Going into the second half of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule, the story will focus on those drivers chasing point leader Mike Skinner.
Problem is, this weekend’s race at Kentucky Speedway might not offer the best chance to make up ground.
Skinner is a master of the 1.5-mile track – which Kentucky is – and has excelled at there in recent years.
He finished fourth in 2005 and last year led 24 laps before an accident took him out of the race. He also leads many of the Loop Data categories going into this race.
Of those competing this weekend, Skinner owns the top marks in Kentucky-specific Average Running Position (6.8), Driver Rating (117.3), Fastest Laps Run (37), Fastest Green Flag Speed and Speed in Traffic (speed when there is another truck within one truck-length under green).
Ron Hornaday Jr is the only driver within striking distance of Skinner – 103 points. He’s also one of the few drivers besides Skinner who could end up in Kentucky’s Victory Lane. Hornaday won there last year – if he does it again Saturday, he would be the first repeat winner at Kentucky – and has impressive stats at the Sparta track.
Over the last two Kentucky races, Hornaday has an Average Running Position of 8.5, a Driver Rating of 109.7, 277 Laps in the Top 15 and 52 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green).
| 
|