November 2008 Craftsman Truck Series Archive - Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site

November 2008 Truck Series News Archive

For winners of a race in Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series races: see the Misc Stats page for this and other statistical information.

Richert looking: Hearing that championship crew chief [Dale Earnhardt 1980], recent crew chief for Mike Skinner will not be back with Skinner at Bill Davis Racing and is looking for a crew chief job.(11-28-2008)
Cook returning to #59; HT Motorsports entertaining idea of second team: “Going back to the 59 truck really rejuvenated me,” Cook said. “All of a sudden it was fun to go back to the track again. We enjoyed going out there and running up at the front every week. I haven’t been more excited about the start of a new season in a long time and we have high expectations once we get to Daytona and the rest of the 25 race schedule. I truly think with what Jim has in place we can race for wins every week.” HT Motorsports would also entertain the possibility of fielding a second team in 2009 under the right conditions. “We’ve wanted to expand to two trucks for a couple of years but the opportunity hasn’t ever been right,” Harris said. “We’d look at any opportunities right now. Whether it’s a rookie with some sponsorship or it’s forming an alliance of some sort. We have a great race shop and we’re in an area that really welcomes motorsports businesses. We are far enough away from the Charlotte area that we don’t have a lot of the employee turnover that you see down there, but close enough that we have immediate access to all of the latest information and technology. I think we’re in a great position to see some success in 2009 and beyond.”(HT Motorsports PR)(11-26-2008)
Setzer looking for ride; BHR-VA not returning in ’09? UPDATE BHR-VA to cease operations: During the race broadcast on SPEED/tv, Ray Dunlap reported that Dennis Setzer is looking for a ride for the 2009 season and that there was a 70 percent chance that Bobby Hamilton Racing – VA will not return in 2009.(11-14-2008)
UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton Racing-Virginia will cease operations at the end of the week, Lori Shuler Hamilton, chief operating officer for the NASCAR Truck series organization, confirmed Monday. The team, started by the late Bobby Hamilton, moved from its base in Nashville, Tenn., to Martinsville, Va., after the 2007 season with partners Clay Campbell, Stacy Compton, Mac Bailey, Mark Melling and Joey Arrington joining the ownership group. Details of what will happen with the trucks and the equipment are still to be determined, Hamilton said. The team’s sponsorship from Dodge ended after the 2008 season. The organization started the season with two trucks but cut back to one during the year. Dennis Setzer finished eighth in points and earned a win at Martinsville – the 20th win for the organization since its inception in 1999.(SceneDaily.com)(11-24-2008)
Camping World offer to help manufacturers: Camping World becomes title sponsor of NASCAR’s truck series next year, and CEO Marcus Lemonis said he’s serious about being a good partner. In fact, he says he can help the automakers in NASCAR – Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota – sell more cars. In the past, Chevy has been the official car and truck of Camping World’s retail centers, and each time customers bought an RV or towable (travel trailer, camper, etc.), they received a $500 coupon toward the purchase of a General Motors vehicle. Close to 1,000 of those coupons have been redeemed this year, and Lemonis wants to offer the other automakers the same deal. The trouble is that since Lemonis publicly extended the offer about three weeks ago, he has not heard back from any of the manufacturers. “I guess we’re selling enough cars and trucks that we don’t need something like this to get excited about,” Lemonis said. “I’ve yet to get a call from a manufacturer.”(Sports Business Journal)(11-24-2008)
Layoffs at KHI? Hearing that there were about 8-10 people laid off from Kevin Harvick, Inc’s Nationwide and Truck Series Program last week.(11-23-2008)
McCumbee to Cup; announcement soon? UPDATE 2 Plans still up in the air; may run trucks? Hearing that the deal for Chad McCumbee has been finalized for the move to Sprint Cup in 2009, and an announcement is expected sometime within the next week.(8-9-2008)
UPDATE: Petty Enterprises has not decided on a driver for its #45 car next year, team official Robbie Loomis said Friday, but Chad McCumbee remains one of the top candidates for the ride. Michael McDowell and Casey Mears are some of the other drivers who have been mentioned, though Mears appears poised to sign with Richard Childress Racing. Loomis said the team was still speaking with multiple drivers. McCumbee, spending his off-week from the Craftsman Truck Series in the Cup garage at Michigan, said he’s “working hard” on trying to land a ride with the Pettys. The North Carolina native has run several events for the team in its #45 car and recently had a solid run at Pocono. “I’m just kind of floating around for now, waiting to see what’s going to happen,” he said. He added that he expects to hear a decision within the next couple weeks at the latest. Scene Daily)(8-16-2008)
UPDATE 2: Despite several Internet reports that link him to a full-time seat in the #44 car for Petty Enterprises next season, McCumbee said the sagging economy has changed a lot of plans. “We have to wait for sponsorship,” he said. “If we don’t have it, we can’t go racing. We’ve had some things lined up, but when companies start to struggle, NASCAR sponsorship will be the first to go.” McCumbee said he doesn’t “have an answer” to what next year will look like, but is “confident we will be able to run some,” in the Sprint Cup Series. He also said he may return to the Craftsman Truck Series.(MyrtleBeachOnline.com)(11-21-2008)
Crawford set for 2009; Gaughan unconfirmed for the #10: From Rick Crawford’s Diary – “As for 2009, right now I can only speak for the #14 truck; as for the #10 truck, we’re basically waiting on Brendan and Mr. Gaughan to decide what they want to do. Keeping Brendan in the #10 truck next year is really up to them, and not necessarily up to us. We’re satisfied with Brendan and the things he brings to the table, and if he wants to stay with us, the door is open for him to come on in. We welcome that, but we’re just not sure yet. The #14 truck will carry some International branding on it, and we’ll be good to go with Kevin Starland as the crew chief and another great team – hopefully 2009 will be another great year.”(Frontstretch.com)(11-20-2008)
Benson, BDR Celebrate 2008 titles; Benson named Most Popular Driver: In a season of firsts – and the final one for longtime series sponsor Craftsman – Johnny Benson and his Bill Davis Racing team celebrated the 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship Monday night during the series’ awards banquet at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Benson, 45, became the series’ 10th different champion by finishing seventh in Sunday night’s Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He also became only the second competitor to win the truck series title and the NASCAR Nationwide title, having captured the latter in 1995. Greg Biffle is the other driver to have won both championships. During 2008, Benson and the team collected awards of $1,181,997 – most in series history. Benson was also named the series’ Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive season. It marked the first time that fans could vote for the award.(NASCAR PR)(11-18-2008)
Starr returning to #11 in 2009; Zachry returning as sponsor: David Starr has confirmed that he will be returning to the #11 Toyota with Red Horse Racing in 2009. Starr also said that Zachry Holdings would be returning as sponsor.(11-18-2008)
Racing Resources says…
… Todd Bodine won the Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and posted his 15th series victory in his 115th start. Bodine posted his third series win of the 2008 season (Daytona, Talladega).
