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

September 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.

Zachry Holdings to sponsor Starr for remainder of ’08: Zachry Holdings, Inc., a privately-held, family owned company dedicated to the planning, building and renewing of our world’s most critical industrial facilities will sponsor David Starr and the #11 Red Horse Racing Toyota for the remainder of the 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. The green and black #11 Zachry Toyota will debut in this weekend’s Mountain Dew 250 at the Talladega Superspeedway.(Red Horse Racing PR)(9-30-2008)
Skinner & Speed replace Allmendinger for remainder of season: Red Bull Racing Team announces Mike Skinner and Red Bull development driver Scott Speed to replace AJ Allmendinger in the #84 for the rest of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The #84 currently sits 33rd in owners’ points. .” Mike Skinner, who drove the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota for five races earlier in the 2008 season, will take the reins of the No. 84 at the NSCS races in both Talladega and Charlotte. Red Bull development driver Scott Speed will drive the No. 82 Red Bull Toyota at Charlotte on October 11 – the same weekend he attempts to clinch the ARCA RE/MAX Series championship in Toledo. Speed will then take over driving duties of the No. 84 at Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead.(Team Red Bull PR)(9-30-2008)
Johns in #89 Lafferty Performance entry at Talladega: On Monday, Johns was preparing to run a late model stock car at Peach State Speedway this weekend when opportunity came knocking in the form of a ride in the #89 Lafferty Performance Chevy entry this Saturday at Talladega. While Saturday’s Mountain Dew 250 at Talladega will be Johns’ first-ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career start, it won’t be his first time racing at the massive 2.66-mile Alabama oval. “I raced at Talladega in the ARCA event last fall,” said Johns, who finished fourth in the event behind the wheel of a Roulo Brothers entry.(RichardJohns.com)(9-30-2008)
Silas pulling double-duty at Talladega: Bryan Silas will compete in both the ARCA RE/MAX Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events at Talladega Superspeedway. Silas will make his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start of the 2008 season and second start at the 2.66-mile superspeedway, Silas and his Fast Track Racing team welcome D.R. Horton America’s Builder as the primary sponsor on the team’s #48 Chevy for Saturday afternoon’s Mountain Dew 250 Fueled by Winn-Dixie. D.R. Horton, Inc., America’s Builder, is the largest homebuilder in the United States, delivering more than 41,000 new homes in its fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.(Fast Track Racing PR)(9-30-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Talladega: Donny Lia was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the September 20 Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Lia scored a 10th-place finish, his fourth top-10 of the 2008 season, and claimed top rookie honors for the fourth time this season. Colin Braun led the Las Vegas race once for one lap and was the only first-year driver to lead a lap in the event. Braun scored a 12th-place finish in the event. Colin Braun leads Donny Lia by 19 points (171-152) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the October 4 Mountain Dew 250 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Willie Allen was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2007 Mountain Dew 250, scoring a sixth-place finish. Allen is the only first-year driver to score a top-10 in two Craftsman Truck Series races at Talladega. The best qualifying effort by a Raybestos Rookie at Talladega is sixth by Erik Darnell in 2006.(Raybestos PR)(9-30-2008)
Carmichael, Hornaday & Harvick testing at Sandusky: NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick is driving laps in his #29 Chevy Impala Monday at the Sandusky Speedway. Harvick and his crew are preparing for an upcoming Sprint Cup series race in Martinsville, Va. which has a track similar to the one in Sandusky. Craftsman Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday, a driver with Kevin Harvick Inc., is also taking laps with Ricky Carmichael. Carmichael is a new member of the KHI truck series team. The drivers will be at the speedway again today [Tuesday], according to speedway owner Kevin Jaycox.(Sandusky Register)(9-30-2008)
Carmichael to run selected truck races for KHI in ’09: UPDATE More: Kevin Harvick said Friday he hopes to run former motocross champion Ricky Carmichael in selected NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races for Kevin Harvick Inc. Carmichael, a 15-time American Motorcyclist Association champion, is currently driving for Ken Schrader Racing in the NASCAR Camping World East Series. Harvick has entered him in the ARCA race at Talladega next month. “Our plan is to put him in a third truck,” Harvick said. “Obviously, we’ve got to get the sponsorship and everything rounded up. … He’s done a great job.”(SceneDaily.com)(9-19-2008)
UPDATE: KHI will field an ARCA entry for Camping World East Series stand out Ricky Carmichael making his ARCA debut in the ARCA RE/MAX 250 at Talladega Superspeedway driving the #33-Kevin Harvick Inc. Chevy.(KHI PR)(9-29-2008)
Andretti returning to the #15 at Talladega: UPDATE First start in truck: Hearing that during John Andretti’s weekly interview on WIBC Radio [Indianapolis], Andretti announced he would be teammates with Kyle Busch at Talladega Superspeedway as he will run the #15 truck again for Billy Ballew Motorsports.(9-23-2008)
UPDATE: The Mountain Dew 250 at Talladega Superspeedway will mark John Andretti’s first Craftsman Truck Series start at the track. Andretti has 21 Sprint Cup Series starts and one Nationwide Series start.(BL Mktg/BBM PR)(9-29-2008)
Cassill to start for RMM at Talladega: UPDATE National Guard to sponsor: Landon Cassill will make his seventh start of year for Morgan-Dollar/Randy Moss Motorsports at Talladega. He finished third in June at Milwaukee for then-Morgan-Dollar before Moss came aboard as co-owner.(ESPN.com)(9-26-2008)
UPDATE: The National Guard will jump on board as sponsor of the #81 RMM Chevy for the Mountain Dew 250 Fueled by Winn-Dixie at Talladega Superspeedway on October 4, 2008. On Friday, Cassill will make his driving debut at the 2.66-mile superspeedway when he takes the track for the Oct. 3 ARCA Series event, driving the #88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(9-29-2008)
Kyle Busch back in the #51 at Talladega: Kyle Busch will be back behind the wheel of the #51 Miccosukee Resorts Toyota Tundra Billy Ballew Motorsports at the Talladega Superspeedway Saturday, October 4th for the running of the Mountain Dew 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Busch has made 13 starts at the Alabama track posting one win, three, top-5 and three top-10 finishes.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(9-29-2008)
Mike Wallace to drive #9 at Talladega: NASCAR veteran Mike Wallace will take the wheel for Germain Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Talladega again this year. Wallace, who competes for Germain Racing in the GEICO Camry, will drive the # 9 GEICO Toyota in Saturday’s 94-lap Talladega adventure.(Germain Racing PR)(9-29-2008)
Double-duty for Townley: John Wes Townley will make his sixth start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driving the #09-Zaxby’s Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. Townley will do double duty at Talladega running Friday’s ARCA race as well as the truck race on Saturday. -Townley is running the full ARCA schedule and is currently eighth in the championship point standings.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(9-29-2008)
Chrissy Wallace to run ARCA at Talladega: NASCAR racer Chrissy Wallace will make her sixth start for Germain Racing this year and her second career ARCA RE/MAX Series start. Wallace will steer the #18 Germain Toyota Camry around the banks of Talladega Superspeedway in Friday’s ARCA RE/MAX 250. (Germain Racing PR)(9-29-2008)
If Camping World named as title sponsor – would also stay with KHI’s #33 in ’09: UPDATE CW happy with KHI, but looking to expand sponsorship scope: NASCAR officials confirmed Friday that Camping World is negotiating to become the new title sponsor of the truck series next season, replacing Craftsman Tools. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Camping World can continue to sponsor Harvick’s truck if the company becomes the title sponsor of the series. “That’s not a problem,” Poston said. “And in fact, we would encourage them to do that. We don’t want to do anything that would impact team sponsorship. But we want to emphasize there is no deal. Camping World is one of several companies that are very interested in the truck series.”(ESPN.com)(9-26-2008)
