Director’s Take: Wayne’s Words
“We’re heading back to where it all started. That’s right, 15 years ago, in 1995, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debuted at Phoenix International Raceway. Mike Skinner pulled off the win by less than a tenth of-a-second over Terry Labonte. Later that season, Skinner won the series first championship.
“Everyone will be watching two drivers who are having monumental seasons. Kyle Busch, the 2007 Phoenix winner, hasn’t lost a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in which he has competed since September. That’s five straight for him. Ron Hornaday (No. 33 VFW Chevrolet) has triumphed twice there, and his 1998 win helped propel him to the championship. Obviously he is a contender for this year’s championship, but as last year’s title chase proved, anything can happen. He won the pole but wrecked and finished 25th to set up the closest points finish in series history. If Hornaday is going to take the title at Phoenix, he’ll have to keep out of trouble.
“Even though we compete at other one-mile tracks, the configuration is just a little different at Phoenix, making it unlike any other venue that we go to.
“The sharp Turn 2 unfolds into a dogleg, and drivers will have to navigate carefully through there. Also, the front straightaway is incredibly long, giving drivers a great opportunity to pass before heading into the tight Turn 1.
“In addition, the pit road is long, and actually extends into Turn 1. It’s a long way and drivers will need to be cautious and patient so that they don’t speed.
“This race is also short—150 miles—so there won’t be much room for error and time for holding back. That will most certainly affect race and pit strategy as well.
“Phoenix is definitely a racing town. So many great drivers have come out of Phoenix, and the fans have truly embraced NASCAR racing. We’re excited about our return and ready to put on another great race.” - Wayne Auton, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Director
Raybestos Rookie Of The Year Standings
Rk Driver Points 1. Johnny Sauter 223 2. Tayler Malsam 178 3. James Buescher 164 4. Ricky Carmichael 133 5. J.R. Fitzpatrick 97 6. Brian Ickler 95 7. Chris Jones 87 8. Brent Raymer 79
Toyota Wants Third Phoenix Win
Having clinched the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship at Talladega Superspeedway, Toyota is simply looking to wrap up victories. Toyota is seeking its third win at Phoenix, while Chevrolet is going for 13 overall and third in-a-row.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2009 Manufacturers’ Championship Standings following Race 23 of 25 at Texas Motor Speedway:
Toyota 178
Chevrolet 154
Ford 101
Dodge 73
Series Leaders
Below are the leaders in several statistical categories:
Points leader—Ron Hornaday Jr.
Driver Rating—Ron Hornaday Jr. (123.8)
Laps led—Ron Hornaday Jr. (1,091)
Victories—Kyle Busch (7)
Keystone Light Poles—
Ron Hornaday Jr. and Colin Braun (4)
Top-five finishes—Ron Hornaday Jr. (14)
Top-10 finishes—Matt Crafton (19)
Raybestos Rookie leader—Johnny Sauter
Races led—Ron Hornaday Jr. (19)
Average start—Ron Hornaday Jr. (4.1)
Average finish—Ron Hornaday Jr. (6.5)
Laps completed—Matt Crafton (3,720)
Up Next: Homestead-Miami Speedway
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series wraps up its season once again at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, Nov. 20 in Homestead, Fla. It marks the 14th time the track has hosted the series.
The 1.5-mile track has hosted the series once each season since 1996 and produced 12 victors in 13 races. The only driver to have won more than once is Todd Bodine (No. 30 Copart Toyota), who won for the first time in 2005 and returned to Gatorade Victory Lane again last season.
In addition to Bodine, other former winners expected at HMS include Ron Hornaday Jr. (No. 33 VFW Chevrolet) and Rick Crawford (No. 14 Circle Bar International Truck Engine Ford).
Fast Facts
The Race: Lucas Oil 150
The Place: Phoenix International Raceway
The Date: Fri., Nov. 13, 2009
The Time: 6 p.m. MT
Race Distance: 150 laps / 150 miles
Track Layout: 1-mile oval
2008 Winner: Kevin Harvick
2008 Polesitter: Ron Hornaday Jr.
Schedule: Thursday: Practice, 3:45-5 p.m. and 5:30-6:45 p.m.; Friday: Qualifying, 2:30 p.m.
2009 Standings
Rk Driver Points 1 Ron Hornaday Jr. 3,657 2 Matt Crafton 3,460 3 Mike Skinner 3,302 4 Todd Bodine 3,150 5 Colin Braun 3,089 6 Brian Scott 3,050 7 Johnny Sauter 3,033 8 Timothy Peters 3,009 9 David Starr 2,987 10 Rick Crawford 2,928
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