… Bodine scored his second series victory at Homestead in his fourth start. He posted his first 1.5 mile victory of the 2008 season and ninth career, the most of all series drivers.
… Germain Racing posted its third win of the 2008 season, all by Bodine. Toyota posted its 13th win of the 2008 season and third at Homestead.
… Brian Scott, who finished second, posted his career-best finish in his 32nd start. Scott was the highest finishing of the four Rookie of the Year contenders in the race.
… Bodine won from the 18th starting position, the lowest starting position of a series Homestead winner.
… The race ended under a green-white-checker finish for the seventh time in 2008 and the third at Homestead.
… Kyle Busch, who led the most laps for the seventh time in 2008, finished fourth.
… James Buescher, who finished 19th, and Ryan Hackett, who finished 34th, made their series debuts.
… The top-10 consisted of six Toyotas, two Chevrolets, one Ford and one Dodge.
… Johnny Benson won his first series title. Benson is the 10th different champion in the series’ 14 seasons. Benson’s previous best points finish was second in 2006.
… Benson’s final points margin was seven points over Ron Hornaday Jr., the second closest in series history. The closest margin was Hornaday over Jack Sprague by three points in 1998.
… This is Bill Davis Racing’s first series title in its sixth season.
… Benson led the standings following 14 races, including 14 of the final 16. The points lead changed 11 times this season.
… Benson’s largest points lead of 119 points came following race No. 16 at Bristol. His smallest points lead was one point following race No. 13 at Kentucky.
… Benson scored five wins in the 2008 season (Milwaukee, Kentucky, ORP, Nashville, Martinsville). He has 14 career victories in the series.
… Benson also won the Nationwide Series championship in 1995. Benson becomes only the second driver to win Truck and Nationwide championships. Greg Biffle won the Trucks in 2000 and Nationwide in 2002.(ESPN.com)(11-17-2008)
Hornaday wins WIX Filters Lap Leader honors for 2008: Ron Hornaday Jr. clinched WIX Filters Lap Leader honors in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season, earning a $10,000 cash prize. He has captured WIX Filters Lap Leader of the Race honors 11 times this season ($1,900 per race), bringing his total payout from WIX Filters to $30,900. Ron Hornaday Jr. led four times for 37 laps to earn WIX Filters Lap Leader of the Race honors in tonight’s Ford 200. Hornaday led 1,326 total laps this season, more than any other driver in the Craftsman Truck Series. He was the only driver to lead over 1,000 laps in the series this season. Hornaday Jr. ended the season second in the series championship standings, seven points behind champion Johnny Benson.(WIX Filters PR)(11-16-2008)
Braun clinches Raybestos Rookie of the Year: Colin Braun in the #6 Con-Way Freight Ford clinched Raybestos Rookie of the Year Honors in the Ford 200. Braun finished 14th in tonight’s race at Homestead. Braun captured Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors seven times this season. He finished with three top-five and eight top-10 finishes. Brian Scott in the #16 Albertsons Toyota was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Scott scored a second-place finish, his best effort in 32 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races. He claimed his second top-five and seventh top-10 this season and grabbed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the fourth time this season.(Raybestos PR)(11-15-2008)
NASCAR Camping World Logo unveiled: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Camping World today unveiled the logo for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The new look was revealed as the latest step for the series’ transition to Camping World as the new title sponsor beginning in 2009, after 14 years of sponsorship by Craftsman. NASCAR and Camping World announced a seven-year partnership agreement on Oct. 23. “We are excited to debut this logo and give the fans a glimpse of what the series will look like for 2009,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR’s chief marketing officer. “While the logo and the sponsor will be new, the highly competitive nature of this series will continue as it has every year since 1995.” “This sponsorship is coming on the cusp of many good years partnering with NASCAR and the auto manufacturers and we are very excited at the opportunity to be the new title sponsor,” said Marcus Lemonis, Camping World chairman and CEO. “The new logo is just a start of great things to come in 2009.” The inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season will kick off Feb. 13, 2009 at Daytona International Speedway. The series, which features 25 races at 23 tracks located across North America, is exclusively broadcast on SPEED and FOX.NASCAR PR)(11-14-2008)
NASCAR bans 2009 testing: NASCAR has banned all testing at its sanctioned tracks next season in an effort to help teams save several million dollars in their 2009 budgets. The moratorium, which includes the traditional “preseason” Daytona 500 testing, is for all three of NASCAR’s top divisions. Teams will not be permitted to test at any track where a Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series or Truck Series event is held. NASCAR informed teams of its decision Friday morning at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The decision is an about-face from just a few months ago, when NASCAR was considering widening the testing schedule to as many as 24 days at any track.(ESPN/AP)(11-14-2008)
Congratulations to Todd & Janet: Congratulations go out to Todd Bodine and Janet Paczkowski on the announcement made during the qualifying session that they have become engaged to be married.(11-14-2008)
