October 2005 Truck Series News Archive

 

  • Winners of a race in Cup, Busch and Truck Series races: see my Misc Stats page for this and many others.
  • Kyle Busch wins wild race at Atlanta: #15-Kyle Busch won the EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway for his 3rd career Truck Series win in 15 starts. #60-Jack Sprague who appeared to have the race won until a late caution with 8 laps to go, tightened the field. Busch gave up second place to pit for tires and restarted eighth on lap 128, moving up to 3rd with a lap to go. Coming to the flag, Sprague tried to block Busch and pushed him up into the wall, igniting a wild wreck involving #23-Johnny Benson, #47-Bobby Labonte, #75-David Starr and #50-Todd Kluever. #30-Todd Bodine, who came back from a crash earlier in the day after cutting a tire down, was credited with finishing 2nd and Benson was 3rd after NASCAR checked the videotape. Sprague, in his 3nd race in a Toyota, slid across the finish line in 4th with Labonte getting 5th. #1-Ted Musgrave came into the race with a 54-point lead over #46-Dennis Setzer in the championship chase, MUsgrave was able to finish 14th just behind Setzer, who finished 13th. Musgrave now leads by 51 points with three races to go [Texas, Phoenix, Homestead]. And early 3-truck crash between #67-Steve Park, #16-Mike Bliss and #07-Eric Norris. Park got toether wit #65-Tim Fedawa slid and shot up the track into the path of Bliss and Norris. The wreck occurred on the second lap spilled gasoline and scattered debris on the track, forcing NASCAR officials to red flag the race for 30 minutes and 7 seconds. None of the drivers were hurt. There were a record 18 lead changes in the event, breaking the mark of 13 set last March.
    For race results see:
    ESPN.com
    Truckseries.com
    Motorsports One
    NASCAR.com – official [posted Mon]
    NASCAR.com – unoff.(10-29-2005)
  • Skinner wins pole at Atlanta: #5-Mike Skinner won the pole for the EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a speed of 182.591mph for his 6th pole off the season and 23rd in his Truck Series career. With today’s qualifying effort, Skinner wraps up the season’s $10,000 Bud Pole Award. Points leader, #1-Ted Musgrave starts 2nd, #38-Brandon Whitt starts 3rd with another good qualifying run, followed by #50-Todd Kluever and #15-Kyle Busch. Rounding out the top 10 are 2nd in points #46-Dennis Setzer, #22-Bill Lester [in his 100th start], #65-Tim Fedewa, #67-Steve Park and #47-Bobby Labonte.
    Missing the race were: #05-John Mickel, #02-Kelly Sutton, #9-Justin Hobgood, #44-Clay Rogers, #52-Mark McFarland and #24-Wayne Edwards.
    See qualifying results/starting lineup at:
    Truckseries.com – Starting Lineup
    Truckseries.com – Qualifying Results
    NASCAR.com.(10-29-2005)
  • Dodge Dropping teams? UPDATE: hearing that Dodge will drop it’s factory support to some of the Craftsman Truck Series teams, including Ultra Motorsports #1-Ted Musgrave, #2-Jimmy Spencer and other teams. Word is that Bobby Hamilton’s teams [#04,#4,#8,#18] are safe, no word on the other factory teams, such as the #62-Steve Park/#77-Brendan Gaughan team.(10-6-2005)
    UPDATE Dodge Cut Back: DaimlerChrysler will reduce its support of the Craftsman Truck Series, limiting its funding to Bobby Hamilton’s team. The extra resources will be spent in the Nextel Cup Series. What might have Dodge moving fast is Toyota’s reported interest in stock car racing. Toyota is expected to have a car ready for the 2007 Busch and Nextel Cup season.(Augusta Chronicle)(10-28-2005)
  • Regan Smith to run at Atlanta: The Glynn Motorsports crew is busy getting their work done so they can enjoy a well deserved weekend off from the Busch Series. Regan Smith, driver of the #58 Glynn Motorsports Dodge Charger will return to the Truck Series behind the wheel for the #06 MRD Motorsports team in the Easy Care Vehicle Service Contracts 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway this Saturday. Saturday will also be a special day for Glynn Motorsports Crew Chief Chris Wright, and his wife Kathy. Allie Wright, their daughter, will be celebrating her first birthday.(PR)(10-28-2005)
  • #65 team gets sponsor for Atlanta: NorAM Incorporated, the leading U.S. manufacturer of paint spray booths and bake ovens, has partnered with Glynn Motorsports as sponsor of the #65 Dodge Ram truck with driver Tim Fedawa for this Saturday’s Easy Care Vehicle Service Contracts 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Established in 1995, NorAM began as a family owned and operated manufacturing and import business providing paint booths that were the best quality available. Over the last ten years NorAM has enjoyed rapid growth and has always remained focused on quality. NorAM Incorporated (www.noraminc.com) is committed to providing innovative solutions for the paint industry. NorAM is dedicated to providing products and services of the highest quality for its customers nationwide.(10-27-2005)
  • Eric Norris returns to the #07 at Atlanta: Eric Norris will be driving the # 07Pavestone Chevrolet Silverado, fielded by Green Light Racing in the Easy Care Vehicle Service Contracts 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Norris is the 2002 NASCAR Grand National West Series Champion. Along with his NASCAR racing commitment, Norris is a Hollywood stunt man and action movie director. He is presently working on a comedy movie, set in the world of NASCAR, featuring Will Ferrell as a NASCAR driver. His most recent movie credits include, Mission Impossible, War of the Worlds, Herbie, Fully Loaded and the hit HBO series Entourage.(RPG Event Services)(10-28-2205)
  • Labonte Back in #47 Chevy at Atlanta: Bobby Labonte will drive the #47 Chevrolet All Star Celebrity Silverado with Julie Roberts’ image on the hood. The Easy Care 200 will be Labonte’s fourth appearance as a member of the Chevrolet All Star Celebrity Team, but marks his sixth appearance in the Morgan Dollar Motorsports race truck. He scored the first win for the team in April 2005 at Martinsville Speedway, the week following the thrilling Atlanta finish. Rising country star Julie Roberts will lend her image to the paint scheme of the #47 and will be trackside with Labonte and the team prior to the race. In addition, she will greet the drivers during introductions and sing the National Anthem.(GM Racing PR)(10-26-2005)
