NEXT RACE INFO


• Martinsville Speedway - Kroger 250, Saturday, March 27, 2010, 2:00pm Eastern
  
  TV: SPEEDtv: Prerace - 1:30pm/et;  Race - 2:00pm/et
  
  
• Truck Series News & Notes - Off Week: NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series News & Notes for the week beginning March 15, 2010 are posted on the Martinsville Race Page.(3-15-2010)
  
  Race info includes...
  
• Race/TV Info
  
• Weekend Schedule
  
• News & Notes - Off Week
  
  
  

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  LAST RACE INFO
  
• Atlanta Motor Speedway - E-Z-GO 200, Saturday, March 6, 2010
  
  Race info includes...
  
  
• Atlanta Race Page
  
• Harvick wins at Atlanta
  
• Driver Point Standings
  
• Owner Point Standings
  
• Post-Race Fast Facts/Lucky Dog/Race Awards
  
• Pit Stall Selections
  
• Starting Lineup
  
• Practice Speeds
  
• Race/TV Info
  
• Goodyear Tire Notes
  
• Official Entry List
• Weekend Schedule
  
• News & Notes - Atlanta Motor Speedway
  
  
  

• Bodine, Benson headline TRD truck test at MMS: Coordinated by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), eight of the top Toyota teams on the Camping World Truck Series circuit congregated inside Motor Mile Speedway Tuesday for a daylong test session in preparation for the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on March 27. The TRD brain trust included NCWTS points leader Todd Bodine and past champions Johnny Benson and Mike Skinner, along with NASCAR newcomers Brian Ickler and Max Papis. Peters and the Red Horse Racing #17 team were at or near the top of the charts at MMS, with lap times ranging from 15.80 to 16.00 seconds. Benson, the 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, is one such veteran Peters will contend with next Saturday. Still devoid of a full-time ride in the truck series, Benson is slated to pilot the No. 15 Billy Ballew Motorsports entry at Martinsville. "Our expectations are obviously to go try and win the race, that's why we do it. Billy's stuff is good enough and I've won races there before so hopefully we can accomplish that goal," Benson says. "I feel good about Martinsville--- I'm excited about it." Todd Bodine agrees. The No. 30 Germain Racing team had the current points leader dialed in and happy by the end of the session. "We got pretty good; the truck was awesome," Bodine says. "We're really pleased with the test. Even though this track is totally different from Martinsville, you learn trends. You learn what changes do what, so when you go to Martinsville you know what changes to make to fix your truck. Trends will work from one track to another, and that's why we came here to test. "We're gonna unload at Martinsville with the exact same setup we ran here. It's really close, and I'm fairly confident it's gonna be fast."(Motor Mile Speedway PR)(3-19-2010)
  
  
• Kennington to make series debut with RWR: DJ Kennington will be making his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the #6 Northern Provincial Pipelines entry for Rick Ware Racing at Martinsville Speedway on March 27th for the running of the Kroger 250. DJ will be driving the 6 truck that Donnie Neuenberger has set in the 10th position in driver points, as Donnie begins preparing for his Nationwide Series schedule. DJK, the runner-up in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series point standings in 2009, has never finished outside the top three in points in the last five years and has seen stints of action in the NASCAR Nationwide Series dating back to 2006 with a total of 45 races.(Rick Ware Racing PR)(3-20-2010)
  
  
• Skinner Charity Round Up raises over $150k: Two days of rain did not dampen the spirits or efforts of Volusia County residents Mike and Angie Skinner. The NASCAR former Camping World Truck Series champion was joined by wife Angie, celebrities, sponsors and fans to raise over $150,000 for local Volusia County charities. The 4th annual Toyota Skinner Round Up for Charity presented by Rue & Ziffra Personal Injury Attorneys took place March 11th and 12th at Daytona International Speedway and Spruce Creek Country Club in Daytona Beach, Fla. Among the celebrities on hand included blues superstar Stacy Mitchhart, "American Idol's" Bo Bice, NASCAR Drivers Michael Waltrip, Ron Hornaday, Geoff Bodine, Rick Crawford, Steve Park, and Tommy Baldwin. "Daytona's Nationwide Garage may never be the same as the "Hoe Down Bash" moved inside on Thursday night for music, dancing, and a Taste of Daytona" says Skinner. "I didn't know Hornaday had that much rhythm on the dance floor. In all seriousness, it was incredible how the community joined together with the celebrities for a great night and give back to this wonderful area." (Mike Skinner PR)(3-18-2010)
  