Sad News – Jamie Praytor: Jamie Praytor lost her battle with cancer earlier today. Jamie is the mother of Tommy Praytor who contributes to the Public Relations efforts for Circle Bar Racing with drivers Rick Crawford and Brendan Gaughan and is also the host of the weekly racing radio program, “Inside Alabama.” Jamie is also survived by two other children, Ellen & Wilson. In 1974 she founded Praytor Realty spending the remainder of her career giving back to the Realtor Community. In 2001 Jamie was chosen First Lady of Mobile, and over the last 25 years, her small company has produced five Realtor presidents and four Realtor’s of the Year. In 2008 the Mobile Association of Realtors honored Jamie’s commitment to others by creating the Jamie C. Praytor Community Service Award. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00pm, Sunday, November 16th, and 10:00 to 11:00am, Monday, November 17th prior to a Memorial Service at 11:00am at All Saints Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McKemie Place, P. O. Box 9082, Mobile, AL 36691 or All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 S. Ann Street, Mobile, Alabama 36604.(11-14-2008)
Goodyear Tire Notes – Homestead: Teams in all three NASCAR series will run the same tire codes at Homestead this weekend, though those for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will be branded “Goodyear Eagle,” while those for the Craftsman Truck Series will be branded “Goodyear Wrangler” . . . Goodyear held a tire test at Homestead on October 14 . . . participating in that test were the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge with Juan Pablo Montoya and the No. 83 Red Bull Racing Toyota with Brian Vickers . . . “Our confirmation test at Homestead went well. The early wear rates were high, as expected, but as the teams tested and the track ‘rubbered in,’ wear improved significantly. By the end of the day, both cars were running full fuel runs with good performance,” said Rick Campbell, Goodyear’s NASCAR project manager . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that Goodyear brought for teams to run at both Texas and Chicagoland this season . . . NASCAR teams have also run this left-side tire code (D-4134) with a different right-side code at Dover, Michigan and Kentucky in 2008 . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams will are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Homestead . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. . . . Goodyear Blimp: The Goodyear airship “Spirit of Innovation” will be covering the NASCAR races at Homestead this weekend.(Goodyear PR)(11-14-2008) For tire codes and specs see the Homestead Race Page.(11-14-2008)
Chaffin back in the #40 for season finale: Chad Chaffin will be back in the drivers seat of the #40 Westerman / Pollo Tropical Chevy for the Ford 200 Truck race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, November 14. 2008. (Key Motorsports PR)(11-13-2008)
Camping World to be Title Sponsor For NASCAR Truck Series: UPDATE 3 Logo unveiling rescheduled to Friday, November 14: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today that Camping World will be the title sponsor for the NASCAR Truck Series beginning in 2009. Camping World replaces longtime series sponsor Craftsman, which had been the sole title sponsor since the inception of the NASCAR Truck Series in 1995. The seven-year agreement gives Camping World the exclusive rights to sponsor the series, which has built its reputation on very competitive and tough racing. Camping World will enjoy the support of the most brand-loyal fans in all of sports, including millions who annually attend races of the series, which features 25 points events at 23 tracks across North America. All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races will be broadcast live on SPEED or FOX which will result in over $100 million worth of exposure for the new title sponsor. “Camping World has a unique connection to the sport and to the NASCAR fans,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “Camping and tailgating is an essential part of the NASCAR race experience. Thousands of RVs pack the campgrounds at every NASCAR event, often for three or four days at a time. This makes Camping World the perfect match for the NASCAR Truck Series.” “I can’t say enough about the commitment and leadership that Craftsman has provided for the Truck Series over the past thirteen years. We thank Craftsman for all it’s done with the series and the fans,” said France. “Camping World has a strong affinity with NASCAR fans and we’re thrilled to be the primary sponsor in NASCAR’s Truck Series,” said Camping World Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis. “With the state of the current economy, Camping World’s main objective is to communicate our brand in the most cost-effective manner and to promote affordable, family fun. Additionally, we feel strongly that this sponsorship will dramatically increase our customer base in experiencing our entire product offering. We expect this relationship to not only benefit the teams and fans, but we will put a special emphasis on supporting the four auto manufacturers in selling more trucks and the Truck Series sponsors to yield the same return on investment that we’ve enjoyed. Camping World will work diligently to promote the four manufacturers and team sponsors by positioning them as preferred product providers to the four million RV enthusiasts we currently serve,” said Lemonis. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will launch its inaugural season Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Camping World will continue its successful relationship with Kevin Harvick Inc., RCR, ISC, SMI, Dover Motorsports, ESPN, SPEED and its title sponsorship of the NASCAR Camping World East and West Series through 2009. The NASCAR Truck Series is invariably competitive year in and year out. Along with a 19% increase in television ratings this year, the series is host to another heated battle for the championship as the points lead has changed nine times. Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday have traded the lead several times this year; Benson currently leads Hornaday by only 65 points with four races to go. Along with crafty veterans such as Rick Crawford, Dennis Setzer and Todd Bodine, the series also features up-and-coming rookies like Colin Braun and Erik Darnell. Drivers for each manufacturer have won races this year and are represented in the series standings’ top 10. Founded in 1966, Camping World is America’s largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of recreational vehicles and outdoor camping accessories and services. The company grew from a single point location in Bowling Green, Ky., to operating successful nationwide Supercenters. Over the last five years, Camping World has progressively expanded their products and services providing consumers with a vast selection, convenience and value. Camping World now operates under the department store model as a one-stop shopping destination providing services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle including: Recreational Vehicle Sales; RV Rentals; RV Service & Collision; over 8,000 RV & outdoor accessories; Performance & Tow centers; Detail & Refurbishment centers known as RV Spa; President’s Club customer loyalty program; Campground reservations & directories; RV Finance and Insurance; RV Tours & Travel and a nationally distributed magazine called RV View. The dynamic Camping World retail network headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., currently operates in 33 states and serves over four million RV enthusiasts.(NASCAR PR)(10-23-2008)
