Shoes.(The News-Press)(11-25-2007)
Allen clinches Raybestos Rookie of the Year UPDATE: More Willie Allen in the #13-Thorsport Chevy clinched Raybestos Rookie of the year in Friday night’s race at Homestead Miami Speedway. Allen took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors five times this season. He finished the year with one top-10 finish and placed 15th in the championship standings.(Raybestos PR)(11-17-2007)
UPDATE: Allen’s official margin of victory over Tim Sauter in the final Raybestos Rookie standings was eight points. Final point standings; Willie Allen 196, Tim Sauter 188, Joey Clanton 179, Jason White 145, Blake Bjorklund 130.(Raybestos PR)(11-20-2007)
Raybestos Rookies to sport new logo in 2008: Raybestos Rookies in NASCAR’s top three series will sport a new logo in 2008. The new logo was unveiled at the Eighth Annual Raybestos Rookie of the Year Luncheon at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and is the first design change since Raybestos brand Brakes became the title sponsor of the program in 1998. The fresh artwork will enhance the readability of the Raybestos brand and make the rookie contender and rookie of the year logos consistent with all of NASCAR’s series sponsors. The 2008 season is the 11th consecutive where Raybestos brand Brakes has served as title sponsor of the rookie program and extends its record as the program’s longest running corporate partner. Raybestos brand Brakes will also once again sponsor the rookie programs in the NASCAR Sprint, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.(Raybestos PR)(11-20-2007)
Hornaday collects record $1,137,044 in 2007: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr. (#33 Camping World Chevy) collected a record $370,119 in point fund awards along with special awards of $52,000 during Monday’s Champions Award ceremonies to bring his 2007 season total to $1,137,044, a new single-season record. Hornaday, the second driver to win three series championships, was honored along with Kevin Harvick Inc. owners Kevin and DeLana Harvick and crew chief Rick Ren. Both KHI and Ren are celebrating their first championship. Hornaday’s winnings pushed his career total to $5,297,266, second on the all-time list behind fellow three-time champion Jack Sprague (#60 Con-way Freight Toyota) ($6,846,738). The champion’s season winnings include special awards from Chevy, Goodyear and Sunoco. More than $1.8 million in point fund awards were distributed to the top 20 drivers in the final NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series point standings. Runner-up Mike Skinner (#5 Toyota Tundra Toyota) won $997,980 for the season. That total is the fourth highest all-time and the highest for a non-champion driver. Skinner’s race winnings of $737,520 is also a new record. Willie Allen (#13 ThorSport Chevy) was the 2007 Raybestos Rookie of the Year, topping Tim Sauter (#07 Lester Buildings Chevy). Allen became the first rookie to win the award in a Chevy since Travis Kvapil (#6 K&N Filters Ford) in 2001. Johnny Benson (#23 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Toyota) was named the Most Popular Driver for the second consecutive season. He is the first driver to repeat, and only the second driver to win the award more than once. Hornaday was named Most Popular Driver in 1997 and 2005.(NASCAR PR)(11-19-2007)
Roush to announce #6 plans on NCTS Setup: UPDATE 2: Braun to drive the #6: Jack Roush will be the guest on SPEED/tv’s NCTS Setup on Friday at 7:30pm/et to announce 2008 driver and sponsor plans for the #6 entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. [Hearing that Joey Clanton will be driving the #09 truck for Roush Fenway Racing. Also hearing that Conway-Freight will be sponsoring one of the Roush-Fenway trucks in 2008.](SPEED/tv PR)(11-14-2007)
UPDATE: Jack Roush announced during prerace activites on SPEED/tv that Colin Braun will be the driver of the #6 Ford in 2008 with Con-way Freight as sponsor.(11-16-2007)
UPDATE 2: This will be Braun’s first full-season in the Craftsman Truck Series where he will compete for Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year with crew chief Mike Beam by his side. Braun signed with Roush Fenway Racing earlier this year and has run three ARCA RE/MAX Series races never finishing outside the top 10. Next season will be Con-way Freight’s third year in the Craftsman Truck Series but first with Roush Fenway Racing. (Roush Fenway Racing PR)(11-16-2007)