    MORE: On October 29, Bobby abonte and his primary sponsors, which once again will be Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn, hope for a repeat at the Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Easy Care Vehicle Service Contracts 200 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn previously sponsored Labonte’s Morgan Dollar Motorsports truck on April 9 at the NCTS Kroger 250, at Martinsville Speedway. Labonte captured his career first NCTS victory in that race. For the October 29 race, the trucks’ special paint scheme will feature the Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn hotel brand logos along with up-and-coming country music star Mercury Recording artist Julie Roberts as a part of the Chevrolet Silverado Celebrity All Star Program. Roberts will greet Labonte and his fellow NCTS competitors at driver introductions and sing the National Anthem just prior to the race. For more information on Choice, visit the company’s web site at choicehotels.com(GM Racing)(10-27-2005)
  • Chris Wimmer in the #08 at Atlanta: Chris Wimmer will be making his first start at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Truck Series “Easy Care Vehicle Service Contracts 200 this Saturday, October 29th, 2005, piloting the #08 Chevrolet Silverado, Green Light Racing entry of Bobby Dotter and Gene Christiansen. Wimmer previously raced this year for Green Light Racing at Milwaukee, Memphis, Nashvile and Bristol. Wimmer has sponsorship opportunities available for this weekends race and also for the Chevy Silverado 150 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 11 th. Please contact Ron Wimmer at (715) 571-4434.(PR)(10-27-2005)
  • Park to run 4th BDR truck at Atlanta/Texas: Steve Park is joining forces with Bill Davis Racing this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and next weekend at Texas Motor Speedway to race the #67 South Padre Island Toyota Tundra. This will be the first time Park has raced for Davis, as well as Toyota. Park was released earlier this month from #62 Orleans Racing due to uncertainty about the team’s 2006 racing program and intentions to give Park the time he needed to explore opportunities for next year. Park only missed one race since his release, that being this past weekend at Martinsville Speedway. He earned his first Truck Series victory earlier this year at California Speedway, which put him in an elite class of [15] drivers who have grabbed wins in all three of NASCAR’s major touring series. He has scored two top-five finishes and four top-10 finishes in 20 starts this season. BDR has seen similar success this year with its truck racing program. Mike Skinner, driver of the #5 Toyota Tundra, grabbed the first and second wins of the year for BDR. Skinner, together with Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Tundra, and Bill Lester, driver of the #22 Toyota Tundra, have accumulated 12 top-five finishes and 21 top-10 finishes, in addition to seven poles in 21 starts. For more updates regarding Park and BDR joining forces, go to www.billdavisracing.com.
    South Padre Island is a year-round beach resort located 2.5 miles off the southern tip of Texas. The stresses of the world are left on the Queen Isabella Causeway that connects the mainland of Texas with South Padre Island. Featuring the widest, cleanest beaches in the Lone Star State, South Padre Island offers a wide variety of diversions that create not just a successful getaway, but a lasting memory. To learn more about South Padre Island go to www.sopadre.com or call 1-800-SOPADRE. Steve Park comments: “You are heading back to Atlanta Motor Speedway. You’ve had four weeks off now, so I bet you are raring to go … “I am definitely ready to go. I didn’t like missing out on the action this past weekend at Martinsville, so I am very grateful to Bill Davis, Toyota and South Padre Island for giving me this great opportunity to drive for them and represent them. The great part is I love racing at Atlanta. I’ve only raced there two times in a truck. We had a better run last year than we did earlier this year. Going into the truck race there in March, I thought I had a chance of winning, but we lost the engine so early on that we never really got to see what the full potential of that run could have obtained. But, I’ve run well there in all three series-Cup, Busch and Truck-so I’m planning to put on a good show for everyone this weekend as well.”(BDR PR)(10-26-2005)
  • McFarland to Make First Truck Start of 2005 Mark McFarland will make his first Truck Series start of 2005 in the #52 Chevrolet Vortec Max Engines Silverado fielded by Ken Schrader Racing and pushed by a Richard Childress Racing power plant. SpeedScrap and the ScrapShack, leaders in the motorsports photo scrap booking industry, will also adorn the entry as associate sponsors in the Easy Care Vehicle Service Contract 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. McFarland, who will have veteran Donnie Richeson as his crew chief, has ten previous Truck Series starts, however, none of those have been at AMS. McFarland’s best finish of sixth came at Mansfield Motorsports Speedway in May of 2004. His last start came in August of 2004 at Nashville Super Speedway. McFarland is also competing full-time in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series for the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-owned JR Motorsports where he has one win, six poles and nine top-five finishes. McFarland will compete full-time in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2006. He will pilot the #88 Navy Chevrolet Monte Carlo, fielded by JR Motorsports, in his quest for the title. While the 27-year-old McFarland is technically a rookie, this will be his 11th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start. He also has nine NASCAR Busch Series starts, most recently in Tommy Baldwin Racing’s rotating lineup of 2004. His average finish of 20th was the highest for the #6 entry.(JR Motorsports PR)(10-26-2006)
  • News and Notes – Atlanta:
    Craven’s Martinsville win ties the record … With his first series victory, Ricky Craven (#99 Superchips Ford) became the record-matching 14th different winner of the 2005 season. Craven, the eighth different Roush Racing driver to win on the series, gave Jack Roush his 37th career victory and undisputed possession of the top spot among series owners. With Raybestos Rookie leader Todd Kluever (#50 World Financial Group Ford) finishing second, Roush Racing nabbed its first one-two placing since October 2003 when Jon Wood and Carl Edwards swept Martinsville’s Kroger 200. Craven is the 15th different driver to win in all three of NASCAR’s national series. ETC. … Raybestos Rookie Timothy Peters (#4 Bailey’s Dodge) at Martinsville became the record, 36th different driver to lead a series race. The old mark was set last season. … How competitive is the series in 2005? Consider that nine of the top 10 championship positions changed at Martinsville – and that after 21 races in the books. … England’s John Mickel will make his NASCAR debut at Atlanta on Saturday behind the wheel of the #05 dsi nexdox/Dodman Group/RS Capp Dodge prepared by Bobby Hamilton Racing. Mickel, from Cambridge, is a former World Legends Car champion and European stock car competitor. … A victory or second-place finish at Atlanta – if a Toyota does not win – will give Chevrolet its sixth NASCAR Craftsman Truck manufacturer title. … The 27 lead lap finishers in Saturday’s Kroger 200 matched the series record. … 2002 series champion Mike Bliss will be back in the #16 Chevy Trucks Chevrolet at Atlanta. He won the title for the same Xpress Motorsports team.
    FROM THE ARCHIVES
    Among drivers entered in this week’s Easycare Vehicle Service Contracts 200, Bobby Labonte is the “King of Atlanta” with six NASCAR NEXTEL Cup victories – the most recent in 2003. Bill Davis Racing teammates Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson (#23 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Toyota) are winners of NASCAR Busch Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1999 and 1991, respectively.
    FAST FACTS
    Next Event: EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200. (Race #22 of 25).
    Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway (Hampton, Ga.).
    When: 3:15pm/et Saturday, Oct. 29.
    Track layout: 1.54-mile banked paved oval.
    Race length: 200.2 miles/130 laps.
    Posted awards: $506,529.
    TV: SPEED Channel, 3pm/et
    Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
    2004 winner: Bobby Hamilton.
    2004 polesitter: David Reutimann.
    Pre-race schedule (all times local): Friday – Practice 2:35 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday – Qualifying 11:30 a.m. Trucks impounded after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(10-26-2005)
  • Bliss returns to the #16: Mike Bliss will rejoin Xpress Motorsports behind the wheel of the #16 Chevy Trucks Silverado for the four remaining events of the 2005 Truck Series schedule. Bliss and Xpress won the NCTS championship in 2002 with an impressive record that included five trips to victory lane, 13 top-five finishes, 18 top-10 runs and four poles. “I am excited to be back with Xpress Motorsports,” said the Milwaukie, OR native. “I would like to thank Dave Fuge and Chevrolet for giving me the opportunity to drive the Chevy Trucks Silverado for the final four races of this season.” “We are very pleased that Mike has agreed to drive for us the remainder of the season,” said Dave Fuge, Xpress Motorsports team owner. “We had tremendous success together in the past and I think it will be pretty easy transition. Hopefully we can return to victory lane before this season is over. We have talked about continuing our partnership in 2006 and beyond but both of us want to make sure we explore all options available to us before we make a decision. So as of this moment, he will drive for us through Homestead and then we will reevaluate where each of us are in the decision making process regarding the future and go from there.”(GM Racing PR)(10-26-2005)
  • Miller in the #12 for rest of 2005: With four races remaining, Joey Miller officially takes over the #12 Toyota Tundra at Atlanta Motor Speedway and will finish out the Truck Series season for Darrell Waltrip Motorsports. Miller has never raced at Atlanta, but he tested the #12 Toyota Tundra there last week. Miller adapted quickly to Atlanta during the test with speeds competitive to series regulars. The five-time ARCA RE/MAX Series winner recovered from an early race accident to record a 15th-place finish in his Truck Series debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(Darrell Waltrip Motorsports PR)(10-26-2005)
  • ASE re-ups with the #2: Automotive Service Excellence – ASE – has announced extension of its sponsorship of the #2 Ultra Motorsports Dodge currently driven by Jimmy Spencer. The 2006 season will be the 12th in which ASE has sponsored a team continuing the longest running association on the series.(NASCAR PR)(10-26-2005)
  • Martin gets the #6: Mark Martin had hoped to run some Craftsman Truck Series races next year and still will get to do a little of that. “I have already tested my truck,” he said. “Kevin Harvick has agreed to move the #6 over to my truck, which I would say that is a super stand-up guy, and I have agreed to race the truck six times next year. There is a plan for that truck to run a full schedule and to build that team and have it more ready for me in ’07 than it would have been in ’06.”(Peoria Star Journal)(10-23-2005)
  • Craven wins at Martinsville: #99-Ricky Craven won the Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway, for his 1st ever Truck Series win, becoming the 15th driver to win in all three national NASCAR series [Cup, Busch, Trucks]. Craven led 95 of the 200 laps and was one of 5 drivers to lead the race with 5 lead changes. There were 9 cautions for 50 laps. Rounding out the top-5 were #50-Todd Kluever, #38-Brandon Whitt, new points leader #1-Ted Musgrave and #15-Kyle Busch. Pole sitter, #14-Rick Crawford finished 16th and the points leader going into the race, #46-Dennis Setzer had a rough day, spinning a few times and finishing 19th. Musgrave now leads the points with four races to go.
