Tearing Apart the Trucks: News Around the Truck Series

NASCAR Releases 2010 CWTS Schedule

Earlier this week, NASCAR released the schedules for the 2010 season. The biggest change on the schedule is the removal of Auto Club Speedway and the addition of Pocono Raceway. One big question mark on the 2010 schedule is the June 18 date at the Milwaukee Mile. The previous promoter for the 1-mile track defaulted on more than $2 million owed to NASCAR for Camping World Truck and Nationwide series races at the track.

Early last month, Historic Mile LLC was granted exclusive rights to demonstrate the financial ability to promote races at the Milwaukee Mile. The 55-day period ends on Sept. 29 and a decision should be made following the passing of that date. What isn’t clear is whether the debts for the 2009 season have been paid.

In an email to the Milwaukee, Wis. Journal Sentinel, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston didn’t say much when he was asked about the track’s inclusion on the 2010 schedule.

“All I can say is that our discussions with the promoter have gone very well and Milwaukee is currently on the 2010 schedule,” Poston said. “Like all other events on the schedule, there is a sanction in place.”

Though Ramsey Poston had very little to say on the subject, things seems to be looking up for the historic track. It appears that Historic Mile LLC is going about becoming the newest promoter in all the right ways and they’re confident they can do just that.

“We’re not going to get into our financials, but we’re confident we’ll have an acceptable plan and lease agreement for State Fair Park to consider at the end of this month,” said Tony Machi.

In a just a few short weeks, we should know whether or not Historic Mile LLC will be able to promote the track. If they can demonstrate the financial stability they say they can, then the historic track should be on the schedule for many years to come.

Skinner, Hornaday Looking for Three in Row

When the Camping World Truck Series heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend, two drivers will be looking to make it three wins in a row. After winning the inaugural Truck Series races at Iowa Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway, Mike Skinner looks to score his third consecutive race win and his first career Truck Series win at the 1.058-mile track.

But one driver who would like to see that streak snapped is Ron Hornaday Jr. The driver of the No. 33 Copart Chevrolet is running for his third consecutive win at NHMS. Hornaday Jr. is the only Truck Series driver to have won more than once at NHMS. One thing is for certain, though – the two can be expected to race each other cleanly for the win.

Michael McDowell to Make CWTS Debut

When the CWTS hits the track Saturday afternoon for the Heluva! Good 200 at NHMS, Michael McDowell will make his CWTS debut. In a third truck fielded by ThorSport Racing, McDowell will pilot the No. 98 Perkins Police Chevrolet.

ThorSport Racing calls Perkins Township in Sandusky, Ohio home, and the affiliation with the Perkins Police Department is being used in an effort to raise awareness of D.A.R.E. and the department’s Camp Pride program. McDowell couldn’t be happier to have the chance to race with ThorSport Racing.

“I’m really looking forward to racing again at New Hampshire. I’m thankful to ThorSport Racing for the opportunity,” McDowell said. “I’ve always felt comfortable at New Hampshire. I love short-track racing, especially on the flat tracks, and it’s always a great show for the fans, with a lot of beating and banging. Matt (Crafton, teammate) and Johnny (Sauter, teammate) have run up front all year, and I expect to do that on Saturday, also.

Though McDowell has never made a start in the CWTS, he has an experienced crew chief to join him on the pit box. Tommy Baldwin Jr. is looking forward to calling the shots for the No. 98 Chevrolet Saturday afternoon.

“I’m excited to see what we can do on Saturday. I love watching Truck Series racing and am looking forward to being a part of it,” Baldwin said. “It’s great racing. I always enjoy coming back to New Hampshire and consider it one of my home tracks. Hopefully, we can win the race and make this visit extra special.”

Did You Know?

• Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch return to the CWTS this weekend? Dillon will again pilot the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing fielded Chevrolet while Busch will be back behind the wheel of the No. 51 Miccosukee Resort/Graceway Pharmaceuticals Toyota.
• JR Fitzpatrick makes his return to the No. 4 Chevrolet fielded by Kevin Harvick Inc.? Fitzpatrick hasn’t piloted the No. 4 since mid-August, but he did win the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race in Montreal late last month.

Quotable

“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.” – Wayne Auton, Camping World Truck Series Director

“Loudon was one of the first few tracks that I went to when I started racing in the NASCAR Camping World Series. I had the opportunity to race for the All-Star program back in 2005 and Loudon was the third of four tracks that I went to. If we can bring a good-handling truck, we’ll have a good shot at another solid top-five finish and put ourselves in contention for a chance to go to victory lane.” – Aric Almirola, driver of the No. 15 Graceway Pharmaceuticals Toyota