  
• RBR to debut with Setzer at Martinsville: RBR Motorsports announced today that the racing team will make its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Martinsville, VA, with veteran driver, Dennis Setzer, behind the wheel; crew chief will be Michael Hester. Setzer will pilot the #92 fleetHQ/BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors Chevrolet Silverado at the Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, March 27 in the third race of the season. Setzer made his NASCAR debut in the Busch Series in 1991. Setzer has 18 wins in the NCWTS, with his last win taking place at the Martinsville Speedway in 2008. RBR Motorsports is headquartered in Cerro Gordo, NC and has been racing since the early 1990s. "We are extremely excited to get into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series," said Ricky Benton, RBR Team Owner. "From our standpoint, teaming up with a veteran such as Dennis will complement our organization. RBR also brings on fleetHQ as a new marketing member for the #92 entry. fleetHQ is a business solutions provider for commercial trucking fleets and servicing tire dealers all across North America. fleetHQ provides 24-hour support, and helps fleets reduce operating cost while making it easier to do business. BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors and Black's Tire Service will continue to serve as associate sponsors. BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors offers wholesale distribution services to tire and automotive dealers across the Southeast. Black's Tire Service operates a total of 32 locations in the Carolinas.(RBR Motorsports PR) [Image of the #92 fleetHQ/BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors Chevrolet is posted on the #92 Paint Schemes Page.](3-17-2010)
  
  
• India's Karthikeyan to make debut at Martinsville: Starbeast Motorsports Founder Miguel Abaroa is pleased to announce that driver Narain Karthikeyan will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut on March 27 in the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway. Karthikeyan, who is India's first NASCAR driver, will drive the Wyler Racing #60 SafeAuto Chevrolet Silverado. Karthikeyan previously tested an ARCA car at Daytona International Speedway in December and brings 22 seasons of experience in open wheel racing including Formula 1 and the Le Mans Series. Starbeast Motorsports and Karthikeyan have entered into an agreement with Wyler Racing for the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. Karthikeyan will race the #60 in select races to be announced at a later date. SafeAuto Insurance will serve as the primary sponsor after signing a multi-year agreement with Wyler Racing and driver Stacy Compton in 2009. "We have always had a desire to work with drivers to help with their transition into NASCAR," said Stacy Compton, who has driven in 27 events for Wyler Racing since partnering with the team last year. Compton will serve as a driver coach to help assist Karthikeyan as he makes the transition from open wheel racing to NASCAR.(Wyler Racing PR)(3-17-2010)
  
  
• Crawford to address VA Forum: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran Rick Crawford will participate in Thursday's White House Fatherhood Forum along with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki, other government officials, community leaders and military parents. The public also is being invited to attend the 4 to 7 p.m. ET event discussing the roles, responsibilities and challenges of fatherhood. The forum, being held at the John D. Fuller, Sr. Recreational/Athletic Complex, 6627 Bunce Road, Fayetteville, N.C., is part of President Obama's National Conversation on Responsible Fatherhood. It will explore challenges affecting military and Veteran dads and their families and how community organizations, faith-based groups, government and families can come together to meet those challenges. Crawford, whose 21-year-old son Adam is a member of his Circle Bar Racing crew and an aspiring race car driver, knows first-hand the challenges of being an absent parent. "Being away from your family for an extended period of time is one of the hardest things for a father to do and I experienced that with my son Adam at the start of my racing career. My sacrifices can't be compared to those that are serving in our military but I hope that by sharing how I was able to be an active part of my son's childhood while being on the road and away from home can help them with the challenges they face." Crawford and Shinseki, the event's keynote speaker, will be available for media interviews prior to the conference at 3:30 p.m. ET. Members of the public wishing to attend the forum can register at CircleSolutions.com.(Circle Bar Racing PR)(3-17-2010)
  