UPDATE: Kevin Harvick Inc. won a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship with Camping World on the hood of Ron Hornaday’s truck last year, but the company continues to look for additional ways to market to NASCAR fans. One of those is being among the companies negotiating with NASCAR to sponsor the truck series. “We’ve enjoyed being involved with that organization [at KHI] on several levels and it’s a very first-class organization,” said Camping World Director of Motorsports Kurt Hunt on Friday. “They brought us a championship and hopefully one on the horizon. … It’s kind of like college. You don’t graduate with the major you started with. Camping World has increased its sponsorships in NASCAR this year by putting its name on several races as well as NASCAR’s East Series and West Series. Hunt said it was too early in the discussions to talk about whether Camping World would remain as sponsor of those regional circuits. Hunt indicated that Camping World, which has branched into the rental business, is doing well despite the slow economy and has the ability to spend the marketing money. Hunt wouldn’t speculate on when a deal to sponsor the series would be completed. “I’m not sure we’re under any particular timeline right now. Certainly, the participants in the series are eager, the fans are eager, the media is eager to have that part of the NASCAR drama come to an end,” Hunt said. “It’s probably in everybody’s best interest for NASCAR to land on the right square in the next 30 days or so.”(SceneDaily.com)(9-27-2008)
Kobalt withdraws sponsorship bid: UPDATE 3: Harvick understands if Camping World sponsors Truck Series: Kobalt Tools, the Lowe’s brand that was considered the leader to be the title sponsor of the NASCAR truck series, has withdrawn from the bidding, sources say. Craftsman is in its final season as the title sponsor. With Kobalt stepping away, the door is open for Craftsman to renew its status as the official tool of NASCAR, which the brand had hoped to retain even though it was not renewing title sponsorship of the series.(Sports Business Daily), hearing Craftsman may return as the sponsor of the Truck Series.(8-8-2008)
UPDATE UPS? NASCAR isn’t back to square one in its search, but it is finding the proceedings slow in the current economy. Its asking price for entitlement is believed to be in the $5 million to $7 million range per year. “There is strong interest in title sponsorship of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and we are meeting with potential partners. NASCAR is focused on finding the best partner to continue to grow a series that’s important to the sport and our fans,” said Andrew Giangola, NASCAR’s director of communications.” “I don’t read anything into that from a sign of the sport, it’s just the economy’s bad. It’s not the world’s greatest time to be the marketplace looking for a long-term, multimillion-dollar deal,” said Zak Brown, CEO and founder of Just Marketing, an Indianapolis-based marketing group with various motorsports clients. “All they can do, which is what I know they’re doing, is just keep their head down and keep trying. With that platform, marketers say, NASCAR is eager to land a sponsor, but the lack of one so far doesn’t raise a black flag on the series. Where might that deal lead? Brown said the likely candidates remain companies that would fit the rugged, masculine image of the Truck Series, not unlike the current sponsor, Craftsman. One of his clients — UPS, a company famous for its trucks — is said to be intrigued and looking at the series. Yet an announcement appears to still be weeks away, leaving fans, teams and manufacturers in a wait-and-see mode to discover which company will carry the Truck Series into the next decade. “Our assumption is that there will be a replacement sponsor contracted within the next two to three months, that’s the assumption we’re operating under,” said Les Unger, national motorsports manager for Toyota. “The series is still extremely popular. I think there are opportunities for a potential sponsor to jump in with both feet.”(ESPN)(8-14-2008)
UPDATE 2 Camping World? Saying his company has enjoyed its first year as an official NASCAR sponsor, Camping World Director of Motorsports Kurt Hunt says that it wouldn’t be “outside the realm of possibility” that his company would replace Craftsman as sponsor of NASCAR’s truck series beginning in 2009. Camping World is in its first year of sponsoring the NASCAR East and NASCAR West series. “It has been a great experience,” Hunt said in a phone interview about Camping World’s involvement in NASCAR. “[The truck series] is something we have looked at. … Companion races are great [and] there are some markets where it is the top show in a market where we have a large concentration of fans and customers.” Hunt said there is no timetable and he wouldn’t characterize the talks as in the negotiation phase. Camping World sponsors a truck and Nationwide Series car at Kevin Harvick Inc. as well as serving as an associate sponsor of a Richard Childress Racing Nationwide car. It also has entered into a variety of race entitlements. If Camping World became the sponsor of the trucks, the company would have to consider whether to continue sponsoring the East and West series, Hunt said.(Scene Daily)(8-16-2008)
UPDATE 3 Harvick comments: Kevin Harvick said he’ll understand if Camping World decides to take its money from his team and sponsor what is now the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next year. Harvick’s Kevin Harvick Inc. truck and Nationwide Series teams currently have a relationship with Camping World. In the past, Harvick has criticized NASCAR for stealing sponsors from race teams, but he said Friday that this situation is different. Harvick noted that Camping World’s race sponsorships – several races have been named for Camping World this year, including consecutive Sprint Cup races at Dover and Kansas – have helped that company reach more potential customers. NASCAR officials say nothing has been decided yet and Camping World is simply in the mix as one of the potential sponsors for the truck series. Harvick said Camping World is signed through 2009 to remain as the sponsor of Ron Hornaday’s #33 truck and that will not change. However, he said KHI will likely need to fill a 14-race sponsorship hole on its Nationwide team if Camping World departs. “Camping World has been involved in a lot of entitlements and things, and I want them to do what’s best for them as a sponsor,” Harvick said. “Understanding where everything comes from and how it works, it sounds for them like they think that’s a better avenue. So that’s OK.”(SceneDaily.com)(9-26-2008)
Musgrave & #59 part company: UPDATE Musgrave quit, accused of wrecking on purpose: Ted Musgrave and team owner Jim Harris, owner of the #59 Team ASE/HT Motorsports Toyota Tundra, have mutually agreed to part company effective immediately. Stacy Compton will replace Musgrave for Saturday’s Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “Stacy Compton will drive the #59 for tonight’s race in Las Vegas,” said HT Motorsports team manager Donny Vaden. “We will evaluate our options once we get back home and make an announcement on our driver or drivers for the rest of the season then.”(HT Motorsports PR)(9-21-2008)
UPDATE:Ted Musgrave and HT Motorsports abruptly parted ways during the weekend’s truck race at Las Vegas. In fact, it happened Saturday between the first and second practice sessions. Musgrave wrecked during the practice session and quit the team. He was replaced by Stacy Compton for the second practice and the race. Musgrave said today on Sirius satellite radio that he quit after a team official accused him of wrecking the truck intentionally.(EverythingAlabama.com)(9-27-2008)
BHR-VA to one team? employees released? UPDATE 4 Switch to Toyota? Hearing that several employees from Bobby Hamilton Racing-VA were released yesterday, and that they will be running the #18 driven by Dennis Setzer and sponsored by Dodge Dealers. Status of the #4 undetermined at this time.(8-30-2008)
UPDATE: BHR to One Truck for Now: Over the recent break in the truck series schedule the management at Bobby Hamilton Racing decided it was best to shift its focus to the #18 effort and have ceased operations on the #4 entry until further notice. “It was a very tough business decision that was thought long and hard about amongst the owners,” said Lori Hamilton, Chief Operating Officer of BHR. “This allows us to pull from our many resources and direct all our focus to the #18 team. Our goal is to win more races thus giving us more exposure and finish this season in the top 10 in points.”(BHR-VA PR)(9-3-2008)
