Wayne’s Words: Returning To New England
“The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is excited to return to New England and New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend, after a fun three-race swing through the Midwest.
“Racing in New England in September is always great, as the weather and leaves changing colors typically signifies the beginning of fall. Heading to New England also means we’ll have a chance to feast on some lobsters.
“Like our last two races at Iowa and Gateway, New Hampshire is a short track, but it offers unique features. The long straightaways and relatively flat surface produces interesting challenges for our drivers. They have to hit their braking points correctly going into the turns before hitting the gas early and hard heading down the straights.
“We have had some memorable races at New Hampshire, as well as some memorable restarts. The largest margin of victory we’ve had is under five seconds, and only three times has a polesitter taken the checkered flag first, which shows drivers from any starting position can run up front and win at New Hampshire. Also, all four manufacturers have tasted victory at the track.
“And we can’t forget Ron Hornaday Jr., though his season has already proven unforgettable. He will be going for his record fourth NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory at the Magic Mile, as well as his seventh on the season.
“As always, we’re looking forward to another weekend showcasing our style of racing in front of the New England fans and putting on a terrific race.” - Wayne Auton, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Director
Rookie Battle Stays Close
After finishing a career-best second Saturday at Gateway International Raceway, Johnny Sauter (No. 13 Fun Sand/Rodney Atkins/Curb Records Chevrolet) improved his lead in the NASCAR Raybestos Rookie of the Year points standings.
Sauter was the top rookie for the third consecutive race and earned his third straight top-five finish in the process. With only seven races remaining in 2009, Sauter is nearing the Rookie of the Year honors over Tayler Malsam (No. 81 One-Eighty Toyota), who despite losing ground finished fifth at Gateway, his second top-five of 2009. The pair are separated by 16 points.
James Buescher (No. 10 International MAXX Force Diesel Ford) isn’t far behind, but can’t be complacent. He lies 36 points behind Sauter with 152 points, following a 23rd-place finish at Gateway after he was involved in an accident.
Ricky Carmichael (No. 4 Monster Energy Chevrolet) is fourth, with Brian Ickler (No. 15 Graceway Pharmaceuticals Toyota) fifth, up one spot from last week.
Raybestos Rookie Of The Year Standings
Rk Driver Points 1. Johnny Sauter 188 2. Tayler Malsam 172 3. James Buescher 152 4. Ricky Carmichael 120 5. Brian Ickler 83 6. J.R. Fitzpatrick 79 7. Brent Raymer 65 8. Chris Jones 59 9. Chase Austin 16 10. Ryan Hackett 6
Manufacturers’ Standings
The gap continues to grow for Toyota in the standings after Mike Skinner (No. 5 Exide Toyota) won his second consecutive race, which was also Toyota’s fourth straight. Toyota is also seeking a fifth consecutive triumph, which would mirror Chevrolet’s streak set earlier in the season with Ron Hornaday Jr. (No. 33 Copart Chevrolet). Toyota leads by 15 points, 138-123, and has 10 wins compared to Chevrolet’s seven.
Chevrolet has the advantage at NHMS with six wins versus Toyota’s two. Rick Crawford (No. 14 Circle Bar/International Truck Engine Ford) gave Ford its last NHMS win in 2005, while Jimmy Spencer triumphed for Dodge last during the 2003 season.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2009 Manufacturers’ Championship Standings following Race 18 of 25 at Gateway International Raceway:
Toyota 138 Chevrolet 123 Ford 80 Dodge 55
Up Next: Las Vegas
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series shifts through the gears from the Midwest to the Northeast this weekend, and the Southwest next weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The 1.5-mile track hosts the series for the 13th time on Saturday, Sept. 26, for the Las Vegas 350.
Mike Skinner (No. 5 Exide Toyota) won last year’s race at Las Vegas, tying him with Jack Sprague for most all-time—two. The race was the closest in series history at the track—0.020 seconds—as Skinner held off Erik Darnell. The top 20 trucks finished on the lead lap.
Fast Facts
Next Race: Heluva Good! 200
The Place: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
The Date: Sat., September 19, 2009
The Time: 3 p.m. ET
Race Distance: 211.6 miles / 200 laps
Track Layout: 1.058-mile oval
2008 Winner: Ron Hornaday Jr.
2008 Polesitter: Johnny Benson
Schedule: Friday: Practice, 10:30—11:50 a.m., 1:45—3 p.m. Saturday: Qualifying, 10:05 a.m.
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