Cook out, Lia in at Homestead; Simply Fit to sponsor: UPDATE: Cook in second entry: Jim Harris and HT Motorsports have announced that Simply Fit, a sugar free, carb free, fat free premium beverage, will serve as the primary sponsor on the #59 HT Motorsports Toyota. The #59 Simply Fit HT Motorsports Toyota Tundra and driver Donny Lia will take the green flag in the Ford 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway this Friday, November 16.(HT Motorsports PR)(11-14-2007)
UPDATE: Terry Cook has been entered in the #92 Toyota as a second entry for HT Motorsports.(11-16-2007)
Fike gets plea deal; starts anti-drug program: Aaron Fike, arrested last summer after he and his girlfriend were caught with heroin at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, says he’s serious about reviving his career. He’s using his status to start a program [Racing Against Drugs] to combat drug abuse among young people. Under the deal that Judge Neal Bronson accepted this month, Fike pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors – possession of a drug abuse instrument and a reduced charge of attempted possession of heroin. Fike is still undergoing drug treatment, Rittgers said. NASCAR suspended him indefinitely from racing after his arrest. As part of a plea deal that his lawyer, Charlie Rittgers of Lebanon, worked out, Fike avoided a jail sentence and felony conviction by pledging to start the non-profit group. Bronson sentenced Fike to two years of probation and ordered him to follow through with his plan for establishing Racing Against Drugs.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(11-15-2007)
Starr to Nationwide Series in ’08? UPDATE 3: Starr back to Red Horse Racing? Confirmed. Hearing that David Starr is headed to the Nationwide Series in 2008 driving for one of the Toyota teams.(10-30-2007)
UPDATE: Also hearing that Circle Bar Racing has not yet signed David Starr for 2008.(10-31-2007)
UPDATE 2: Hearing that David Starr may be headed back to Red Horse Racing and the Toyota camp?(11-14-2007)
UPDATE 3: Starr and Red Horse Racing reunite for 2008: Red Horse Racing saw a lot of success in 2006, including one win, six top-five, 12 top-10 finishes, and a fourth place finish in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Point Standings. So it’s no surprise that the team is anxious to duplicate those results. In an effort to make that happen, Red Horse Racing announced today that veteran NASCAR driver David Starr would return to race the #11 Toyota Tundra for Red Horse Racing in 2008 and the sponsorship lineup would be unveiled at a later date. For 2008, Starr will reunite with veteran Crew Chief Jamie Jones who led Starr to a fourth place finish in the Championship Point Standings in 2006.(Integrity Sports Mktg./RHR PR)(11-14-2007)
Construct Corps to sponsor Marks at Homestead: Germain Racing has announced that Construct Corps will sponsor the #03 Toyota with driver Justin Marks. Construct Corps is a construction staffing company that specializes in providing quality, skilled trades people to commercial, industrial and residential construction contractors. [Construct Corps was the primary sponsor for Mark’s full season in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition with RAB Racing.](Germain Racing PR)(11-14-2007)
Drivers wallets stolen during Phoenix practice session: At least five Craftsman Truck drivers had their wallets stolen during a practice session for the Arizona Casino 200 [Phoenix Int’l Raceway]. Hours later, credit cards were used in Fountain Hills, Ariz. to buy gift cards. They were taken off team transporters while the teams were on pit road during the session. Stacy Compton was one of the drivers. He spent Friday trying to figure out how he was going to get through security at the airport to fly home after the race. “In a 40-minute span, whoever it was went to town,” Compton said. “They bought as many gift cards as they could. They got everything – my driver’s license, my credit cards, everything.”(Savannah Morning News)(11-14-2007)