UPDATE 2: Dodge not renewing sponsorship in ’09: The Dodge livery brightly splashing the #18 for the remainder of the year belies the fact that the manufacturer is not renewing its support of the team at season’s end. [Lori] Hamilton said the team has been in talks with Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota for 2009. “Dodge has been a good partner to us and they’ve built BHR with Bobby to what it is today, so there’s a lot of loyalty there,” Hamilton said. “I’m sure that another manufacturer would look at how long we’ve been with them, and that’s attractive to them.”(ESPN.com)(9-5-2008)
UPDATE 3: The struggles in the U.S. automobile sales market are trickling down to racing, with the latest blow coming to the Craftsman Truck Series. Dodge will not provide any financial support to any teams in the series in 2009, Dodge Motorsports senior manager Mike Delahanty said. “We’ll have no factory-funded teams,” Delahanty told ESPN.com. “When times are tough, there are certain things that are lower on the priority list than others.” Dodge had been a powerhouse in the Truck Series earlier this decade, winning 46 of 99 races from 2001-04 and championships with drivers Bobby Hamilton in 2004 and Ted Musgrave in 2005. In recent years Dodge has scaled back its involvement, with only Bobby Hamilton Racing-Virginia receiving money from the manufacturer this season. Dodge informed the team that its factory support would end this season, and BHR-VA has talked to Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota about a switch for 2009. Delahanty said the manufacturer’s involvement with the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series is unaffected.(ESPN.com)(9-6-2008)
UPDATE 4: Bobby Hamilton Racing-Virginia is “very close” to signing with Toyota for 2009, a team source said. It will finish out the season as Dodge’s last factory-funded team.(ESPN.com(9-25-2008)
Skinner helping Red Bull Racing at Lowe’s test: UPDATE Make make a couple more starts for Red Bull: In an effort to continue the development of the #84 team, Red Bull athlete Mike Skinner will drive the #84 Red Bull Toyota during this week’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway open test. Skinner has been called upon by RBRT on multiple occasions since the team’s 2006 NSCS entrance, including a five-race stint in the #84 earlier in the 2008 season, as well as mentor duties for both Allmendinger and Red Bull development driver Scott Speed. Skinner will round off a three-car test for Red Bull Racing Team alongside Red Bull development driver Scott Speed in the #82, and Brian Vickers in the #83. (Red Bull Racing PR)(9-23-2008)
UPDATE: Mike Skinner says he may make a couple more starts in the #84 Toyota of Red Bull Racing before the end of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The team, which Skinner drove for in six races earlier this year while serving as mentor for AJ Allmendinger, announced on Tuesday that it would part ways with Allmendinger at end of the season. Allmendinger will be in the car for this weekend’s race at Kansas Speedway, but his status for the rest of the season is uncertain. “If we run a race or two, then that’s fine,” said Skinner, who was testing the car during Tuesday’s test at Lowe’s. “I think that their vision is – I really don’t know. But I think that Scott Speed is somebody they’re really wanting to develop and get going, and Scott’s done a phenomenal job this year, so we’ll just have to see what happens.”(SceneDaily.com)(9-23-2008)
Racing Resources says…
…Mike Skinner won the Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He scored his 25th NCTS victory in his 173rd race. This was Skinner’s first win in 2008 — his last win came 23 races ago at Martinsville. Skinner won from the third-place starting position, the 11th of 12 races won from the top-10 at Las Vegas.
…Skinner is the second repeat winner at Las Vegas, winning here in 2006. Jack Sprague is the other repeat winner.
…This is the sixth win for Bill Davis Racing in 2008: Mike Skinner (one), Johnny Benson (four), Scott Speed (one).
…Points Leader Johnny Benson, 27th, blew a right front tire on Lap 64, hitting the wall hard in Turn 1. Benson was running on the same tires he started the race on. His points lead is now only one point over second-place Ron Hornaday, who finished fifth. Hornaday gained 73 points on Benson in today’s race. He has gained 118 points on Benson in the last three races.
…Skinner’s margin of victory was only 0.020 seconds over second-place Erik Darnell.
…Toyota posted its 10th win of the 2008 season. Chevrolet has seven and Ford and Dodge have one each.
…Skinner led five times for 38 laps, including the final two.
…The race was slowed a record 12 times for 46 laps of caution.
…The race featured 15 lead changes among seven drivers.
…The top 10 consisted of three Toyotas, two Fords and five Chevrolets.
…The highest-finishing Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate was #81 Donny Lia, who ended up 10th.(ESPN.com)(9-22-2008)
Musgrave to Randy Moss Motorsports in 2009? Hearing that Ted Musgrave is going to drive for Randy Moss Motorsports for the 2009 NASCAR Truck Series season.(9-22-2008)
Lawler teams up with TRG at Texas: Ryan Lawler has teamed-up with TRG Motorsports for the Chevy Silverado 350K at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, October 31st. We have some sponsorship backing now, and we are going to run a least the Texas event with TRG Motorsports” said Lawler. “Hopefully we can run another race in the #7 truck after that (for TRG)”.(Ryan Lawler PR)(9-19-2008)
Hillman Sr. serving as crew chief for #30 at Vegas: Germain Racing has announced that Mike Hillman Sr., General Manager, will serve as interim crew chief for Todd Bodine and the #30 Lumber Liquidators Tundra for this weekend’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Pursuant to penalties handed down by NASCAR, Mike Hillman Jr., crew chief for Bodine, and Mark Hillman, truck chief for the Lumber Liquidators Tundra, must sit out one race weekend.(Germain Racing PR)(9-18-2008)
Three teams penalized for New Hampshire incident: NASCAR announced the #30, #11 and #9 teams that compete in the Craftsman Truck Series have been penalized due to their involvement in a post-race altercation on pit road at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sept. 13. Those penalized violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-F (team members involved in an altercation with another competitor on pit road after the race had concluded). Three crew members have been suspended from the next Craftsman Truck Series event and suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 24, including Mike Hillman Jr., crew chief for the #30 truck driven by Todd Bodine; Mark Hillman, crew member for the #30; and William Divel, crew member for the #11 truck driven by David Starr. Mike Hillman Jr. has also been fined $2,500 and had his NASCAR probation extended through Dec. 31. Both Mark Hillman and Divel have been fined $1,500 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Starr also has been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Richard Gay, crew chief for the #11 truck and Jason Overstreet, crew chief for the #9 truck driven by David Reutimann, have both been fined $1,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Additionally, two crew members – Brandon Hopkins for the #30 truck and Tony Jilson for the #9 truck – have been placed on probation until Dec. 31. All three owners – Steve Germain of the #30; Tom DeLoach of the #11 and Bob Germain of the #9 – have had each of their respective teams placed on probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)(9-17-2008)
Hensley named as crew chief for Scott: UPDATE More changes; switch to Toyota; new paint scheme: Veteran NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series crew chief Jeff Hensley has been named as the crew chief for the Xpress Motorsports prepared #16 Albertsons Toyota and driver Brian Scott for the remainder of the 2008 season. The two will work on developing team chemistry for the 2009 season when Scott moves full time to Bill Davis Racing. Their partnership begins this weekend at the Quik-Liner 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV.(Xpress Motorsports PR)(9-16-2008)
UPDATE:The team has switched makes to the Toyota Tundra and its paint scheme to a sporty new black motif. Veteran NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series crew chief Jeff Hensley has been named as the crew chief for the Xpress Motorsports prepared #16 Albertsons Toyota and driver Brian Scott for the remainder of the 2008 season. The two will work on developing team chemistry for the 2009 season when Scott moves full time to Bill Davis Racing. Their partnership begins this weekend at the Qwik-Liner 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV.(Xpress Motorsports PR)(9-17-2008) [New paint scheme is posted on the 2008 Paint Scheme Gallery.