To see more on the progression of this news, see the October Past News page.(10-23-2008)
UPDATE: NASCAR has announced that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2009 logo will be unveiled at Phoenix Int’l Raceway on Friday, November 7th at 7:45pm/et. Participating will be Marcus Lemonis, Camping World Chairman & CEO along with Steve Phelps, NASCAR’s Chief Marketing Officer.(NASCAR PR)(11-6-2008)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series logo unveiling has been postponed and will be rescheduled. It will not take place today. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series logo unveiling is going to be rescheduled [will update with new time as soon as available].(NASCAR PR)(11-7-2008)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR and newly named title sponsor Camping World will unveil the official NASCAR Camping World Truck Series logo during SPEED’s coverage of Truck qualifying from Homestead, Friday,, November 14th at 5:00pm/et.(SPEEDtv PR)(11-12-2008)
Circle Bar to display special decal honoring Craftsman: Circle Bar Racing is proud to display a special decal on the bed panel of its two trucks – the #10 International MaxxForce Diesel Ford driven by Brendan Gaughan and the #14Circle Bar Truck Corral/Power Stroke Diesel by Int’l Ford driven by Rick Crawford – this weekend at HMS commemorating Craftsman’s 14 years of participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.(Circle Bar PR) To see renderings, visit the 2008 Paint Scheme Page.(11-12-2008)
Chrissy Wallace making 6th series start at Homestead: Chrissy Wallace will be working with crew chief Mike Abner driving the #9-Germain.com Toyota at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season finale in Homestead, Florida, on Friday night. Wallace is making her sixth Truck Series start of her career. This season marked her NASCAR and ARCA RE/MAX Series debuts.(Germain Racing PR) [Image of the #9-Germain.com Toyota is posted on the 2008 Paint Scheme Page.(11-12-2008)
DW to join SPEED truck coverage at Homestead: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and 1989 Daytona 500 winner Darrell Waltrip will join the SPEED broadcast team for Champions Week in Homestead-Miami, adding his voice to the popular NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series pre-race show, NCTS Setup with Krista Voda (Friday, 7:30pm/et), as well as joining brother Michael in the booth with Rick Allen and Phil Parsons for race coverage of the title-deciding Truck race (Friday, 8:00pm/et).(SPEED/tv PR)(11-12-2008)
Malsam to debut at Bristol: UPDATE 3 Malsam to Bill Davis Racing: During Sunday night’s Speed Report, Ray Dunlap reported that there would be a new team making its debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in the Truck Series. The number will be 41 and the driver, sprint/midget car racer Tayler Malsam.(7-21-2008)
UPDATE: Tayler Malsam, the SunTrust Rookie-of-the-Year candidate in the ARCA RE/MAX Series will be driving for Cunningham Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Bristol. We’ve also learned that Malsam will climb the ladder and run for Rookie-of-the-Year in the truck series in 2009. Fire-down Graphics is expected to jump on board as a sponsor with Barry Owens expected to crew chief.(CatchFence.com)(7-21-2008)
UPDATE 2: Fresh off a top-10 finish in his rookie season in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, Seattle’s Tayler Malsam has signed with Bill Davis Racing to pilot a fourth Toyota in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In preparation for the 2009 season, Malsam will attend this week’s event in Phoenix with the team in anticipation of making his first start for BDR at the 2008 NASCAR Truck Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(11-4-2008)
UPDATE 3: Tayler Malsam will join the Bill Davis Racing stable this weekend in a fourth BDR Toyota Tundra entry [Malsam is entered as driving the #52-Stocks for Tots Toyota with Ken Schrader listed as owner and Robert Nead as crew chief]. (BDR PR)(11-11-2008)
UPDATE 4: Tayler Malsam will make his debut behind the wheel of the #24 BDR Toyota in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series finale this weekend. Malsam has made just one start in NCTS competition, and will be shown the ropes this weekend by veteran Crew Chief Gene Nead. The #24 truck will be adorned with Stocks for Tots decals this weekend. Stocks for Tots was created as a way to bring together stock car racing and its fans, all the while raising awareness of the child abuse problem in North Carolina. (Bill Davis Racing PR) Complete entry list is posted on the Homestead Race Page.(11-11-2008)
Exide to sponsor Benson at Homestead: Exide Batteries will serve as the primary sponsor of the #23 Bill Davis Racing Toyota Tundra team Friday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Exide has been a partner of Bill Davis Racing since the 2006 season.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(11-11-2008)