Ward out, Bodine in #4 at Homestead: UPDATE: Triple-duty for Bodine: Tim Morgan, President of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, Inc. (MMM), and Larry McClure, Team Manager announced that Todd Bodine will drive the #4 State Water Heaters/Lucas Oil Chevy for Morgan McClure Motorsports in the final race of the season this weekend at Miami-Homestead Speedway. Morgan stated, “Ward has worked hard for us this year, he is a good driver and a friend. Todd has been helpful to us in the past and has agreed to step in and help us benchmark our efforts as we get ready for the 2008 season.” Both Ward Burton and the MMM team have agreed that his change is the best way to fully evaluate the performance of the team. Morgan continued, “We are proud to have State Water Heaters back as a sponsor for our team next year. We are currently in the process of negotiating additional sponsorship and selecting a driver for the upcoming 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Season.”(Morgan McClure Motorsports PR/site)(11-13-2007)
UPDATE: Todd Bodine will run all three races: #4 Chevy in Cup, #03-Toyota in Busch and #30-Toyota in Trucks.(11-14-2007)
Myers returns with Ballew for season finale: NASCAR West Series driver, Andrew Myers will be making his first start at the Homestead-Miami Speedway Friday, November 19, 2007 for the running of the Ford 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series finale. Myers will be making his second career Craftsman Truck Series start for Billy Ballew Motorsports driving the #15 NEO Synthetic Chevy. The Newport Beach, CA driver made his debut in the series with the experienced team at the Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) last week.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(11-14-2007)
Skinner to make 100th start for Toyota: Not only will the Homestead race mark the 100th NCTS start for the Toyota Tundra, but it will also be the 100th Toyota start for Skinner. He is the only driver to have run in a Toyota since its NCTS debut in 2004.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(11-13-2007)
Blaney pulls triple duty at Homestead: Dave Blaney will attempt to qualify a fourth entry for Bill Davis Racing in the Ford 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Blaney will be driving the #22 Toyota and will carry the familiar yellow-and-black colors of Caterpillar this weekend. Caterpillar also sponsors Blaney’s #22 Nextel Cup Series Camry. Not only will Blaney attempt to qualify a fourth BDR truck this weekend, he will also continue his quest to stay locked into the top 35 in the Nextel Cup Series owners’ points standings and compete in the Busch Series as well (Bill Davis Racing PR)(11-13-2007)
Miccosukee Resorts sponsoring Busch in final event: Billy Ballew Motorsports with Kyle Busch behind the wheel of the #51 Miccosukee Resorts Chevy, head to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway Friday, November 18. Busch posted his sixth career win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series last week [Phoenix] for Billy Ballew Motorsports. (Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(11-13-2007)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Homestead: Willie Allen was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the November 9 Casino Arizona 150 at Phoenix Int’l Raceway. Allen scored a 17th-place finish and claimed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the fifth time this season. Willie Allen holds a seven-point advantage (158-151) over Tim Sauter in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the November 16 Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Allen is 15th in the Craftsman Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He trails 14th-place Terry Cook by 123 points and is 78 ahead of 16th-place Sauter. David Reutimann is the only Raybestos Rookie to win a pole in 11 previous Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead. Reutimann took the top starting spot for the 2004 Ford 200 at Homestead. He was also the Raybestos Rookie of the Race, grabbing a fourth-place finish. Erik Darnell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2006 Ford 200, posting a third-place finish.(Raybestos PR)(11-13-2007)