    For race results see:
    ESPN.com
    Truckseries.com
    Motorsports One
    NASCAR.com.(10-22-2005)
  • Crawford wins pole at Martinsville: #14-Rick Crawford won the pole for the Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway with a new track record of 95.966mph. It is Crawford’s 2nd pole of 2005 and 4th of his career. The rest of the top-5 are #15-Kyle Busch, #65-Tim Fedewa, #38-Brandon Whitt and points leader #46-Dennis Setzer. 2nd in points, #1-Ted Musgrave will start 7th. #12-Darrell Waltrip will start 30th. Missing the race were #02-Kelly Sutton and #27-Frank Wilson
    See qualifying results/starting lineup at:
    Truckseries.com – Starting Lineup
    Truckseries.com – Qualifying Results
    NASCAR.com.(10-21-2005)
  • Chaffin Statement: Truck Series driver Chad Chaffin recently parted ways with Wyler Racing [#60]. Chaffin will finish out the 2005 race season competing in select NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series races. In addition, Chaffin is entertaining opportunities for the 2006 race season. In his Craftsman Truck Series career, the Tennessee native has collected two victories and is the first driver to represent all four series manufacturers: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota. In impressive fashion, Chaffin has collected top-five finishes for three of them (Dodge, Ford and Toyota). Chad has released the following statement concerning the recent events surrounding his departure from Wyler Racing: “First of all, let me say how proud I was to be a part of the Wyler Racing team and their beginning in NASCAR. The team came into existence in June with no race shop, no equipment, a few employees and one race truck, but within three days the team was on the track competitively in Milwaukee. What we did have was an experienced crew chief, driver and crew dedicated along with Toyota’s support as well as the ever important financial backing of Jeff Wyler. Because it was a new team we went to the track having to qualify on time to make the field, which we did successfully and in the top-five twice. We elected to forego testing in order to focus on getting the team fully built with personnel, equipment and trucks. During the time as the team shaped and took form our race finishes really did not reflect how well we performed.”
    “I was excited as we entered the final stretch of the season having scheduled four test dates in preparation for the last five races of this season. We finally got the opportunity to test our first new truck at Homestead a few weeks ago and we were extremely pleased as we left the test as the fastest truck there. I had finished fifth in Martinsville and seventh in Atlanta earlier this season and led laps during each event “thus giving all of us high expectations heading into these last five races.”
    “Now that the team has grown and taken shape, it is ready to contend for wins and thus I guess the apparent need for a driver with a larger list of credentials. To their credit the Wyler’s have fulfilled all of their obligations to me personally and released me to pursue further opportunities in this sport. I will miss working with all of the guys on the team as they are a hard working and great bunch. With the progress we made together since day one back in June, I am sure they can make it to next level of competiveness.”(PR)(10-21-2005)
  • #17 Truck says Thanks to DW: The NTN has been removed from the hood of David Reutimann’s #17 Toyota Tundra. Instead, there will be a big THANKS DW! lettered in white. “It’s a small way of letting DW know that we appreciate and know all he’s done for NASCAR and for the Craftsman Truck Series,” said Reutimann. “When NTN was asked if we could put THANKS DW! on the tailgate, Rick (Thomas) said we’ll do better than that and we’ll put it on the hood. It shows how much NTN appreciates everything DW has done. It also shows our support as a team. It’s sad to see him go, but I’m glad he’s got the opportunity to go out the way he wants to go.”
    “NTN is very proud to be a part of Darrell Waltrip’s ‘One and Done’ and any other endeavor this man may choose,” said Rick Thomas, President and C.O.O. of NTN Bearing Corporation of America. “We have had several excellent champions since DW got his last one, but long after most of us have forgotten who they were, Darrell Waltrip’s name will be remembered. There are only so many ‘impact’ players in any sport. DW is an ‘mpact’ player and is synonymous with stock car racing in this country.” As a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor, Waltrip’s best career finish is fifth at Martinsville, where he has also registered 11 Cup wins. Overall, the Owensboro, Ky.-native has eight top-10 finishes in his 16 NCTS starts. “DW has enjoyed racing in the Craftsman Truck Series,” said Reutimann. “He’s brought a lot to the series whether it’s been as a team owner or a driver. He’s really taking this race serious. I’m glad to have him as a teammate. I think he’ll do really well this weekend.(PR)(10-20-2005)
  • DW Boogity Grill Sponsors Whitt, Red Horse #38: Ameritrax Racing and Lawry’s will sponsor the #38 Red Horse Racing Tundra of driver Brandon Whitt in Saturday’s Kroger 200 Truck Series race at Memphis Motorsports Park. The DW Boogity Grill, the first folding, portable charcoal and gas, barbecue/stove combo grill, will be on the quarterpanels of the #38. This will be the first race Ameritrax, Lawry’s and The DW Boogity Grill – named after NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip and his coined, “Boogity, boogity, boogity” phrase – have sponsored a racing vehicle. The grill is “the ultimate grill’n experience.” The DW Boogity Grill comes in three models – the Classic Racer in bright red enamel; and 2 Stainless Steel versions. A durable carrying bag is included with each grill. Talk about fast, the DW Boogity Grill is easy to set up since no screws, bolts or tools are required for assembly and use.(Red Horse Racing)(10-19-2005)
  • News and Notes – Martinsville:
    Chevrolet can wrap up its sixth NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series manufacturers championship this week. A victory will win the title outright. Chevrolet also can clinch with a second place among manufacturers if Toyota finishes fourth and Dodge third. Manufacturer points are awarded to the highest-finishing truck by manufacturer on a nine-six-four-three basis. Chevrolet’s last championship came in 2002. Chevrolet won four consecutive titles from 1995 through 1998. The manufacturer championship has been clinched with a victory in eight of the series’ 10 seasons. Kasey Kahne’s Darlington Raceway win handed the trophy to Dodge in 2004.