Canadian, Fitzpatrick to test with TRG: John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick is about to take the biggest step in his racing career by making the move from his native Canada to the United States’ and testing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Fitzpatrick, who is the 2006 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion and the Series’ youngest Champion of all-time, will unite with TRG Motorsports for a two-day test at Iowa Speedway [September 23rd and 24th].(Sharpe Mgmt. PR)(9-16-2008)
Brad Keselowski Racing returns to series at LVMS:Brad Keselowski Racing returns to the Craftsman Truck Series on Saturday September 20th in the Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350. This weekend the #19 Chevy will be sponsored by the Stratosphere Hotel and Arizona Charlie’s Casino with Robb Brent behind the wheel for his third truck series start.(BK Racing PR)(9-17-2008)
Marks making first and last start at LVMS; moving to Nationwide: Justin Marks has raced Las Vegas Motor Speedway once, in 2000, on the road course. He’s tested there with Germain Racing in a Camry during the Nationwide Series test. Saturday, Justin Marks, of Rocklin, CA, will make his first start at Las Vegas on the 1.5-mile oval when the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series takes to the track for the Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350. Marks will drive the #9 Construct Corps Toyota in his final Truck Series race of the season before moving over to Nationwide Series competition.(Germain Racing PR)(9-16-2008)
Starr sporting K&N Filters colors again in Vegas: The #11 Red Horse RacingToyota will sport a special paint scheme this week for the Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350 as it displays primary sponsorship from K&N Filters. TRD (Toyota Racing Development) recently signed K&N as the official filter company for the manufacturer.(Red Horse Racing PR)(9-16-2008)
Speed rejoins the #22 team for remaining races: Scott Speed will rejoin the #22 Bill Davis Racing Toyota Tundra team this week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The former Formula-1 standout will pilot the #22 Toyota Tundra for the remaining seven NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events this season. Red Bull will serve as the primary sponsor of the #22 Bill Davis Racing entry Saturday night under the lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(9-16-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – LVMS: #16-Brian Scott was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the September 13 Camping World RV Rental 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Scott scored an eighth-place finish, his best in 25 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts. He claimed his second top-10 finish of the 2008 season and took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the second time this season.A Raybestos Rookie has scored a top-10 finish in each of the last SIX consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races. Colin Braun leads Donny Lia by 21 points (168-147) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the September 20 Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.Bryan Reffner is the only Raybestos Rookie to win the pole position for a Craftsman Truck Series race in 11 previous events at Las Vegas . Reffner took the top starting spot for the 1996 CARQUEST Auto Parts 420K. The best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in 11 previous races at Las Vegas is third by Greg Biffle (1998) and Travis Kvapil (2001).(Raybestos PR)(9-16-2008)
NCTS ratings up 29% at New Hampshire: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series scored a Nielsen Household Rating of .53 (387,000 households) at New Hampshire , up 29 percent from last year’s .41 (302,000 HH). It marks the 13th time in the last 14 races, Nielsen ratings for the series have increased. This year’s race peaked at a .71 (518,000 HH), up 36 percent from last year’s peak of .52 (379,000 HH).(SPEED/TV PR)(9-16-2008)
Darnell to drive winning paint scheme at Las Vegas: Erik Darnell’s #99 Northern Tool + Equipment Ford will look quite a bit different when it takes to the track for this weekend’s Craftsman Truck Series race in Las Vegas. Darnell’s trademark black and yellow paint scheme will be replaced with one designed by the winner of Northern Tool’s “Paint My Ride” promotion. Tracy Hutchens of Bassett, Va., and his paint scheme the “Flying Tool” came away as this year’s winner. [To view scheme visit: NorthernTool.com](Roush Fenway Racing PR)(9-16-2008)
Andretti in the #15 at Vegas: John Andretti has been announced as the driver of the #15-Hyprene Ergon Toyota for Billy Ballew Motorsports. The Qwik Liner 350 will be Andretti’s first Craftsman Truck Series start at LVMS. Andretti ran four races with Billy Ballew Motorsports in 2005. He scored three top-15 and two top-10 finishes.(BL Mktg/BBM PR)(9-15-2008)
Racing Resources say…
…Ron Honaday won the Camping World RV Rental 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He scored his series-leading 38th NCTS victory in his 218th race. This is Hornaday’s fifth win in 18 NCTS races in 2008, the most among all drivers.
…Hornaday won from the second-place starting position, the ninth straight race won from the top five at New Hampshire. He is the only driver to score three NCTS wins at New Hampshire.
…This is the 13th win for Kevin Harvick Inc., fifth of 2008, all by Hornaday this season.
…Points leader Johnny Benson finished second. His points lead is now 74 points over the second-place Hornaday, who gained 20 points on Benson in this race. Hornaday has gained 45 points on Benson in the past two races.
…Chevrolet posted its seventh win of the 2008 season. Toyota has nine wins, while Ford and Dodge have one each.
…Hornaday led five times for a combined 149 laps, including the final 43. He led the most laps in a NCTS race for the seventh time in 2008. He has led 979 laps this season, the most by any driver in 2008, and is the all-time series lap leader with 7,446 laps led in 218 races.
…The race was slowed nine times for 37 laps of caution.
…The race featured 14 lead changes among eight drivers.
…The top 10 consisted of three Toyotas, three Fords and four Chevrolets.
…The highest finishing Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate was #16-Brian Scott, who finished eighth. …The eight leaders tied the most in a NCTS race at Loudon for the fifth time.(ESPN.com)(9-15-2008)
Germain Racing’s Hillman comments following NHMS melee: “Tempers flared after the race. In 13 laps Germain Racing lost two race trucks to the same competitor. The result was a rough situation and I want to apologize on behalf of myself and our race team to the NASCAR officials and NASCAR staff that were stuck in the middle. I also want to extend an apology to Ron Hornaday, Rick Ren and the folks at KHI as well as the race fans. Ron had a terrific race and a well-earned victory and what happened on pit road shouldn’t take away from the great performance put on by the 33 team,” said [Mike] Hillman Jr. of the post-race altercation between Germain Racing and another team on pit road.(Germain Racing PR)(9-15-2008)
Bodine on NASCAR Now: The Monday, Sept. 15, edition of NASCAR Now, ESPN2’s daily NASCAR news and information show, at 5:00pm/et will feature host Allen Bestwick leading a roundtable discussion of the latest NASCAR news and races. Panel members will include NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Todd Bodine, ESPN analyst and three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion crew chief Ray Evernham and ESPN pit reporter Mike Massaro.(ESPN PR)(9-15-2008)
A change on the #2 truck? Word around the Craftsman Truck Series garage was that Jack Sprague could be out at Kevin Harvick Inc. at the end of the season. Former motocross rider and current Camping World East Series driver Ricky Carmichael was floated as a possible replacement.(TheNascarInsiders.com)(9-14-2008)
Stratosphere hosting free driver autograph session: Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s 12th annual Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will kick off on Friday, Sept. 19, with a free driver autograph session at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino. The autograph session will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. near the Polly Esther’s nightclub.(LVMS PR)(9-13-2008)[For more information and a list of scheduled drivers visit our Appearance Page.]