Peters & Premier Racing plan 8-10 races UPDATE 2 To Toyota at Homestead with new sponsor: Premier Racing of Danville, Virginia made its first start at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 16th with Timothy Peters driving the #17 Hayes Metal and Iron Recycling/Tahoe Smokeless Tobacco Dodge. This partnership encompasses three new owners: Philip Hudgins, Scot Jones, Steve Stallings and a driver (Peters) who will all have an equity position in the team. The team will compete in a limited schedule consisting of 8-10 races and looks to enter the series on a full time basis in 2009. Hudgins added “We fully intend to enter as many races as we can in 2008, but we want to assure everyone that we have all the pieces of the puzzle put together for a full time campaign in 2009.” The team will announce its extended 2008 schedule in the coming weeks and looks forward to being a mainstay in the Craftsman Truck Series for years to come(Premier Racing PR)(5-19-2008)
UPDATE: Steve Stallings said the team’s plan is to compete with the hopes of adding a second team and maybe branching out to field a car in the Nationwide Series down the road. With only one more race – the season finale at Homestead – on his schedule,[Timothy] Peters hopes a good showing at Martinsville might propel his team into next season on a good note. “We have things in place and a different manufacturer lined up for next year,” said Peters, whose team will be featured in a segment today on SPEED at 2:30pm. “I have two sponsors that we hope to hear back from by the end of this month or the first of November.” Having the proper backing would be a perfect scenario for Peters, so that he can continue his development as a driver. And he knows the only way to do that is to stay behind the wheel.(GoDanRiver.com)(10-18-2008)
UPDATE 2: Hearing that Premier Racing is already in the process of switching their manufacturer from Dodge to Toyota and will be running a Toyota at Homestead-Miami Speedway in two weeks.(11-2-2008)
UPDATE 3: Premier Racing is pleased to announce a new partnership: Strutmasters.com will be featured on the #17 Toyota as a co-primary sponsor with Hayes Iron and Metal for the Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 15th.(Premier Racing PR)(11-11-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Homestead: Brian Scott was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the November 7 Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Int’l Raceway. Scott scored a fourth-place finish, his first top-five in 31 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races and sixth top-10. Scott claimed top rookie honors for the third time this season and became the first Raybestos Rookie to score a top-five in the fall race at Phoenix since Carl Edwards placed fourth in 2003. …A Raybestos Rookie has scored a top-10 finish in each of the last 12 CONSECUTIVE NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races. …Colin Braun leads Brian Scott by 26 points (195-169) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the November 14 Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. …David Reutimann is the only Raybestos Rookie to win a pole in 12 previous Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead. Reutimann took the top starting spot for the 2004 Ford 200 at Homestead. …Tim Sauter was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2007 Ford 200, posting an 11th-place finish. …The only Raybestos Rookie to win in 12 previous races at Homestead is Kenny Irwin, who won the 1997 Ford 200 over Mike Bliss.(Raybestos PR)(11-11-2008)
Buescher to drive #15 at Homestead: James Buescher will be behind the wheel of the #15 Hyprene Ergon Toyota for Billy Ballew Motorsports this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Ford 200 will mark Buescher’s first-career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start,and he has never competed at Homestead-Miami Speedway prior to this weekend. Buescher has competed in six NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season.(BL Mktg/BBM PR)(11-10-2008)
Kvapil returns to ’09 at Homestead: Roush Fenway Racing has announced that Travis Kvapil will be the driver of the #09 Zaxby’s Ford at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kvapil has one top-five and two top-10 finishes in five truck starts at Homestead.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(11-10-2008)
KHI plans to run three trucks at Homestead; Newman in the #2, Harvick in another: UPDATE Change of plans; Harvick to the #2; Newman #33 NNS: From Team Chevy’s Post Race Notes & Quotes:
KEVIN- What is the plan for the #2 truck for the rest of the season? “Ryan (Newman) is going to run the #2 at Homestead and I will run the truck at Phoenix and Homestead, or one of the trucks. For the most part, we are going to race the next two weeks. HORNADAY INTERJECTS – If you are going to run one and he is going to run one, where does that leave me? KEVIN – “That means we will have three.(Team Chevy PR)(11-1-2008)
UPDATE: Kevin Harvick will be returning to the #2 American Commercial Lines Chevy for the final race at Homstead-Miami Speedway. Ryan Newman will now be driving the #33 Camping World Chevy in the Nationwide Series and will not be in a truck.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(11-10-2008)
Racing Resources says…
* Kevin Harvick won the Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway. He posted his third series victory in his 94th career start. All three of Harvick’s wins have come at Phoenix International Raceway. Harvick led 60 laps in the event, including the final 51. Harvick recorded his sixth win at Phoenix (two in Sprint Cup, one in Nationwide and three in Trucks).
* Kevin Harvick Inc. posted its 17th series victory. It was KHI’s eighth of the 2008 season — the most of any team. Kevin Harvick Inc. has won the past three series races with three different drivers. (Ryan Newman at Atlanta, Ron Hornaday Jr. at Texas and Harvick at Phoenix). It’s the first time this has occurred in series history.
* Kyle Busch, who finished second, posted his 15th top-10 finish in 17 starts this season. He has finished first or second six times this season. Busch pitted on Lap 130 and restarted 16th on Lap 134. He came back to finish second, 0.941 of a second behind. Busch led the most laps in the race (90 of 150), the sixth time in 2008 that he has led the most laps.
* On Lap 1, Hornaday and Busch were battling side by side for the lead in Turn 3, Hornaday got loose and hit the wall, then was hit by four other trucks, one being points leader Johnny Benson. Benson made several pit stops to repair damage. Hornaday went behind the wall for repairs and came back to the track on Lap 29.