    NEWS & NOTES, PART II
    ETC. … The Kroger 200 is the seventh and final short track race of the 2005 season. Skinner is the only multiple winner with victories at Bristol Motor Speedway and Richmond International Raceway. … Jack Sprague (#60 Jeff Wyler Toyota) has made 217 NASCAR Craftsman Truck starts – all in Chevrolets. The Kroger 200 will be his first in another make of truck. … Skinner will make his 100th series start at Martinsville and become the 18th different competitor to reach the century mark. … NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers expected to compete in the Kroger 200 include Bobby Labonte, Kyle Busch (#15 ditech.com Chevrolet) and Ken Schrader (#52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet). … The last (and only) Martinsville winner to start from the Bud Pole was Rich Bickle in 1997. This week’s Craftsman-sponsored Win from the Pole bonus is worth $14,000. … A victory in the Kroger 200 would make Todd Bodine (#30 Germain Motor Company Toyota) the third Bodine brother to win a race at Martinsville Speedway, a track record. … Automotive Service Excellence – ASE – has announced extension of its sponsorship of the #2 Ultra Motorsports Dodge currently driven by Jimmy Spencer. The 2006 season will be the 12th in which ASE has sponsored a team continuing the longest running association on the series.
    ON THE RIGHT TRACK
    Setzer is ‘Mr. Consistency’ at Martinsville … Until the streak was broken in April, Setzer had finished among the top five in five consecutive races at Martinsville Speedway. The current championship leader also counts the most top-10 finishes – seven – and has won more than $202,000 in 11 Martinsville appearances.
    10 YEARS TOUGH
    October 1995 marked the final three races on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series inaugural schedule – two of which were won by champion Mike Skinner, who took the checkered flags at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. and two weeks later at Phoenix International Raceway. Ron Hornaday Jr. won at Infineon Raceway Raceway to open the month. Skinner’s eight victories included all three events at one-mile tracks. He won twice at Phoenix and also scored a victory at The Milwaukee Mile.
    FROM THE ARCHIVES
    Martinsville Speedway has favored veteran drivers with all but one NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series winner having celebrated at least his 30th birthday. Jon Wood is the notable exception. Wood’s Oct. 18, 2003 victory came a few days shy of the Stuart, Va. competitor turning 22.
    FAST FACTS
    Next Event: Kroger 200. (Race #21 of 25).
    Where: Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville, Va.).
    When: 1 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 22.
    Track layout: .526-mile paved oval.
    Race length: 200 laps/105.2 miles.
    Posted awards: $414,767.
    TV: SPEED Channel, 1 p.m. ET.
    Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
    2004 winner: Jamie McMurray.
    2004 polesitter: Bobby Hamilton.
    Pre-race schedule (all times local): Friday – Practice 9 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Qualifying 4:45 p.m. Trucks impounded after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(10-19-2005)
  • Allen to make series debut at Martinsville: Willie Allen is making his first Truck Series start behind the wheel of the #47 Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau Chevy fielded by Morgan Dollar Motorsports. Allen has established himself as one of the hottest young stock car talents in Tennessee. In 2005, the young driver has been running Super Trucks, NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Late Models, and UARA (United Auto Racing Association) Cars. In May 2005, Allen participated in the GM Racing Driver Development test at North Carolina’s Caraway Speedway. His performance landed him the opportunity to compete at Martinsville in the Kroger 200. Sponsorship of Willie’s race truck has been provided by the Visitors and Convention Bureau of Nashville, their second appearance of 2005 on the #47.GM PR)(10-19-2005)
  • Jarit Johnson to race at Martinsville: Jarit Johnson will make his first-ever start at Martinsville Speedway when he pilots the #08 Levi Strauss Signature Chevy Silverado in the Truck Series race on Saturday. Johnson, who made his NCTS debut a few weeks ago at Richmond International Raceway, will drive for the SS Racing Team in alliance with Green Light Racing for his second of two starts this year. Johnson’s goal this weekend is clear: a spot in the top 10. Like Richmond, Johnson will once again be lead by crew chief, Carl Hartman, who has worked with drivers such as three-time ASA champion Butch Miller and the late Adam Petty. Levi Strauss Signature continues to support Johnson in his NCTS efforts and will once again serve as his primary sponsor at Martinsville. Levis Strauss Signature is also an associate sponsor with Jarit’s brother, Jimmie, in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.(Racing Solution PR)(10-19-2005)
  • English driver to run for BHR at Atlanta and Texas:
    Former SCSA Racing Stock Car Champion John Mickel and the Torquespeed team have put together a deal to race with Bobby Hamilton Racing, backed by UK sponsors dsi nexdox, Dudman Group and RS Capp. The 34-year-old racer is entered in the races at Atlanta on October 29th and Texas on November 4th. “This is a fantastic opportunity to prove that I can compete with the best race drivers in the world,” said John Mickel. “The deal with Bobby Hamilton Racing will give me the best equipment to get the job done and allow me to do what I do best – that’s race. It’s going to be tough, I have to qualify for the Atlanta race but I have a reserve place for Texas as in that event I will be driving the #4 Dodge previously piloted by Timothy Peters. I’ve got to be realistic about my chances and my aim is a top 20 finish at each event, anything above that will be a real bonus. However, I’m going there to do the best I can for myself and for dsi nexdox, who have backed me all the way this year both in England in SCSA racing and now in the States.”(torquespeed.com)(10-19-2005)