Tracy testing with Germain at Chicagoland UPDATE 3: One-race deal; switch from LVMS to Texas: Open-wheeler Paul Tracy, who made his NASCAR debut in NASCAR’s #2 series in 2006, will return to the oval-track for a one-day test at Chicagoland Speedway on Wednesday, May 28th. While this will be Tracy’s first experience in a truck, he is known as one of the most cerebral wheelmen in the business and he will adapt quickly. Versatility is a trademark of the 2003 Champ Car World Series Champion, as Tracy has raced open-wheel cars, Grand-Am cars, NASCAR, and off-road trucks, all in the last two years. (Player Mgmt. PR)(5-26-2008)
UPDATE: Possibility for 09? It was just an engine test with a driver currently out of work, as the 40-year-old Canadian has been unsuccessful in attempts to land a ride in the new unified IndyCar Series. Then again, it’s perhaps the most interesting pairing of a former open-wheel driver with a truck team. “We haven’t talked about specifics — it’s been more about maybe trying to think about that next year,” team owner Bob Germain said. “Though if we saw something come together, you’re so much further ahead if you can run some races this year to get everybody familiar with each other. But realistically, we’ve got a lot on our plate right now. We won’t rule out the possibility we’d do that, but this process just started.” This week, Tracy’s goals were modest: namely, to get acclimated to a race truck and to provide some feedback for the #30 team. Bodine tested all day Tuesday and Wednesday morning, then got to pass the wheel and rest for Friday’s race at Dover.(ESPN.com)(5-30-2008)
UPDATE 2: A few weeks ago, Paul Tracy tested Todd Bodine’s truck at Chicagoland Speedway and impressed Bob Germain enough to get a one-off deal. Tracy will drive the Germain Racing Toyota on September 20 at Las Vegas. “Paul did a nice job so we got a little bit if support and decided it would be fun to run him in his hometown,” said Germain, who along with his two brothers owns 19 car dealerships in Ohio and Florida. “We’re going to run Chrissie full-time in the trucks next year and we’ve got another year for sure with Mike (sponsored by Geico),” said Germain. “I know Todd would like to run the Nationwide series and we’ve got about a dozen different possibilities we’ll be looking at. “And running Paul full-time in the trucks is one of those.”(Robin Miller- SPEED/TV)(6-19-2008)
UPDATE 3: Canadian open-wheel star Paul Tracy will drive a Germain Racing Toyota Oct. 31 at Texas Motor Speedway, not at his current hometown Las Vegas Motor Speedway as previously planned. A Texas-based sponsor was the catalyst behind the move.(ESPN.com)(9-12-2008)
Hornaday admits using testosterone: UPDATE NASCAR clears Hornaday to race: Over a two-year period from December 2004 to January 2006, Ron Hornaday, the defending champion of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, received shipments of testosterone and human growth hormone from an anti-aging center that has been linked to drug-related scandals in the NFL and Major League Baseball. Hornaday acknowledged taking testosterone when shown records from the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center during an interview at his home in North Carolina on Tuesday, but he denied using growth hormone that was sent to his home for his wife’s use. Hornaday said he used the testosterone to treat a mysterious medical malady that later turned out to be a hyperactive thyroid. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said that Hornaday had not informed anyone in the league that he was using testosterone and that officials would seek more information from him before the Camping World RV Rental 200 in New Hampshire this weekend. “It’s hard to see whether it’s a violation or not,” said Poston, who noted that NASCAR’s drug-testing policy prohibits the abuse of all drugs. “There are certain prescriptions that drivers can take, and we look at them on a case-by-case basis. If it’s not putting other drivers at risk or enhancing performance — and it’s used as intended — we’ll make determinations as they come up.” Kevin Harvick, who owns the truck team on which Hornaday drives, defended his driver, even while acknowledging that Hornaday had not told him he was using the drug in 2005. “Ron was sick. My wife DeLana and I could see it. And we got him help,” Harvick said. “But before that, Ron sought other avenues of treatment. Did he use the [testosterone] cream? Yes. Did he use it to enhance his performance? No. I feel like he did everything right to take care of himself.” (To read complete article: ESPN.com)(9-11-2008)
UPDATE: In a press conference at NHMS, the following quote is from NASCAR’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, Jim Hunter: “It is over and done with, he is cleared to race. We don’t see where Ron did anything wrong. Our substance policy is based on reasonable suspicion. If you talk to physicians, which I would encourage you to do, on a case-by-case basis, depending upon on what a person’s condition is, then their prescriptions with all sorts of substances that are used for treatment, in some cases, those are acceptable. In Ron’s case, it was back in ’04, ’05, it is over.”(NASCAR PR)(More info on ESPN.com)(9-12-2008)
White driving for BBM at NHMS? UPDATE 3 White in #15, checking out Toyota: Hearing that Jason White will be driving for Billy Ballew at New Hampshire. Also hearing that Bobby Dotter will be driving the #08 at Loudon with the gunbroker.com sponsorship.(8-30-2008)
UPDATE: During the qualifying broadcast on SPEED/TV, Ray Dunlap confirmed that Jason White will driving the #15 BBM Toyota at both New Hampshire and Martinsville.(9-6-2008)
UPDATE 2: Jason White will make his first start for Billy Ballew Motorsports at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the #15 GunBroker.com Toyota Saturday, September 13, 2008. White currently drives the #08 NASCAR Craftsman Truck for Green Light Racing. GunBroker.com will serve as the primary sponsor for the #15 with Ergon serving as an associate sponsor. Marc Mitchell the current driver of the #15 Hyprene Ergon Toyota was not slated to drive in New Hampshire giving White the opportunity to try some different equipment in the garage area. Doug George will return this weekend after being ill and absent at the Gateway event.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(9-8-2008)
UPDATE 3: SS Racing/Greenlight Racing and regular driver Jason White split up for the first of two races. White has been the regular driver of the #08 Dodge all season, but will drive the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports Toyota at New Hampshire and Oct. 18 at Martinsville, Va. SS/Greenlight is considering a manufacturer change next season and wants White to check out a Toyota. The #08 already was operating this season without factory funding, but owner Bobby Dotter is still exploring all options. “If we’re by ourselves and don’t have any of that support [with other teams driving Dodges], it could be a downside,” Dotter said. “But if we don’t see a decisive advantage in another manufacturer, we’re very much interested in sticking with Dodge. If we’re trying to do it on somewhat of a limited budget, Dodge may be perfect.” White’s sponsor, Gunbroker.com, will be on the #15, but the #08 will also be on the track with the same sponsor. Dotter will drive it, making his first start since Las Vegas last season.(ESPN.com)(9-12-2008)
Crawford completed most laps at NHMS: Driving the #14-Circle Bar Truck Corral/Power Stroke Diesel by Int’l Ford, Rick Crawford has completed the most laps of any driver in truck series competition at NHMS (2,093), and has been running at the finish in 10 of 11 races at the 1.058-mile oval. Crawford scored his fourth career Craftsman Truck Series victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2005, winning from the fifth starting position (26 laps led).(Circle Bar PR)(9-12-2008)
Peters joins field; first time at NHMS: Premier Racing has entered the #17 truck, with driver Timothy Peters in the New Hampshire Craftsman Truck Series race on Saturday, September 13th. This race will mark Timothy’s first trip to New Hampshire International Speedway. Peters added, “We did not have this race on our schedule last week, but we are looking to continue our forward momentum, and we want gain as much knowledge as we can before moving to a full-time schedule in 2009.”(Premier Racing PR)(9-11-2008)
Congrats! Congratulations go out to Joey Serydynski, front tire changer for the #6 Roush-Fenway Craftsman Truck. He got married on August 23rd in Cornelius, NC to Kimberly.(9-11-2008)
Richert new crew chief for Skinner: Bill Davis Racing is pleased to announce veteran NASCAR crew chief Doug Richert has joined the organization as the crew chief on the #5 Toyota Tundra team. Richert has most recently worked with rookie Regan Smith at Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(9-10-2008)