  
• Wyler Racing switches manufacturer: Wyler Racing announced today that the team has switched manufacturers and will begin fielding Chevrolet Silverado race trucks in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series beginning with next weekend's Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway. The decision to switch manufacturers did not come easy for the team, who has experienced much success as a Toyota team including three wins, 20 top-five, 45 top-10s and four pole positions since joining the series in 2005. "Toyota has been an incredible partner of our race team for the last few years," said Stacy Compton, who has driven the #60 SafeAuto Tundra for Wyler Racing in the last 27 events. "I can't thank them enough for their support through the years. They are truly committed to NASCAR and were a huge part of our team's growth over the years." By switching to Chevrolet, Wyler Racing will be racing with the brand that has the most wins in NASCAR history. "We look forward to being involved with a manufacturer that has such a strong history in NASCAR," Compton said.(Wyler Racing PR)(3-17-2010)
  
  
• Hermie Sadler first 2010 start at Martinsville UPDATE Sadler Foundation onboard: During the NASCAR Live SPEEDtv broadcast, Hermie Sadler announced he would be running a few truck races in 2010 to include Martinsville, Bristol, Charlotte and possibly Homestead.(3-5-2010)
  UPDATE: NASCAR on SPEED analyst Hermie Sadler will compete in the Kroger 250 on March 27 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. This will be the first of about 5 races Sadler, the 1993 Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year, plans to compete in during the 2010 season. Sadler's #48, owned by Andy Hillenburg, will carry the colors of the Hermie and Elliott Sadler Foundation courtesy of family friends Joe and Meagan Denette. The Sadler Foundation raises funds and awareness for autism. The green flag for the Kroger 250 falls at 1:30 pm. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit HermieSadler.com or SadlerFoundation.org.(Fast Track Racing PR)(3-16-2010)
  
  
• Benson to run Martinsville: UPDATE 2 Confirmed; Benson/Wallace next two Red Top to sponsor: According to a post by Johnny Benson's sister Barb on the JB Message Board, Benson will be racing at Martinsville...press release with details to be released soon.(JohnnyBenson.com)(3-12-2010)
  UPDATE: Hearing that Johnny Benson will be driving the #15 for Billy Ballew Motorsports for the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on March 27th.(3-12-2010)
  UPDATE 2: Red Top Auto Auction will continue its sponsorship of the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports Toyota Tundra for the next two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) events. The Cartersville, Ga.-based organization will pair with Johnny Benson for the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on March 27, and with Steve Wallace for Nashville 200 at Nashville Superspeedway on April 2. Red Top Auto Auctions most recently sponsored Wallace's Billy Ballew Motorsports-fielded entry in the Atlanta 200, which Wallace finished in fourth-place. Red Top Auto Auction is a subsidiary of Auction Broadcasting Company (ABC). ABC is a full service auto auction company offering transportation, full and partial reconditioning, telemarketing, in-house restaurants, world class auctioneers and ringman, on-line bidding capability, and managers that are car people.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(3-16-2010)
  
  
• Bodine, Busch, Hornaday stats but no victories at Martinsville: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#33 Longhorn Chevrolet) has accomplished just about everything at Martinsville Speedway - except win. In 15 total starts at the Virginia short track, Hornaday has five top fives and nine top 10s. He has led 231 laps. In the last six races, he has five top-10 finishes. Since the inception of Loop Data statistics in 2005 - a span of 10 races at Martinsville - Hornaday has an Average Driver Rating of 108, an Average Running Position of 8.4, a series-high 170 Fastest Laps Run and a series-high 1,926 Laps in the Top 15 (85.3%). Todd Bodine (#30 Toyota), another former champion still looking for his first Martinsville victory, could find start #13 at the track a lucky one. Bodine finished second to hometown hero Timothy Peters in last October's event. Since 2005, Bodine holds some of the top numbers at Martinsville. In those 10 races, Bodine has a Driver Rating of 93.6, an Average Running Position of 10.8, 43 Fastest Laps Run and 1,707 Laps in the Top 15 (75.6%). Also watch for Kyle Busch (#18 Toyota), who has encountered uncharacteristic struggles at Martinsville. In six races there, Busch has three top 10s. But he also has three finishes outside the top 15. In his Martinsville career, Busch has a Driver Rating of 103.3 and an Average Running Position of 8.4.(NASCAR PR) [For more of NASCAR's off-week News & Notes see the Martinsville Race Page](3-15-2010)
  