  • #15 gets assoc. sponsor for Atlanta: Billy Ballew, owner of Billy Ballew Motorsports, announced the addition of an associate sponsor to the #15 Chevrolet for the Truck Series race to be held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 29. Krud Kutter, a water-based, biodegradable, non-toxic cleanser produced by Supreme Chemicals of Cumming, Ga., will adorn the Chevy Silverado in what is currently a one-race partnership that could lead to a commitment for the 2006 season. Kyle Busch is scheduled to drive the truck Although Krud Kutter is using this one-race deal with Billy Ballew Motorsports to get their feet wet in NASCAR, they intend to promote the Krud Kutter line heavily leading up to race time. Currently, a promotion is ongoing at KrudKutter.com for the opportunity to win an autographed Kyle Busch Krud Kutter Pit Pack, consisting of several items in the Krud Kutter product line.(PR)(10-19-2005)
  • Lynch to drive the #62: An 11th hour effort will put the #62 Orleans Racing entry on the track this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. With backing from Lynch Mob Motorsports Scott Lynch will handle the driving duties. “When we heard that the #62 was taken off the tour we called our good friend Michael Gaughan to see if we might work something out where Scott could drive it for the rest of the year,” explains Scott’s father, Jim Lynch. “We ended up making a deal that will keep two Orleans Racing Dodge trucks on the track for the balance of the 2005 season. Mr. Gaughan was reluctant to race the #62 given the circumstances of its parking,” the senior Lynch added, “but I was able to secure enough sponsorship to keep it running just to help Scott get more exposure on what has already been a phenomenal year for him.” Scott Lynch led the NASCAR West Series points standings for the majority of the season only to finish second after having a bad break in the series’ final race of the year. This five-race effort in the #62 should help Lynch continue his NASCAR career efforts.(PR)(10-19-2005)
  • Park parked for the rest of 2005? UPDATE 2: hearing that angry over Dodge pulling money, owner Michael Gaughn will park his #62 truck driven by Steve Park for the remainder of the season. Have also heard that Park is looking for a ride in 2006, in the Cup, Busch or Truck series.(10-17-2005)
    UPDATE: Orleans Racing announced today that driver Steve Park was released from the #62 Orleans Dodge, effective immediately. Orleans Racing was prompted by its indecision regarding their 2006 program and rather than keep Park from exploring other available options the decision was made to free Park from his obligations with the team for the remainder of the year. In his two years with Orleans Racing Park has competed with ferocity and his top-10 finish in series points in 2004 and victory in February of this year at California Speedway are certainly highlights of the storied career the Long Island, NY native developed with Orleans Racing. “Steve’s a great competitor and with so many terrific rides available we wanted to let him explore his options for 2006 before the end of the season,” said car owner, Michael Gaughan. “Our time together as a race team was validated earlier this year when Steve was able to drive into victory lane, which created a memory that will last all of us a lifetime. We are proud to be part of Steve being able to claim victories in each of NASCAR’s top-three series.”(Orleans Racing PR)(10-17-2005)
    UPDATE 2: hearing Park could end up in a 2nd truck fielded by Wyler Racing and be a teammate with Jack Sprague.(10-19-2005)
  • Miller to run races for DW? hear that ARCA RE/Max Series Rookie of the Year Joey Miller will be driving four races for Darrell Waltrip’s Toyota truck [#12?]team. The 20-year-old phenom has been impressive since he first sat behind the wheel of a stock car. (Yahoo Sports)(10-16-2005)
  • Hobgood to run three more races in the #9: Germain Racing announced Justin Hobgood as the driver of the #9 Germain Motor Co. Toyota Tundra for three more races this season. Hobgood will run Atlanta, Texas and Homestead. He made his Truck Series début with Germain Racing back in September at Richmond. Germain Racings General Manger, Mike Hillman, Sr. along with team owner Bob Germain, Jr. were so impressed with Hobgood’s performance at Richmond that they feel Hobgood has earned the opportunity to run the #9 Germain Motor Co. Toyota Tundra for three more races. Tom Ackerman will re-join Hobgood as his crew chief.(Integrated Marketing Solutions)(10-14-2005)
  • Crocker to the Trucks and part-time Busch in 2006: Car owner Ray Evernham has changed the schedule Erin Crocker will run next season, pulling her out of a planned attempt to run a full Busch Series schedule. Crocker will instead compete in the Craftsman Truck Series and run a handful of Busch and ARCA races next season. Evernham said the decision was made to give Crocker more time to develop. “Erin not having raced on pavement a lot and not having raced traffic and things like that, we felt this would be a better way to get more experience racing without having all the pressure,” Evernham said. “In fairness to her, I want her to learn without people running all over her all of the time.” Crocker has competed in two Busch races this season, at Richmond, Va., and Dover, Del., and finished 39th and 35th. She was in accidents in both events, and suffered a cracked rib in the Dover wreck. Crocker said she’s looking forward to running in more than 40 races next season, but admits she is disappointed it won’t be in the Busch Series. “I am not going to lie, I was a little disappointed when we first talked about it because I am a competitive person and we had plans,” she said. “But in the long run, this is better for me.”(ESPN.com/AP)(10-14-2005)