Lia to RMM at Loudon: UPDATE 2: Double duty for Lia; Las Vegas too; Nationrides.com to sponsor: [Revised entry list shows Donny Lia in the #81 for Randy Moss Motorsports.] And from the Boston Herald: Former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Donny Lia will drive for Randy Moss Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race this Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the Herald has learned.(Boston Herald)(9-9-2008)
UPDATE: The 2007 Whelen Modified Tour champion will be returning to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend for some double duty action. Donny Lia, a contender for Rookie of the Year this season on the Craftsman Truck Series will compete in both the Truck Series Camping World RV Rentals 200 and the Whelen Modified Tour 100 Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Lia began the Truck Series season with TRG Motorsports but recently lost his ride with the team and missed the most recent event. He will drive for the recently formed Randy Moss Motorsports team Saturday at New Hampshire. But before getting into the Truck at New Hampshire his Saturday will start with a return to his roots in the Whelen Modified Tour. Lia will drive for the Connecticut based H&H Motorsports team at New Hampshire in a car carrying sponsorship from Troyer Racecars and Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil.(Hartford Courant)(9-9-2008)
UPDATE: Lia is also slated to drive the #81 RMM truck at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 20. Lia’s long-time sponsor Nationrides.com will be the primary sponsor of the #81 Chevy for the next two events as well.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(9-11-2008)
TRG focusing on one truck at NHMS: TRG Motorsports made the decision on Tuesday to sideline the #71 Chevy this weekend and miss the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway. This marks the first event of the year that the #71 will not compete in and comes following the departure of Donny Lia as the team’s driver following the race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 20th. “We have decided to take the high road and not make any public comment on the issues surrounding Donny Lia’s departure from TRG Motorsports,” said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler. “We have made a smart business decision by sidelining the #71 at New Hampshire this weekend and are currently in negotiations with other funded drivers who are available to take over that ride as soon as Las Vegas Motor Speedway next week.” Buckler made the decision late Tuesday night. “We were looking at all of our options and felt it would be best for us to focus all of our efforts on one truck this weekend while we work out the details that surround the #71 and the races that truck will run the rest of the year. All of our equipment right now is really top-notch and we already have drivers and sponsors lined up for Martinsville and Texas, and it’s only a matter of time before we fill that seat for the remaining races.”(TRG Motorsports PR)(9-11-2008)
Annett makes final ’08 truck start: 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. [Scott Speed is scheduled to return to the #22 at LVMS](Bill Davis Racing PR)(9-10-2008)
YOU CRATE to sponsor truck team? UPDATE 2 To KHI with Jack Sprague: Hearing YOUCARTE.com will announce that they will sponsor a Truck Series team sometime this week. No idea which team. YOU CRATE is an R&L Carrier company. R&L Carriers is sponsoring Roush Fenway Racing’s #17 Sprint Cup team for four races in 2008.(5-20-2008)
UPDATE: It appears that YOU CRATE will be aligned with the #2 Kevin Harvick Inc. Chevy with driver, Jack Sprague. See image on the 2008 Paint Scheme Gallery page.(6-10-2008)
UPDATE: Kevin Harvick Inc. has added YOU CRATE to the list of partners for their championship-winning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program. YOU CRATE will proudly serve as the primary sponsor on the #2 YOU CRATE Chevy truck at the Martinsville race in October.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(9-9-2008)
Cup & Trucks for McCumbee in NH: Chad McCumbee will attempt to make his fourth career start in the #45 Dodge this weekend for Petty Enterprises. His last race was the ‘fall’ race at Pocono this year, where he finished 17th for his highest career Sprint Cup finish. McCumbee will also be driving the #8-Malcomson Construction Chevy in the Camping World RV Rental 200 at NHMS on Saturday.(Petty Enterprises PR)(9-9-2008)
Overstreet & Reutimann together again at NHMS; Marks looking toward Nationwide: Jason Overstreet, crew chief for the #9 Toyota of Germain Racing, and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racer David Reutimann will reunite for race #18 on the Truck Series schedule. The two have not worked together since the 2006 season and this opportunity is made possible as Justin Marks, who has piloted the #9 Toyota this season for Germain Racing, works with team management to build a Nationwide Series schedule for 2008. “I have tested and raced a Nationwide Series Camry this year and I really feel very comfortable and confident in these cars. I appreciate this opportunity to work with Germain Racing in the Nationwide Series. The #9 Tundra guys have been great to work with and I appreciate everything they’ve done. We are looking forward to our final race together in the #9 Construct Corps Tundra at Las Vegas,” said Marks, who raced a Camry this summer. Reutimann was picked to race the #9 Toyota at Loudon while the team works with Justin Marks to build a schedule of races that allows him to compete in his former home, the ARCA RE/MAX Series, and in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, where he raced this summer in Montreal, Canada.(Germain Racing PR)(9-9-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – NHMS: Colin Braun was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the September 7 Camping World 200 at Gateway Int’l Raceway. Braun scored a ninth-place finish, his sixth top-10 of the 2008 season, and took top rookie honors for the fourth time this season. A Raybestos Rookie has scored top-10 finishes in each of the last five consecutive Craftsman Truck Series races. Colin Braun leads Donny Lia by 20 points (164-144) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the September 13 Camping World RV Rental 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Tim Sauter was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2007 New Hampshire 200, logging a 23rd-place finish. Willie Allen was the only freshman driver to lead a lap in the race, holding the top-spot once for six laps. Two Raybestos Rookies have won in the Craftsman Truck Series since the series began competing at New Hampshire in 1996 (12 races): Andy Houston (1998) and Kurt Busch (2000). A Raybestos Rookie has logged a top-five in eight of the previous 12 races at the 1.058-mile speedway. The most Raybestos Rookies to finish inside the top-five in a New Hampshire race are three in 1998.(Raybestos PR)(9-8-2008)
Kvapil returns to the #09 at NHMS: Travis Kvapil will be behind the wheel of the #09-Zaxby’s Roush Fenway Racing Ford at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.. Kvapil has five prior Craftsman Truck starts at New Hampshire. He has one win, two top-five and four top-10 finishes. Kvapil’s last race in a truck was at Dover where he finished fourth.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(9-8-2008)
White driving for BBM at NHMS? UPDATE 3 White in #15 with GunBroker.com as sponsor: Hearing that Jason White will be driving for Billy Ballew at New Hampshire. Also hearing that Bobby Dotter will be driving the #08 at Loudon with the gunbroker.com sponsorship.(8-30-2008)
UPDATE: During the qualifying broadcast on SPEED/TV, Ray Dunlap confirmed that Jason White will driving the #15 BBM Toyota at both New Hampshire and Martinsville.(9-6-2008)
UPDATE 2: Jason White will make his first start for Billy Ballew Motorsports at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the #15 GunBroker.com Toyota Saturday, September 13, 2008. White currently drives the #08 NASCAR Craftsman Truck for Green Light Racing. GunBroker.com will serve as the primary sponsor for the #15 with Ergon serving as an associate sponsor. Marc Mitchell the current driver of the #15 Hyprene Ergon Toyota was not slated to drive in New Hampshire giving White the opportunity to try some different equipment in the garage area. Doug George will return this weekend after being ill and absent at the Gateway event.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(9-8-2008)
Benson doubling up on Saturday at different tracks: Truck Series points leader, Johnny Benson will be competing in the Camping World RV Rental 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the #23-Bill Davis Racing Toyota. Immediately following the event, Benson is headed to All Star Speedway for the rescheduled 43rd Annual All-Star ISMA Classic at All-Star Speedway located in Epping, New Hampshire. For more information visit the Appearance Page.(9-8-2008)
Racing Resources says…
…Ron Hornaday Jr. won the Camping World 200 at Gateway International Raceway. Hornaday scored his series-leading 37th victory in his 217th race. It was Hornaday’s fourth win of 2008, tying Johnny Benson for the most.