Double-duty again for Benson; Exide sponsoring truck: Exide Batteries will serve as primary sponsor of the #23 Bill Davis Racing Tundra team in the season finale. This will be the fourth time this season in which Exide Batteries has performed primary sponsor duties. For the second consecutive week, Benson will attempt to qualify for the Nextel Cup Series race and drive in the Craftsman Truck Series race Friday night. Benson will drive the #36 Toyota Camry in the Nextel Cup Series.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(11-13-2007)
Wimmer to make series debut at Homestead: Scott Wimmer will make his Craftsman Truck Series debut this weekend in the Nov. 16 Ford 200 at Homestead. He will be behind the wheel of the #46 Morgan-Dollar Motorsports entry.(RCR PR)(11-13-2007)
Setzer to surpass money milestone this weekend: Just by starting the final Craftsman Truck Series race of the 2007 season, Setzer will surpass the five million dollar mark in NCTS earnings. After a ninth place finish at Phoenix last week he currently has $4,990,194 in earnings. Setzer will join fellow competitor Jack Sprague in this category.(Bobby Hamilton racing PR)(11-12-2007)
Toyota to make 100th Truck Series start: When the green flag waves to start Friday night’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, it will mark the 100th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start for the Toyota Tundra, which debuted in the series at the beginning of the 2004 season. During the past four years, 10 teams and 39 drivers have combined to make a total of 846 starts for Toyota in the Craftsman Truck Series. In 99 races, Tundra drivers have registered 37 victories and captured 49 pole positions.(Toyota Motorsports PR)(11-12-2007)
Back-to-back triple duty for Harvick: For the second weekend in a row, Harvick will compete in the Craftsman Truck, Busch and Nextel Cup Series races. Kevin Harvick Inc. co-owner Kevin Harvick will make his sixth start of the 2007 Truck Series season this Friday night, November 16, 2007, when he climbs back behind the wheel of the #2 Camping World Chevy for the Ford 200 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(11-12-2007)
Musgrave to the #60? UPDATE 2: Opportunities still exist with the #60: Hearing that Ted Musgrave may be the new driver of the #60 Wyler-Gaughan Racing Toyota and that the ASE sponsorship may be going with him.(10-29-2007)
UPDATE: Ted Musgrave is hinting that he could return to Craftsman Truck Series racing next year with some old friends. “I am not going to tell you exactly what it is because there is one more key element that I’m missing, but let’s just say it’s going to be a throwback to a couple of years ago,” said Musgrave, who is leaving Germain Racing after this season. “I’m kind of getting some of the band back together and have fun.”(SceneDaily.com)(11-2-2007)
UPDATE 2: Contrary to recent reports within the NASCAR community, Wyler-Gaughan Racing, LLC has not committed to a driver or sponsor for the #60 Toyota Tundra that will be fielded in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next year by the newly formed team. “We are still looking at all opportunities that are out there,” said General Manager, Tom Buzze. “We want to put the best combination together for our 60 team with solid funding and a qualified driver. Although we have been in talks with several drivers and sponsors, nothing has been finalized yet and we are currently entertaining all options.” The clarification comes just two weeks after Jeff Wyler, who currently fields the #60 Toyota for Wyler Racing and Michael Gaughan, Owner of the #77 entry for South Point Racing announced that their NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams would merge at season’s end to form WGR. The newly formed partnership was announced on October 29th and will field two full-time entries in the Truck Series along with a part-time effort in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2008.(Wyler-Gaughan Racing PR)(11-12-2007)
Lally released from hospital: Truck Series rookie Andy Lally has been released from an area hospital following a hard accident during the Casino Arizona 150 on Friday night at Phoenix International Raceway. Lally, who was competing in his second career race for The Racer’s Group, was collected by a sliding Stacy Compton and hit the inside wall on the frontstretch so hard that it cracked the concrete part of the wall. Lally was awake and alert and was going to be held overnight for observation but was released early Saturday morning.(SceneDaily.com)(11-10-2007)