  • Duck Head Footwear to Sponsor HT Motorsports: Duck Head Footwear has announced that they will partner with HT Motorsports as a major associate sponsor for the remainder of the 2005 season. Duck Head Footwear has been a longtime partner of HT Motorsport’s team efforts. The Duck Head Footwear logo will be displayed each week on the #59 HT Motorsports Dodge, driven by Robert Pressley. The company logo will also be showcased on the hood of the #59 truck for the Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 22nd and the season-ending Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18th. Owner Malcolm Sydnor also added that he hoped the sponsorship would increase awareness of their newest brand, AQUADUCK Footwear-a new line of Men’s, Women’s and Children’s 100% waterproof shoes and boots for Fall 2005. For more information, please visit www.htmotorsports.net.(PR)(10-12-2005)
  • Sprague takes over #60 ride: Wyler Racing has announced that effective immediately Jack Sprague will take over the wheel of the team’s #60 Toyota Tundra in the Craftsman Truck Series. Sprague, the only three time champion that the series has seen, replaces Chad Chaffin who has been with the team since its debut earlier this year in Milwaukee. Sprague has been signed through the 2006 season. Wyler Racing joined the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at the end of June with their debut coming at The Milwaukee Mile. In 10 races thus far, the Wyler Racing Toyota has garnered two top-five starting positions and a best finish of ninth at New Hampshire last month. “I am finding out quickly that this is one of the toughest parts of this sport,” stated team owner Jeff Wyler. “It is with great regrets that we have to let Chad (Chaffin) go as he has done a great job for us and been nothing but 100% professional from day one. He was instrumental in helping us build this team from scratch and for that we are grateful. At the same time, we are excited about adding Jack Sprague to our growing race organization. He is one of the all-time greats in the truck series and we look forward to some great things with Jack.” To learn more about Sprague and Wyler Racing, visit them at www.wylerracing.com.(Integrity Sports Marketing)(10-12-2005)
  • Chase Pistone Plans Transition from Pro Cup to Truck Series: Chase Pistone is shifting gears in his racing career.  The 22-year-old North Carolina racer is getting ready to make the step in his racing career from the USAR Pro Cup Series to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.   He will drive the #07 Metrolina Expo entry for Greenlight Racing in the October 22nd event at Martinsville Speedway. “We’re going to Martinsville with Bobby Dotter’s #07 truck.  From there, if we have a good showing, hopefully NASCAR will let us go to Phoenix and from there maybe they will let us go to Homestead too to close out the year,” explained Pistone.   “We’re taking it race by race, but that’s our plan for right now.  Our goal is to have those three Truck races under our belt by the end of the year.” Pistone started out the year making a serious statement in Pro Cup racing.  He qualified on the pole position for his first ever series start at USA International Speedway and led the Rookie of the Year standings through a major portion of the 2005 season.  However, a late rash of engine failures put him behind.  As a result, Pistone lost a chance at the RoY title and decided to re-evaluate his racing plans. For more information on Chase Pistone see ChasePistone.com.(51sports PR)(10-12-2005)
  • Sprague Out at Xpress, Labonte In for Martinsville: #16-Xpress Motorsports and Jack Sprague Part Ways for Remainder of 2005 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Season Sprague Out at Xpress, Labonte In for Martinsville. Xpress Motorsports, winners of the 2002 and 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championships and driver Jack Sprague, the only three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion, have decided to part ways for the remainder of the 2005 season. The move is effective immediately with each party looking to prepare for the future. Xpress Motorsports won back-to-back championships with two different drivers in the two seasons leading up to the hiring of Sprague (Mike Bliss-2002 & Travis Kvapil-2003). The team has been active in the Craftsman Truck Series off and on since 1996, but made a full time return to the series in 2002. Xpress Motorsports has fielded some of the biggest names in the sport including Ron Hornaday, Mike Bliss, Travis Kvapil, Randy Tolsma, and Sprague. Four of the five are former champions of the series.
    Dave Fuge, owner of the #16 Chevy Trucks Chevrolet Silverado had this to say about the mutual agreement, “Jack is a very experienced and accomplished driver and his record speaks for itself. My team is very good and our record also says a lot about the success that Xpress Motorsports has enjoyed in the series. Sometimes in this business, certain combinations just don’t work no matter what achievements have been made in the past. Jack is a great driver and we wish him the best in the future.”
    “In NASCAR racing, team chemistry is the key to every level of success”, said Sprague. Xpress Motorsports and everyone associated with the team know how to win races and championships. They have given me fast trucks every week and while we have had some success, we have had a lot of bad luck along the way. It was hard on everyone and when the chemistry isn’t quite right, it takes a toll on people much more quickly. I wish them the best of luck the remainder of 2005 and beyond.”