…Hornaday won from the second starting position, the eighth race won from the top four in 11 Gateway races.
…Hornaday became the 10th different winner in the 11 races at Gateway, Ted Musgrave is the only repeat winner.
…It was the 13th win for Kevin Harvick Inc., fourth of 2008, all by Hornaday this season.
…Chevrolet posted its sixth win of the 2008 season, Toyota has nine and Ford and Dodge have one apiece.
…Hornaday led four times for 113 laps including the final 30.
…The race was slowed eight times for 38 laps.
…The race featured eight lead changes among five drivers.
…The top 10 consisted of four Toyotas, three Fords, two Chevrolets and one Dodge.
…The highest finishing Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate was Colin Braun, in ninth.
…Marc Davis finished 16th in his series debut.
…Points leader Benson finished third. His points lead is now 94 over second-place Hornaday. Hornaday gained 25 points on Benson with the victory.(ESPN.com)(9-8-2008)
Lagasse running ARCA at Chicagoland: UPDATE Lagasse picks up the win: Scott Lagasse, Jr., who won at Kansas Speedway in 2007 [ARCA], makes his return to ARCA RE/MAX Series competition at Chicagoland, entered in the #25 Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet, the same team that sent rising star Joey Logano to victory lane earlier this year at Rockingham.(ARCA Racing PR)(8-28-2008)
UPDATE: Scott Lagasse, Jr., in the #25 Venturini Motorsports-prepared Nicholson Group-Hamptons Luxury Homes Chevy, held off ARCA RE/MAX Series championship contenders Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Scott Speed in a two-lap shoot-out to win the Chicagoland ARCA 200 Saturday night at Chicagoland Speedway.(ARCA Racing PR)(9-7-2008)
Lia released from TRG Motorsports: UPDATE 3 Lia talking to BDR? Hearing that Donny Lia has been released as driver of the #71 Chevy at TRG Motorsports [no word on replacement driver].(8-30-2008)
UPDATE: Hearing Andy Lally may run a few races.(8-30-2008)
UPDATE 2: Three-time Rolex Grand American Series Champion Andy Lally will return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this weekend at the 1.25-mile oval of Gateway International Raceway, driving the #71 BryanMark Chevy. Lally has competed in eight events for TRG Motorsports this year and last raced in the NCTS on May 30th at Dover International Speedway.(TRG Motorsports PR)(9-4-2008)
UPDATE 3: During the Sunday night Speed Report, Ray Dunlap reported that Donny Lia, along with his sponsor, are talking to BDR about a possible ride.(9-7-2008)
Keselowski to run Phoenix truck race: Phil Parsons reported during the Gateway qualifying broadcast on SPEED/TV that Brad Keselowski is scheduled to drive the #19-Brad Keselowski Racing Chevy for the Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Int’l Raceway.(9-6-2008)
BHR-VA to one team? employees released? UPDATE 3 Dodge confirms pulling series support in ’09: Hearing that several employees from Bobby Hamilton Racing-VA were released yesterday, and that they will be running the #18 driven by Dennis Setzer and sponsored by Dodge Dealers. Status of the #4 undetermined at this time.(8-30-2008)
UPDATE: BHR to One Truck for Now: Over the recent break in the truck series schedule the management at Bobby Hamilton Racing decided it was best to shift its focus to the #18 effort and have ceased operations on the #4 entry until further notice. “It was a very tough business decision that was thought long and hard about amongst the owners,” said Lori Hamilton, Chief Operating Officer of BHR. “This allows us to pull from our many resources and direct all our focus to the #18 team. Our goal is to win more races thus giving us more exposure and finish this season in the top 10 in points.”(BHR-VA PR)(9-3-2008)
UPDATE 2: Dodge not renewing sponsorship in ’09: The Dodge livery brightly splashing the #18 for the remainder of the year belies the fact that the manufacturer is not renewing its support of the team at season’s end. [Lori] Hamilton said the team has been in talks with Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota for 2009. “Dodge has been a good partner to us and they’ve built BHR with Bobby to what it is today, so there’s a lot of loyalty there,” Hamilton said. “I’m sure that another manufacturer would look at how long we’ve been with them, and that’s attractive to them.”(ESPN.com)(9-5-2008)
UPDATE 3: The struggles in the U.S. automobile sales market are trickling down to racing, with the latest blow coming to the Craftsman Truck Series. Dodge will not provide any financial support to any teams in the series in 2009, Dodge Motorsports senior manager Mike Delahanty said. “We’ll have no factory-funded teams,” Delahanty told ESPN.com. “When times are tough, there are certain things that are lower on the priority list than others.” Dodge had been a powerhouse in the Truck Series earlier this decade, winning 46 of 99 races from 2001-04 and championships with drivers Bobby Hamilton in 2004 and Ted Musgrave in 2005. In recent years Dodge has scaled back its involvement, with only Bobby Hamilton Racing-Virginia receiving money from the manufacturer this season. Dodge informed the team that its factory support would end this season, and BHR-VA has talked to Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota about a switch for 2009. Delahanty said the manufacturer’s involvement with the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series is unaffected.(ESPN.com)(9-6-2008)
Rice out as crew chief for #13? Connor in? UPDATE Confirmed: Hearing that Chris Rice is out as crew chief for the #13 ThorSport Racing Chevy and that Dennis Connor will take over the position.(8-26-2008)
UPDATE: Howard will shift gears on Saturday, as it will be his first outing with longtime crew chief Dennis Connor at the helm. “I have great respect for Dennis, and I’m excited about what he brings to the fold,” said Howard. “He’s had lots of success in this sport, has won championships, and his knowledge and experience should help smooth the transition.” Saturday will mark Howard’s first start at Gateway.(ThorSport Racing PR)(9-5-2008)
Chrissy Wallace making hometown debut: Germain Racing driver Chrissy Wallace is making a different kind of homecoming than she’s ever made before. The 20-year old daughter of NASCAR driver Mike Wallace is making her first trip to Gateway Int’l Raceway. “I’m excited to race at Gateway, it’s pretty much a home track to the Wallace brothers (my dad, and my uncles Kenny and Rusty). I’ve heard the track has a difficult line and I know I’ll need to work on learning it. With the way that Germain Racing has run there, I know the Germain Toyota will be well prepared and I expect the #03 Tundra team to go to Gateway and run well,” said Wallace. (Germain Racing PR)(9-4-2008)
Brad Keselowski Racing returns to series at Gateway: Brad Keselowski Racing is returning to the Craftsman truck series for the Camping World 200 at Gateway Int’l Raceway this Saturday, September 6. Driver Robb Brent will be behind the wheel of the #19 Chevy truck. This will be Brent’s first race at Gateway and second series start.(Brad Keselowski Racing PR)(9-4-2008)
Bodine makes 100th Toyota start at Gateway: Todd Bodine will hit another 100th start milestone when he fires up the Lumber Liquidators Toyota for Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Gateway International Raceway. Todd Bodine made his 100th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Michigan earlier this season. He’ll make his 100th start behind the wheel of a Toyota Tundra when he takes the green flag at Gateway on Saturday afternoon.(Germain Racing PR)(9-4-2008)