Pollo Tropical Restaurants partner with #40 for Homestead: Pollo Tropical, a chain of popular quick service family restaurants in Florida and New Jersey and with franchised locations in Puerto Rico, is partnering with Key Motorsports for the upcoming Ford 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, November 16. The Pollo Tropical logo will be displayed on the #40 Curtis Key Plumbing Chevy driven by Chad Chaffin in the Homestead event and stores will feature promotions to generate interest amongst customers for the final race of the 2007 NCTS season. This is the company’s first venture into NASCAR racing.(Key Motorsports PR)(11-9-2007)
Setzer in the #4 for BHR in ’08? Ray Dunlap reported during the race on SPEED/tv that he’d spoke to Lori Hamilton regarding the status of BHR in ’08, with Hamilton stating that the team has a verbal commitment from Dennis Setzer to drive the #4 for Bobby Hamilton Racing in 2008.(11-9-2007)
Villeneuve – double duty at Phoenix: Along with driving the #27-unicef Toyota in the Casino Arizona 150, Jacques Villeneuve will attempt to make his second career Nextel Cup Series start behind the wheel of the #27 Toyota at Phoenix International Raceway. Richard “Slugger” Labbe will once again serve as crew chief.(BDR PR)(11-8-2007)
U.S. Army Reserve to sponsor #00 in final events: Kevin Buckler and The Racer’s Group has announced that the U.S. Army Reserve will sponsor the #00 U.S. Army Reserve/TRG/Toyota Tundra driven by Andy Lally. The U.S. Army Reserve will ride on the #00 for the final two rounds of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Phoenix International Raceway for the Casino Arizona 150 and at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Ford 200. TRG also welcomes its associate sponsors on the truck, including Dennis Hiffman Real Estate, Kelly Construction, Collins International, and Adobe Road Winery.(TRG PR)(11-7-2007)
KHI and the VFW? hearing that the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will be the sponsor in 2008 for four races on the Kevin Harvick Inc #2 Craftsman Truck Series Chevy and also for four races on the #77 KHI Nationwide Series Chevy and be an associate sponsor for 28 races, with Camping World as the primary. Supposedly the scheme is a blue and red scheme, with the VFW Cross of Malta design. Jack Sprague is scheduled to drive the #2 Truck. No word on the #33 sponsorship. The first scheduled race for the sponsorship is at Daytona in July on the Nationwide car.(11-7-2007)
Extensive coverage on SPEED for season finale at Homestead: With former NCTS champions Ron Hornaday Jr. and Mike Skinner locked in one of the closest battles in series history, SPEED will support its Truck Series event with live coverage of NCTS practice (Nov. 16, 10:30am/et), NCTS qualifying (Nov. 16, 5:00pm/et) and the popular pre-race show NCTS Setup, hosted by Krista Voda (Nov. 16, 7:30pm/et). In addition, SPEED is working with NASCAR Images to produce a one-hour look at the Truck Series season, entitled NCTS: A Rivalry Renewed (Nov. 16, 6:30pm/et).(SPEED/tv PR)(11-6-2007)
Benson in the #36 for Cup race: UPDATE: This weekend, Johnny Benson will attempt to qualify for the Nextel Cup Series race as well as drive the #23-Toyota in the Truck race on Friday night. Benson will drive the #36 Toyota Camry in the Cup Series this weekend.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(11-6-2007)
UPDATE: Trip Bruce, who leads Benson’s NCTS effort, will call the shots this weekend for the Cup car as well.(11-8-2007)
Darnell’s #99 to sport winning scheme at Phoenix: When the Northern Tool + Equipment Ford of Erik Darnell hits the track at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend, it will do so with a new look. The winning scheme from Northern Tool’s “Paint My Ride” promotion will adorn the #99, marking the first time that a special paint scheme has been run on the Roush Fenway Racing entry this season. Northern Tool + Equipment launched the “Paint My Ride” promotion in September, challenging aspiring designers to come up with their own paint scheme for Darnell’s #99. When the dust settled, Jim and Kevin Cargo of Oswego, Ill. and their scheme “Bringin’ the Heat” were chosen as the winners.(Roush Fenway Racing PR). Image of the winning scheme is posted on the 2007 Paint Scheme Gallery page.(11-6-2007)