* On Lap 86, Benson and T.J. Bell got together in Turn 1. Benson received heavy damage and went behind the wall for 38 laps for repairs. Bell’s day was over.
* Hornaday finished 25th (34 laps down) and Johnny finished 26th (49 laps down).
* Hornaday gained three points on Benson; he is now only three points behind the leader. This is the closest points battle with one race to go in series history; the previous was 13 in 1998, when Hornaday was leading Jack Sprague.
* Benson has lost 62 points to Hornaday over the past three races; he had a 65-point lead following Martinsville.
* Chevrolet posted its 10th win of the 2008 season.
* Brian Scott, who finished fourth, was the best finishing of the four rookie of the year contenders in the race. It was Scott’s career-best finish.
* Brad Keselowski, sixth, recorded his best career finish.
* The top 10 featured four Toyotas, three Chevrolets, and three Fords. Dennis Setzer, who finished 15th, was the highest finishing Dodge.
* The race was slowed seven times for 41 laps.(ESPN.com)(11-10-2008)
KHI continues partnership with VFW: Kevin Harvick Inc. has renewed their partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for the 2009 season. The VFW Racing team will continue a presence in both the NASCAR Truck and Nationwide Series. Ron Hornaday’s #33 truck will feature the VFW Racing paint scheme and logo in several races next year. KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick will also drive VFW’s #33 car in the Nationwide Series. The #33 VFW Racing truck will make its first appearance of 2009 on March 7 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Other races include; Dover, ORP, Martinsville, Texas & Phoenix. The VFW logo will also appear as an associate on the #33 Camping World Chevy throughout the 2009 racing season.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(11-10-2008)
Annett makes final ’08 truck start: UPDATE Annett to NNS with Germain Racing: NHMS will be Annett’s final time behind the wheel of the #22 Bill Davis Racing Toyota Tundra in 2008. In five starts, Annett has earned one top-five and two top-ten finishes, including a runner-up finish at Kentucky Speedway last month. The rookie driver has an average finish of 13.4. Annett will continue to test for Bill Davis Racing in preparation for the 2009 campaign.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(9-10-2008)
UPDATE To Nationwide with Germain Racing in 2009; Overstreet released: During Sunday’s Speed Report on SPEED/tv Ray Dunlap reported that Michael Annett will not be returning to Bill Davis Racing in 2009, but instead will move to Germain Racing and will compete full time in the Nationwide Series. Dunlap also reported that Jason Overstreet has been released from Germain as the #9 will not be returning to the Truck Series in 2009.(11-9-2008)
Kevin Wood returns to #21 at Homestead: Wood Brothers Racing will make its final appearance of the 2008 season at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Keven Wood back behind the wheel of the #21 Aquasun Ford F-150 for the Ford 200 on Friday, November 14th.(Wood Bros. Racing PR)(11-8-2008)
New sponsor for TRG? UPDATE 2 SpongeTech debut at PIR confirmed: During SPEED’s coverage of Atlanta Truck Series practice, Ray Dunlap mentioned that the #7-TRG Motorsports Chevy team, driven by T.J. Bell, will have a sponsorship announcement at Texas next week with SpongeTech. No word if the announcement will be just for Texas or for 2009.(10-25-2008)
UPDATE: Hearing that T.J. Bell has secured sponsorship from SpongeTech for the upcoming race at Phoenix International Raceway. SpongeTech designs, produces, and markets a unique line of manufactured hi-tech reusable cleaning products. SpongeTech cleaning product lines include Car Care, Child Bath Care, Pet Bath Care, and Kitchen & Bath Home Care Products. Also hearing that TRG Motorsports is close to finalizing sponsorship that would enable T.J. to run the full season in the Camping World Truck Series in 2009.(10-25-2008)
UPDATE 2: T.J. Bell will debut a new sponsor at Phoenix International Raceway with SpongeTech, an innovative family of products designed to make your life easier. SpongeTech’s patented technology puts the soap right in the sponge and releases it over multiple uses.(TRG Motorsports PR)(11-7-2008)
Keselowski in the #19 at Phoenix UPDATE Hoping to do more in 2009: Brad Keselowski will attempt to qualify the #19 truck for Brad Keselowski Racing in the Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway as well as drive the #88-U.S. Navy Chevy in the Nationwide race for JR Motorsports. Keselowski last raced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Memphis Motorsports Park in 2007.(JR Motorsports PR)(11-4-2008)
UPDATE: [From Team Chevy Notes] THIS IS YOUR FIRST VISIT BACK TO THE NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES IN A WHILE, HOW DOES IT FEEL? Brad Keselowski: “Great, I am glad to be back. Glad to have my own team here doing this and Junior Motorsports is helping. I am having fun. I am glad to be here and looking forward to hoping we get to do this some more maybe next year. This is kind of like the start of something that I hope that’s going to grow to be big and I am looking forward to everything that comes with that.”(Team Chevy PR)(11-7-2008)
Goodyear Tire Notes – Phoenix: Teams in all three NASCAR series will run the same tire codes at Phoenix this weekend, though those for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will be branded “Goodyear Eagle,” while those for the Truck Series will be branded “Goodyear Wrangler” . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that Goodyear brought for Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams to run at Phoenix this past April . . . this is one of the more popular tire combinations in Goodyear’s 2008 tire lineup . . . in addition to Phoenix, teams in all three major NASCAR series have run this specific combination at Richmond and New Hampshire this season . . . teams in the Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series have also run this tire set-up at Milwaukee, Gateway, Indianapolis Raceway Park and Memphis this year . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Phoenix.(Goodyear PR) See codes, pressures and more on the Phoenix Race Page.(11-7-2008)
J.R. Fitzpatrick teams with TRG at Martinsville: UPDATE 3 Returns for Phoenix & Homestead; working on NASCAR approvals for ’09: After a successful test at Iowa Speedway just two weeks ago, Canadian stock car standout John Ryan “J.R.” Fitzpatrick has been named driver of the #12 Chevy for TRG Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, October 18th. Fitzpatrick will drive a third entry for TRG Motorsports, in conjunction with DGM Racing, and will serve as a teammate to T.J. Bell and Ben Stancill.(TRG Motorsports PR)(10-10-2008)
