Timothy Peters became a first-time race winner in the Camping World Truck Series by taking Saturday’s Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway.
While under caution during the mid-stages, Sprint Cup regular Denny Hamlin pitted from the lead for fuel and new tires, allowing Peters to take the top spot for the first time in the 200-lap race. The 29-year-old driver conserved enough fuel to lead the final 84 laps and pick up his first victory in his 64th Truck Series start. MiamiHerald.com
Race runner-up Todd Bodine was one position short of becoming the third Bodine brother to win a grandfather clock trophy at the .526-mile short track (Geoff and Brett Bodine both won at Martinsville), but he shared in the euphoria of Peters’ first win.
Colin Braun ran third, followed by series points leader Ron Hornaday. Kevin Harvick, who lost two laps after pitting under green on Lap 64 because of a flat tire, rallied to finish fifth. NASCAR
“I’m at a loss for words,” said Peters, who started 11th. “It’s just so special right now.”
“Four years is a long time,” Peters said, “especially when you come off Saturday night short tracks and used to winning week in and week out.” USA Today
“Timmy’s such a good kid,” Bodine said. “He’s as down to earth and as hard-working a guy as you’re going to find. Until he got into the team with [Red Horse Racing owner] Tom [DeLoach], it was him and three guys putting the truck together, driving it to the race track and racing it and coming home and fixing it and going back.
NASCAR Truck Series: Kroger 200 at Martinsville - Race Results
“He worked his tail off to get to where he is. That’s why I’m tickled to death to see him win.”
Hornaday expanded his series lead on ninth-place finisher Matt Crafton to 224 points. Mike Skinner, third in the standings, was the victim of a three-car accident on Lap 168. He finished 23rd and dropped 326 points behind Hornaday.
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