Bell makes first truck start at Phoenix: T.J. Bell will make his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Phoenix International Raceway this Friday night in the #50 Heathcliff’s Cat Litter Ford. Bell has one career Busch Series start at Phoenix, coming in November of 2005. He finished 36th after his engine expired.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(11-6-2007)
Compton makes final appearance for ’07: After sharing the driving duties in the #09 Zaxby’s Ford all year with Joey Clanton, Compton will be making his final start in Friday night’s Arizona Casino 150 at the Phoenix International Raceway. Clanton will close out the truck-racing season next week at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.(Wood Bros/JTG Racing PR)(11-6-2007)
Cook sponsored by Vanguard Nat’l Trailer at Phoenix: The #59 HT Motorsports Toyota driven by Terry Cook will be featuring sponsorship from Vanguard National Trailer Corporation. Vanguard National Trailer Corporation, a division of CIMC, Ltd., has been producing quality dry van trailers since 2004. The Monon, Indiana Company has quickly become known as an innovator in trailer design, integrating advanced technologies into its manufacturing processes to develop next-generation trailers featuring durability and longevity. Cook has competed in 13 Truck Series events at the Phoenix Int’l Raceway.(HT Motorsports PR) Image of the truck can be found on the 2007 Paint Scheme Gallery page.(11-6-2007)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes: Tim Sauter was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the November 2 Silverado 350K at Texas Motor Speedway. Sauter scored a 10th-place finish, his best in 26 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts. He claimed top rookie honors for the fifth time in 2007. Willie Allen holds a six-point advantage (155-149) over Sauter and Joey Clanton in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the November 9 Casino Arizona 150 at Phoenix Int’l Raceway. Sauter and Clanton are tied in the standings. Allen is 15th in the Craftsman Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He trails 14th-place Terry Cook by 135 points and is 57 ahead of 16th-place Sauter. Erik Darnell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2006 Casino Arizona 150, grabbing a 10th-place finish.(Raybestos PR)(11-6-2007)
Harvick back behind the wheel of #2 Chevy: Kevin Harvick Inc. co-owner Kevin Harvick will make his return to the NASCAR Truck Series this Friday night, November 9, 2007, as he pilots the #2 Camping World Chevy at the Phoenix International Raceway in the Casino Arizona 150. This will be Harvick’s fourth start of the season behind the wheel of the #2 truck for KHI.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(11-5-2007)
Double Duty for Hornaday: Ron Hornaday will make his fifth and final start in the Busch Series this season for Kevin Harvick Inc. driving the #33 Camping World Chevy on Friday evening in the Truck Series event and returning Saturday to pilot the #77 Dollar General stores Chevy.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(11-5-2007)
Myers in the #15 at Phoenix: Billy Ballew Motorsports will again be fielding two trucks at the Phoenix International Raceway on Friday, November 9. NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series driver Andrew Myers piloting the #15 Chevy in the Casino Arizona 150 with Kyle Busch in the #51 Craftsman Truck.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(11-5-2007)
Kraig Kinser to join Tony Stewart Racing’s WoO team: Tony Stewart has announced that World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Series driver Kraig Kinser will join Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) beginning with the 2008 season. Kinser will replace Paul McMahan in the #20 Bass Pro Shops/J.D. Byrider/Chevy entry. The familiar Bass Pro Shops paint scheme will continue to adorn the #20 for the 2008 season. The Chevy-powered winged sprint car will be overseen by longtime TSR crew chief Jimmy Carr, who will head up both of TSR’s WoO Sprint Series programs. Kinser’s teammate will be reigning WoO Sprint Series driver Donny Schatz, who will join TSR beginning with the 2008 season in the #15 Armor All/ParkerStore/Chevy machine.(Tony Stewart Racing PR)(11-5-2007)