UPDATE: DGM Racing is proud to announce that Mammoet has signed on as the primary sponsor of the #12 Chevy driven by Canada’s own J.R. Fitzpatrick for the Kroger 200 on Saturday at Martinsville Speedway. Mammoet specializes in heavy lifting and transport solutions on and offshore. (TRG Motorsports PR)(10-18-2008)
UPDATE 2: During the race broadcast on SPEED/TV, Adam Alexander reported that Fitzpatrick is scheduled to run Phoenix and Homestead in 2008, and plans to run a 15 race schedule in 2009.(10-18-2008)
Images added: Images of the Mammoet Chevy are posted on the 2008 Paint Scheme Gallery page.(10-18-2008)
UPDATE 3: J.R. Fitzpatrick will make his second career start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Friday night at Phoenix International Raceway. Fitzpatrick’s first career start came in the Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway. Fitzpatrick will join TRG Motorsports for the second week in a row as the series descends on Homestead-Miami Speedway for the season finale next Friday night. Fitzpatrick will pilot the #71 Mammoet Chevy as a teammate to T.J. Bell. Fitzpatrick is attempting to gain the proper approvals from NASCAR to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series full-time with TRG in 2009.(TRG Motorsports PR)(11-6-2008)
O’Reilly Auto Parts becomes NASCAR official partner: O’Reilly Auto Parts and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today an exclusive multi-year agreement for O’Reilly to become the Official Auto Parts Retailer of NASCAR. The agreement allows for O’Reilly Auto Parts to be an exclusive NASCAR partner and utilize NASCAR marks and marketing programs in store and in related media. As part of this agreement, O’Reilly will become a contingency sponsor for the competitors as well as provide season-ending awards in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The O’Reilly Auto Parts “People, Service and Performance” Award recognizes the team effort made both on the track and in the pits. O’Reilly has been a longtime NASCAR industry participant. The auto parts chain is currently the title sponsor of six NASCAR events in 2008, including the O’Reilly 300 and O’Reilly Challenge Nationwide Series races both held at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Tex. Additionally the company sponsors the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 9.(NASCAR PR)(11-5-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Phoenix: Colin Braun was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the October 31 Chevy Silverado 350K at Texas Motor Speedway. …Braun scored a fifth-place finish, his third top-five and eighth top-10 in 23 starts this season. …He claimed top Raybestos Rookie honors for the seventh time in 2008. …Colin Braun leads Brian Scott by 38 points (194-156) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the November 7 Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Int’l Raceway. …Brian Scott scored a ninth-place finish at Texas, his fifth top-10 of the season. …Scott placed 10th in the October 25 E-Z-GO 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, giving him back-to-back top-10 finishes for the first time in his 30-race Craftsman Truck Series career. …Scott Speed grabbed a 10th-place finish at Texas, his eighth top-10 in 14 races this season. …A Raybestos Rookie has scored a top-10 finish in each of the last 11 Craftsman Truck Series races. …Willie Allen was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2007 Lucas Oil 150, posting a 17th-place finish. …The best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in 13 previous fall races at Phoenix is second by Greg Biffle in 1998. …Biffle is also the only Raybestos Rookie to lead a lap at Phoenix, holding the top spot once for 31 laps.(Raybestos PR)(11-4-2008)
Hackett Racing to debut in series at Homestead UPDATE: #76, Frazier as crew chief: Ray Hackett Racing has purchased the #20 Craftsman Truck Team from JTG Racing. RHR has scheduled the last race of the season at the Homestead Speedway on Nov. 14th to debut the team. Ryan Hackett will be driving the 2008 Ford powered by Roush/Yates Motors. The team is currently looking to acquire sponsorship for the Homestead race.(Ryan Hackett PR)(10-30-2008)
UPDATE: Bryant Frazier will be the crew chief for the Homestead race. Also the number on the truck will be the #76, the same number as the team’s Nationwide car.(Ryan Hackett PR)(11-4-2008)
Bliss to pilot #40 at Phoenix: Reprising his truck driving role at Key Motorsports, 2002 Truck Champion Mike Bliss is poised to take the wheel of the #40 machine at Phoenix Int’l Raceway. British racer, Paul Poulter was scheduled to drive the race truck, however, due to the state of the global economy he was not able to make it state side. Alice Cooperstown will also be sponsoring the truck this weekend.(Key Motorsports PR)(11-4-2008)
Chrissy Wallace visits The Bonnie Hunt Show: Chrissy Wallace is scheduled to appear on “The Bonnie Hunt Show” this Wednesday, Nov. 5th. Chrissy Wallace will be talking with Bonnie about her famous NASCAR family, her death defying driving and yes, Bonnie gets behind the wheel to take on Chrissy in a golf cart race. For more information on broadcast times visit the Jayski Appearance Page.(11-4-2008)
Kenny Wallace in the #15 for BBM at Phoenix: Kenny Wallace has been named as driver of the #15-Billy Ballew Motorsports Hyprene Ergon Toyota for the week’s Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Int’l Raceway. Wallace has driven one prior NCTS race with Billy Ballew Motorsports at Gateway in 2007.(BL/Mktg/BBM PR)(11-3-2008)
Double-duty for Townley’s Phoenix debut: John Wes Townley returns to the #09-Zaxby’s Ford at PIR. It will be Townley’s first race at Phoenix. Townley will do double duty at Phoenix running Friday’s truck race as well as attempting the Nationwide race on Saturday.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(11-3-2008)
Racing Resources says…
…Ron Hornaday Jr. won the Chevy Silverado 350 at Texas Motor Speedway. He posted his 39th series victory in his 223rd career start. He posted his sixth win of the 2008 season, the most of all drivers. He posted his second win at Texas in his 12th race there; both of his wins came in 2008. Hornaday became the second driver to sweep both races at Texas in one season; Brendan Gaughan won four in a row at Texas between 2002 and 2003.