    Bobby Labonte, 2000 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion will drive the #16 Chevy Trucks Silverado in the series’ next race at Martinsville Speedway on October 22nd. Labonte is the most recent winner at the track in the Craftsman Truck Series, scoring his first win in the series in the Spring event. Xpress Motorsports will name a driver for the remainder of the season at a later time.
    “Chevrolet is racing trucks to win races and win championships,” said Dayne Pierantoni, Program Manger for GM Racing, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Quite often in life you need to alter your plans to accomplish your goals. We are focused on bringing our Xpress Motorsports Silverado back into victory lane. At this time we feel like a change is needed in order to move forward. Jack has been a great partner of Chevrolet with many wins and championships. He will continue to be a friend to many of us at GM Racing. Bobby Labonte will be driving our Chevy Trucks Silverado at Martinsville looking for back to back wins. We are finalizing our plans beyond Martinsville as we speak.”
    “I would like to thank Chevrolet for the opportunity to drive the #16 Chevy Trucks Silverado,” concluded Sprague. “They have stood behind me and supported me my entire career. I have made life-long friends with many people through the GM Racing program and I have always enjoyed being part of the Chevrolet Family. The greatest successes in my career have been in Chevrolets.”
    Sprague is expected to take over the #60 Toyota ride, no word on what driver Chad Chaffin will do, he ws the driver of the #60.(Truckseries.com), look for Mike Bliss to return to the #16 ride after Martinsville.(10-7-2005)
  • News and Notes – Offweek:
    Todd Bodine (#30 Germain Motor Company Toyota) loves rollercoasters but had no idea when the 2005 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season started, that his season would resemble one. Starting the season with a new team, Bodine finished third at Daytona but then struggled through nine more races. At Milwaukee, Bodine was reunited with his 2004 team, Germain Racing, and it took only his second race with the group to break into victory lane at Kansas for his first win of the season and the third NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win of his career. Since rejoining the Germain team, Bodine has moved from 15th in championship standings to fifth. “To a certain degree it has [been a rollercoaster],” said Bodine, who won two races running for Stephen Germain in 2004. “We tried to make that FiddleBack Racing deal work. Fortunately, Bob, Steve and Rick Germain were there to pick me up and get back rolling.” Since that breakthrough race, Bodine has gone on to win at Las Vegas and has three second-place finishes and a third-place result in eight races. “If we didn’t have some of the bad luck we’ve been thrown, we would be right up there with Ted (Musgrave) and Dennis (Setzer) for the points race,” said Bodine. “Obviously, the start of the season was shaky but then we got back with Mike Hillman Sr. and Mike Hillman Jr. at Germain Racing. “Since coming back we have been able to get things going. We are running well every week at the track. The team is excited and looking forward to the rest of the season and winning some more races.” Bodine, a Chemung, N.Y. native, actually went to high school in Roanoke, Va. and considers Martinsville his home track. “Growing up as a kid, I remember going to Martinsville to watch the modifieds run and watch my brothers race,” said Bodine. “When I got older, I went to the track as a crew member, changing tires for my brother Brett in the modifieds. I didn’t grow up in Martinsville, but it’s like home for me.”
    When the series returns to the track, Bodine will be looking to visit someplace at Martinsville he’s never been before as a driver – victory lane. “A win at Martinsville would mean everything,” said Bodine. “I have been going to that track since I was eight years old. I have sat in the grandstands, been in the infield, changed tires on pit road and I’ve driven here. This track is part of my family. To be at Martinsville, get a win and bring home that Grandfather clock would mean everything to me.” If Bodine pulls off a win, he’ll be the second driver who considers Martinsville his home track to drive into victory lane. The first – current NASCAR Busch Series driver and Virginia native Jon Wood – won the fall race in 2003.
    NEWS & NOTES, PART II
    ETC. … Three drivers – Bobby Hamilton (#04 Bailey’s/Stratosphere Dodge), Ted Musgrave (#1 Mopar Dodge) and Jimmy Spencer (#2 ASE Dodge) – have been in the top 10 in the points standings every week this season. … The last two races at Martinsville have been won by first-time series winners, Jamie McMurray and Bobby Labonte. … Two other drivers won their first series race at Martinsville – Hamilton and Scott Riggs. … Chad Chaffin (#60 Wyler Racing Toyota Tundra) will play host to NASCAR Nation this week in Nashville. The show will spend the day with Chaffin to see what his life is like away from the track; the trip will include a trip to his carpet padding recycling business and a tour of his home.
    10 YEARS TOUGH
    NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing at Martinsville has been extremely competitive over the years. Dennis Setzer (#46 Chevrolet Silverado Chevrolet) is the only driver to win more than one event at the track, back-to-back victories in 2002 and ‘03. Event pole winners have won just once at Martinsville and only two drivers, Musgrave and Hamilton have more than one Bud Pole at the track (two each).
    Fast Facts
    Next Event: Kroger 200. (Race #21 of 25).
    Where: Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville, Va.).
    When: 1 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 22.
    Track layout: .526-mile paved oval.
    Race length: 200 laps/105.2 miles.
    Posted awards: $398,064.
    TV: SPEED Channel, 1 p.m. ET.
    Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
    2004 winner: Jamie McMurray.
    2004 polesitter: Bobby Hamilton.
    Pre-race schedule (all times local): Friday – Practice 9 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Qualifying 4:45 p.m. Trucks impounded after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(10-3-2005)

 

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