Lester Buildings to discontinue sponsorship in ’08: Lester Buildings, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of pre-engineered post-frame buildings, has announced its will not return to NASCAR racing in 2008. Lester Buildings’ primary sponsorship of the Green Light Racing #07 and driver Tim Sauter will end at the conclusion of the 2007 season at Homestead. The company, with facilities in Minnesota, Illinois and Virginia and distribution in nearly 35 states, first hooked up with Sauter in 2004, competing in the now-defunct ASA National Series, then moved with Sauter to the NASCAR Busch series in 2005 and 2006 before joining with Green Light Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2007. Larry Lembrich, VP of Sales for Lester Buildings added, “It’s been a pleasure to work with Tim. He is the consummate professional and is highly regarded up and down pit road, inside the ropes and by his fans. We wish Tim and his family the very best of luck in whatever is down the road for him.” Sauter is currently looking for opportunities for the 2008 season.(Lester Racing PR)(11-5-2007)
Bill Davis again denies sale rumors: Interviewed on Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway Tuesday, Davis once again denied reports that Jacques Villeneuve or his agent, Craig Pollack, have purchased the team, saying that he and his wife maintain 100% ownership.(Sirius Speedway)(10-31-2007)
UPDATE – Villeneuve rules out BDR purchase: Jacques Villeneuve has categorically stated that he has no interest in buying into NASCAR team Bill Davis Racing. The 1997 Formula One world champion has been linked to a purchase of the team he is racing for since his manager Craig Pollock expressed an interest in buying a NASCAR team, but Villeneuve claims that he will not be involved in any takeover bid. Villeneuve said: “Over the last few weeks there has been persistent speculation that I am considering some form of purchase of the Bill Davis Racing organisation. “In spite of my consistent denial of these claims, the questions and speculation continue, so I want to set the record straight, one time only. I am not interested in buying the BDR business, or any other NASCAR team. I have not been considering such a purchase, and I will not be changing that position.” Villeneuve added that he wants to remain totally focused on his racing in NASCAR, where he is currently preparing for his rookie season in the Sprint Cup in 2008.(Autosport.com)(11-3-2007)
Sprague to KHI? Con-way Freight to Roush? UPDATE 2 – It’s official; Sprague to KHI: Hearing that Jack Sprague will be moving to Kevin Harvick Inc. in 2008; another full-time team for KHI. Also hearing that Con-way Freight sponsorship will be moving to Roush Fenway Racing.(10-18-2007)
UPDATE: During SPEED/tv’s prerace report, Kevin Harvick made a formal announcement that Jack Sprague will be joining Kevin Harvick Inc. and will be driving the #2-Chevy full time in 2008.(11-2-2007)
UPDATE 2: Kevin Harvick Inc. has announced that Jack Sprague has signed a multi-year agreement to drive the #2 Kevin Harvick Inc. Chevy in the NASCAR Truck Series beginning in 2008. A primary sponsor has been secured and will be announced at a later date. Jack Sprague brings years of racing experience to KHI and will be a great asset to Ron and the entire truck program,” said Kevin Harvick. “Ron Hornaday and Jack Sprague are what truck racing is all about,” Harvick continued. “They are both hard-core racers. I know that they will both give everything they have until the checkered flag falls, and those are the kind of guys I want driving for me.”(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(11-2-2007)
Marks to Germain Racing full-time in ’08: During the pre-race show on Speed/tv, Ray Dunlap reported that Justin Marks has been signed to drive full-time for Germain Racing in 2008. A formal announcement is expected next week.(11-2-2007)
KHI to announce 2008 driver lineup on SPEED’s NCTS Setup: Kevin Harvick Inc. will make a major announcement regarding their 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver lineup this week on the SPEED pre-race program “NCTS Setup” with Krista Voda (Friday 8:30pm/et Live).(SPEED/tv.com)(11-1-2007)

2007

October
September
August
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Jayski’s Silly Season Cup News Page
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Born On Date: November 1, 2007