…Hornaday gained 25 points on leader Johnny Benson; he now is only six points behind. This is the closest points battle with two races to go in series history; the previous was seven in 2004. Benson finished third in the race.
…Benson has lost 59 points to Hornaday over the past two races. He had a 65-point lead following Martinsville.
…There are two races left in the season (Phoenix and Homestead). Benson and Hornaday have each scored victories on the final two tracks.
…Kevin Harvick Inc. posted its 16th series victory and its seventh of the 2008 season. It posted its second series win at Texas, both in 2008.
…Kyle Busch, who finished second, posted his 14th top-10 finish in 16 starts this season. He has finished first or second five times this season.
…Busch led the most laps in the race (87 of 147), the fifth time in 2008 that he has led the most laps.
…Race winner Hornaday led 45 laps in the event, including the final 40.
…Chevrolet posted its ninth win of the 2008 season.
…Colin Braun, who finished fifth, was the best finisher of the four rookie of the year contenders in the race. Three of the four contenders finished in the top 10.
…The top 10 featured seven Toyotas, one Chevrolet and two Fords. Dennis Setzer, who finished 13th, was the highest-finishing Dodge.(ESPN.com)(11-3-2008)
KHI & VFW celebrate Veterans Day at PIR: For the sixth and final time in the 2008 season, KHI’s #33 entry will carry the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States [VFW] logos and colors. Phoenix International Raceway, Kevin Harvick Inc. and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States have united in a unique partnership that will celebrate the accomplishments and bravery of current and veteran armed forces personnel. PIR will celebrate veterans during pre-race activities prior to Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 NASCAR Truck Series race.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(11-3-2008)
PIR is also offering a special ticket package for the Lucas Oil 150. For $95, ticket buyers will receive one grandstand ticket to the race, admission to VFW’s hospitality event and a pre-race pit pass to be used prior to Friday night’s race, as well as an interactive Q&A session with KHI driver Cale Gale. For more information visit the Jayski Appearance Page.
Sprague not returning to #60 in ’09? UPDATE: Unsure of future plans: During an interview with SPEED/TV’s Ray Dunlap, Jack Sprague said he would not be returning to the #60 in 2009. Sprague also said that Wyler Racing is searching for sponsorship, and he would do everything he could to help keep Wyler Racing in the sport whether he was in or out of the truck.(10-24-2008)
UPDATE: Sprague, who reunited with Wyler Racing last month after being released as driver of the #2 truck at Kevin Harvick Inc., plans to run the final two races of 2008 with his current group. Beyond that, he’s not sure of his plans. Like so many truck teams, Wyler is searching for a full-time primary sponsor for its #60 “I have no idea,” Sprague said when asked if he could drive for the team beyond 2008. “I mean, if they got sponsorship obviously we continue on but things are pretty tough. Hopefully, we can find something to keep them in racing regardless of if I drive it or not but my main goal is to keep the Wylers in it because NASCAR needs owners like this – there’s no doubt about it. They’re absolutely wonderful people and they enjoy the sport. Hopefully, we can get something put together with an up-and-comer that has some money or something to keep this team going. Sprague has made at least two starts in every truck season since the series started in 1995. In all but one of those years – 2003 – he ran the full schedule. (SceneDaily.com)(11-2-2008)
Toyota clinches manufacturers title: Toyota clinched its third consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series manufacturer’s championship Friday at Texas Motor Speedway when Kyle Busch crossed the finish line second in his #51 Tundra — enabling Toyota to take home another title with two races remaining in the 2008 season. It marks the fourth manufacturer’s title for Toyota since becoming a participant in NASCAR’s upper levels of competition in 2004. Seven teams have campaigned Toyota Tundras in 2008 — Bill Davis Racing, Billy Ballew Motorsports, Germain Racing, HT Motorsports, Red Horse Racing, Wyler Racing and Xpress Motorsports — combining for 12 wins, 54 top-five finishes and 105 top-10 results in 23 races. In addition, Tundra drivers captured 10 poles and led 1,756 laps in NCTS competition this season. Bill Davis Racing (BDR) and Billy Ballew Motorsports (BBM) led the Tundra contingent in 2008, winning 10 of 12 races for Toyota. BDR drivers have combined for seven of the 12 victories, with Johnny Benson winning five times (Milwaukee, Kentucky, Indianapolis, Nashville and Martinsville),and Mike Skinner (Las Vegas) and Scott Speed (Dover) each recording one win. Busch won three races (California, Atlanta and Bristol) for BBM, and Bodine — driving for Germain Racing — won the superspeedway events at Daytona and Talladega.(Toyota Motorsports PR)(11-1-2008)

2008

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Born On Date: November 1, 2008