Annett returns to #22 at Gateway: The #22 Bill Davis Racing Toyota, with driver Michael Annett, will fly the Pilot Travel Center colors Saturday in St. Louis. This will be Annett’s first series start at Gateway. He spent last Monday and Tuesday at Richmond Int’l Raceway preparing for Saturday’s event. He and his teammates Scott Speed and Mike Skinner all participated in the two day test at the Virginia short track.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(9-3-2008)
LifeLock as series sponsor? Hearing that LifeLock has been talking with NASCAR about possible sponsorship of the Truck Series.(9-3-2008)
Rule amendment brings NCTS Engines in line: NASCAR issued a technical bulletin Tuesday amending the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rulebook. Effective as of Sept. 3, 2008 Section 20B – 5.10.4 is amended as follows: “At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing less than 4.470 inches must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.125-inch diameter holes. At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing of 4.470 inches or more must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.100-inch diameter holes. Unless otherwise authorized, the carburetor restrictor will be issued by NASCAR.” “As was the case with the amendment we recently made in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, all teams that upgrade to new engine packages will be subject to this rule modification,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition. “This is a continuance of the ongoing engine evaluation we’ve had in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series over the course of this season and is a step we’ve taken to help further maintain a level playing field among our competitors.”(NASCAR PR)(9-3-2008)
National Stock Car Racing Commission upholds #30-Germain Racing penalties: On September 2, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Germain Racing regarding the #30 truck. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-race inspection on August 9, 2008 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Nashville Superspeedway. Briefly, the penalties concern Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the truck, truck parts, components and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules”; and Section 20B-12.8.1E “After competition, the maximum right side bed panel height exceeded the specified 39-1/2 inches.”
The penalties assessed were:
A loss of 25 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Truck Owner Points for owner, Steve Germain
A loss of 25 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Driver Points for driver, Todd Bodine
A $2,500 fine for crew chief, Michael Hillman, Jr.
The Appellants paid the $2,500 fine prior to requesting an appeal hearing. The Appellants acknowledged that the maximum height had been exceeded, but argued that the infraction was due to a rear spring slipping out of its perch. The Commission found that the height violation was straightforward and that the penalties were appropriate for the infraction. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(9-2-2008)
Jamie Jones & Red Horse Racing, parted ways: Hearing that Jamie Jones, crew chief for David Starr, and Red Horse Racing have parted ways. [Rick Gay is listed as crew chief on revised entry list dated 9-2](9-2-2008)
Gateway & Dodge Dealers providing tickets to workers: Gateway International Raceway and the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers are partnering to provide tickets to the Camping World 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at GIR Saturday, free of charge, to the workers at the St. Louis South Daimler-Chrysler plant located in Fenton, Mo. Nearly 5,000 tickets will be provided to the hard-working men and women employed by the plant. One pair of tickets will be given to each of the plant’s employees on Wednesday during the shift change at approx. 2:15-2:30 p.m.(Gateway Int’l Raceway PR)(9-2-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Gateway: Scott Speed was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the August 20 O’Reilly 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Speed scored a third-place finish, his third top-five and fifth top-10 of the 2008 season. He took top rookie honors for the third time this season. Speed won the pole position during qualifying at Bristol, his first pole in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts and first top-10 start of the season. A Raybestos Rookie has scored top-10 finishes in each of the last FOUR consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races. Colin Braun leads Donny Lia by 13 points (157-144) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the September 6 Camping World 200 at Gateway Int’l Raceway. The best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in 10 races at Gateway is fourth by Carl Edwards in 2003. The most Raybestos Rookies to finish inside the top-10 at Gateway are four in 2001: Travis Kvapil, Ricky Hendrick (sixth), Matt Crafton (seventh), and Billy Bigley (tenth). Greg Biffle (1998) is the only Raybestos Rookie to win a pole in 10 previous races at Gateway.(Raybestos PR)(9-2-2008)
#16 to cease operations? Scott to BDR? UPDATE To BDR confirmed: Hearing that the #16 Xpress Motorsports team is shutting down and that driver Brian Scott could be headed to Bill Davis Racing with Albertsons as the sponsor.(8-26-2008)
UPDATE: Bill Davis Racing has announced rookie sensation Brian Scott has signed on to drive a Bill Davis Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Toyota for the entire 2009 season. The 20-year-old Boise, Idaho native has competed in 23 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races in the last two seasons. Xpress Motorsports has also joined into an operating agreement with Bill Davis Racing for the remaining seven races of the 2008 season. The #16 Xpress Motorsports team will convert its fleet into Toyota with technical and engineering support from Bill Davis Racing. The Xpress Motorsports team will continue to work out of its Mooresville, North Carolina shop and provide the manpower to compete in the remaining seven events. The first race as technical partners will be Las Vegas.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(9-2-2008)
East returns to #09 at Gateway: Bobby East will be the driver of the #09-Zaxby’s Ford for Roush Fenway Racing for the Camping World 200 at Gateway Int’l Speedway on Sept. 6th. In five starts in the No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford F-150, East has one pole and two top-10 finishes.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(9-2-2008)
Sieg set for St. Louis in #51: Shane Sieg will step back in the #51 Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Toyota Saturday, September 6, 2008 for the running of the Camping World 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Gateway International Raceway. Sieg will make his ninth start for Billy Ballew Motorsports with five starts in 2008 and three in 2007. Sieg posted a best finish of eighth in Memphis for the 51 Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Toyota.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(9-2-2008)
Mitchell returns to the #15 at Gateway: Marc Mitchell will be the driver of the #15-Ergon Toyota for Billy Ballew Motorsports at Gateway Int’l Raceway. This will be Mitchell’s first start in a truck at Gateway, however has two previous starts in other series [ARCA, NNS].(BL Mktg/BBM PR)(9-1-2008)

2008

August
July
June
Jayski Truck Series Silly Season Main Page
Jayski’s Silly Season Cup News Page
Jayski’s Silly Season Main Page

Born On Date: September 1, 2008