Director’s Take: Wayne’s Words
“This is quite a weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, and everyone in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is enthusiastic about getting the tripleheader started. We’re the opening act so to speak, but the racing’s going to be high quality.
“First, I’d like to take this opportunity to say ‘thanks’ to the fans who’ve supported the series over the years. The folks from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana have been among our most loyal followers, and that’s a big part of the reason we come to Texas Motor Speedway twice a year.
“Although the points aren’t quite as close as they have been in recent seasons, there’s every reason to believe the WinStar World Casino 350 will have an impact on who ultimately becomes the 2009 champion.
“Simply put, Ron Hornaday Jr.’s lead is going to be larger or smaller than the 202-point cushion he holds after last weekend’s race at Talladega Superspeedway.
“If Ron can duplicate last year’s success — he won both Texas races — it’s very possible he can match Greg Biffle as the only driver to lock up the title prior to the season’s final race. Ironically, Greg clinched his 2000 title right here at Texas Motor Speedway.
“A dozen or so rivals, however, would like nothing better than to add their names to the list of Texas winners — and make sure the championship isn’t settled until Homestead.
“Todd Bodine, I’m sure, would love to score a season sweep with a record-extending sixth win at a single track.
“Keep an eye on a couple of things: Tires and fuel.
“The fastest truck may not necessarily win — or even finish on the lead lap — if the crew chief isn’t on top of his game when it comes to taking tires and fuel at exactly the right times.
“Races at Texas Motor Speedway are notorious for having long stretches of green flag competition. Pit strategy has played a big role in winning here before, and there’s every reason to believe it will again this week.” - Wayne Auton, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Director
Raybestos Rookie Of The Year Standings
Rk Driver Points 1. Johnny Sauter 215 2. Tayler Malsam 177 3. James Buescher 163 4. Ricky Carmichael 129 5. J.R. Fitzpatrick 97 6. Brian Ickler 95 7. Chris Jones 81 8. Brent Raymer 72
Manufacturers’ Standings: Toyota Clinches Fourth Straight Crown
Toyota has won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series title for the fourth consecutive time to match Chevrolet’s series record, established from 1995-1998.
On a day that a Toyota simply had to finish ahead of its rival, the truck maker swept the first five positions in the Mountain Dew 250 fueled by Fred’s at Talladega Superspeedway.
A Toyota has won six straight races on the series’ two largest tracks — Talladega and Daytona International Speedway.
“We have always maintained that success in NASCAR is the product of the people involved, and we have been fortunate to align ourselves with championship-caliber teams and exceptional drivers,” said Ed Laukes, Toyota’s corporate motorsports marketing manager. “Our Tundra teams overcame many challenges in today’s harsh economic environment to persevere and help us win this title.”
Toyota trucks have won 13 of the 2009 season’s first 22 races.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2009 Manufacturers’ Championship Standings following Race 22 of 25 at Talladega Superspeedway:
Toyota 169
Chevrolet 148
Ford 97
Dodge 70
Up Next: Phoenix International Raceway
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series returns to the track where it all began in 1995 for the next-to-final race of the season. The Lucas Oil 150 marks the 19th time the series has visited Phoenix International Raceway.
Last year’s race saw both championship contenders — Ron Hornaday Jr. and Johnny Benson — involved in accidents. When the checkered flag finally waved, the pair went to the season finale separated by just three points.
Kevin Harvick (No. 4 Chevrolet) is the defending winner of the Lucas Oil 150. Harvick bids to become the series’ first four-time winner at Phoenix International Raceway.
Five drivers have posted multiple wins at Phoenix. Three — Harvick, Hornaday and Mike Skinner — will compete in this year’s race.
Fast Facts
The Race: WinStar World Casino 350
The Place: Texas Motor Speedway
The Date: Fri., Nov. 6, 2009
The Time: 8 p.m. CT
Race Distance: 147 laps / 350 kms.
Track Layout: 1.5-mile oval
2008 Winner: Ron Hornaday Jr.
2008 Polesitter: Rick Crawford
Schedule: Thursday: Practice, 12:30-1:45 p.m. and 2:15-3:30 p.m.; Qualifying, 7 p.m.
2009 Standings
Rk Driver Points 1 Ron Hornaday Jr. 3,487 2 Matt Crafton 3,285 3 Mike Skinner 3,160 4 Todd Bodine 2,985 5 Colin Braun 2,934 6 Brian Scott 2,904 7 Timothy Peters 2,903 8 Johnny Sauter 2,883 9 David Starr 2,849 10 Rick Crawford 2,794
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