HT Motorsports Still Looking For That First Win
Martinsville-based HT Motorsports has proven it’s competitive. Throughout this season, the team’s veteran drivers, David Starr (No. 24 Zachry Toyota) and Terry Cook (No. 25 Harris Trucking/Cajun Industries Toyota), have been in and out of the top 10 not only at the end of races, but in the standings as well.
Competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series since 2001, the team is still looking for that first win. As a former winner at Martinsville, Starr thinks he can be the one to deliver that victory for owner Jim Harris and his team.
“We go into this race just like we would the rest of the year. We are going for the win. At this point for us we don’t have anything to lose championship-wise, so we don’t have to watch our points; we can just go for it,” said Starr.
“The only difference in Martinsville for us to win there is the hometown correlation between Jim (Harris) and our team calling this track our home base. It would just be really great to get Jim his first win there.”
“The last three weeks off have been beneficial for us to do some testing, and get our trucks prepared for the final five races this year,” said Starr. “We can win; I have confidence in this team.”
In addition to his 2006 win, Starr has two top-five and four top-10 finishes. He is currently 10th in the standings.
Cook has two top-five and five top-10 finishes at the .526-mile track and has led 190 laps. He sits 13th in the standings, 107 points of his teammate.
Director’s Take: Wayne’s Words
“I think I can speak for everyone in the garage when I say we’re looking forward to heading to Martinsville Speedway this weekend. Not only do we get back to racing, but it’s short-track racing. This series was founded on short tracks and always seems to showcase just what it’s known for – tough racing.
“Martinsville Speedway is special to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series because it’s one of four tracks on our current schedule to have hosted this series since its inaugural 1995 season. It’s also only one of two tracks to host the trucks twice in the same season.
“It’s pretty fitting we pick back up racing at Martinsville after a three-week break. Martinsville was the first short-track race this season back in March, and it will mark the last as it kicks off the final five-race stretch to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“Martinsville will present the teams with different factors from the other four tracks that we will go to finish out the year. One of the biggest things teams will have to focus on will be brakes. A team may have a great-running truck but if you don’t have the right brake set-up, it could spoil your day.
“I like to say this track is like two drag strips with two corners. Drivers will have their hands full trying to keep their fenders on.
“Fans will need to keep an eye on Ron Hornaday Jr. For whatever reason, it’s a track he has yet to win at. Last year, he ran out of fuel which opened the way for Johnny Benson to make the pass and grab the win. It might have had an impact on the championship. Hornaday had the lead going into the race and Benson left with it.
“So grab a hot dog and get ready. I think we’re in for some good short-track racing.”
- Wayne Auton, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Director
NASCAR Raybestos Rookie Of The Year Standings:
Rk Driver Points 1. Johnny Sauter 210 2. Tayler Malsam 175 3. James Buescher 156 4. Ricky Carmichael 127 5. Brian Ickler 95 6. J.R. Fitzpatrick 88 7. Chris Jones 66 8. Brent Raymer 65
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2009 Manufacturers’ Standings following Race 20 of 25 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
Toyota holds the lead as the series returns to action at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. Mike Skinner has delivered three of Toyota’s five wins at the short track. Chevrolet has the most wins, with six.
Be sure to cast your vote for the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Most Popular Driver. Polls will close Oct. 31. Since opening July 6, more than 25,000 votes have been cast.
Toyota: 151 Chevrolet: 138 Ford: 87 Dodge: 64
Up Next: Talladega Superspeedway
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will go from short-track racing at Martinsville to the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway for the Mountain Dew 250 fueled by Fred’s on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The race will mark the series’ fourth visit to the famed 2.66-mile track. Todd Bodine (No. 30 Lumber Liquidators Toyota) will be gunning for a third win in-a-row. Mark Martin won the series’ inaugural race in 2006.
Chances are good Bodine could wind up in Talladega’s Gatorade Victory Lane. The 2006 series champion kicked off this season in Daytona International Speedway’s Victory Lane. The win was his second in-a-row at Daytona.
Fast Facts
Next Race: Kroger 200
The Place: Martinsville Speedway
The Date: Sat., October 24, 2009
The Time: 1 p.m. ET
Race Distance: 200 laps / 105.2 miles
Track Layout: .526-mile oval
2008 Winner: Johnny Benson
2008 Polesitter: Ron Hornaday Jr.
Schedule: Friday: Practice, 10-11:20 a.m. and 1:10-2:00 p.m.; Qualifying, 4:40 p.m.
2009 Standings
Rk Driver Points 1 Ron Hornaday Jr. 3,210 2 Matt Crafton 3,013 3 Mike Skinner 2,955 4 Brian Scott 2,714 5 Johnny Sauter 2,647 6 Todd Bodine 2,645 7 Colin Braun 2,632 8 Rick Crawford 2,576 9 Timothy Peters 2,573 10 David Starr 2,552
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