  
• Hackett Racing adds Johnson to lineup: Ray Hackett Racing is pleased to announce the addition of the 2009 ARCA West Series Champion Brian Johnson, Jr. to its driver lineup. Johnson Jr. will make his NASCAR debut piloting the team's #76 Ford F-Series truck in the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on March 27th. Brian Johnson, Jr's sponsor, SUPERSEAL Construction Products, is a Canadian based company that has previously sponsored him in the ARCA West Series. SUPERSEAL manufactures, markets and distributes dimpled membranes that are used for foundations, drainage and subfloors. When it comes to dimpled membranes for waterproofing or damp-proofing, the SUPERSEAL brand is the market leader throughout North America. Johnson Jr., a native of Machesney Park, Illinois won his 2009 ARCA West Championship in dominating fashion. In a total of eight races he scored 3 wins, 6 top-tens and 5 poles. Johnson Jr. will most likely run more races in 2010 with Hackett Racing, either in its #76 or #75 Truck.(Hackett Racing PR) [Schematic of the #76-SUPERSEAL Construction Ford is posted on the #76 Paint Schemes Page.(3-13-2010)
  
  
• Atlanta images added UPDATE more added: Added images from Atlanta for the following trucks; #2-Kevin Harvick, E-Z-GO Chevy; #18-Kyle Busch, Toyota Tundra Toyota; #51-Aric Almirola, Graceway/AKAwareness.com Toyota; #15-Steve Wallace, Red Top Collector Car Auction Toyota; #30-Todd Bodine, "The Night Train" Toyota; #90-Brad Sweet, Great Clips Toyota; #3-Austin Dillon, Bass Pro Shops Chevy; #81-David Starr, Zachry Toyota; #95-Bo-Dyn Bobsled Dodge. Check them out on the 2010 Paint Scheme Page.(3-9-2010)
  UPDATE: Added the SS Green Light Racing trucks; #23-Jason White, Gunbroker.com Dodge; #07-Donny Lia, Hilton Garden Inn Chevy; #21-Butch Miller,ASI Limited Dodge. Find them via the 2010 Paint Scheme Page.(310-2010)
  
  
• NASCAR suspends crew members UPDATE Response from DRM: Matthew Huffstetler, a crew member for the #01 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and William Keith, a crew member for the No. 38 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy. On March 5, both were found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book.(NASCAR PR)(3-9-2010)
  UPDATE: " We at Daisy Ramirez motorsports are extremly dissapointed that our Daytona. Weekend hire Mathew Huffstetler has brought this embarresment to both himself and our new team. We had not seen or heard from Mr Huffsteter since our return from Daytona and consider him no longer part of our program," said Miss Ramirez. "We condemn the use of any illegal substances and consider it a privilege to participate in NASCAR racing," added Daisy.(Daisy Ramirez Motorsports PR)(3-10-2010)
  
  
• Almirola & Peters participate in Darlington tire test: UPDATE: test notes: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers Aric Almirola and Timothy Peters along with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Marcos Ambrose, Clint Bowyer and Elliott Sadler will be at Darlington Raceway participating in a Goodyear tire test on Tuesday, March 9th at Noon.(Darlington Raceway PR)(3-8-2010)
  UPDATE: Almirola and Peters were both excited to see the track for the first time in a Camping World Truck Series ride and both were predicting an exciting race for race fans on August 14 when the trucks return for the Too Tough To Tame 200. "This is one of the coolest tracks we go to with a ton of history. Just getting here you drive down a two lane road, most of the racetracks we go to you get off the interstate, go down a six-lane road and pull into the racetrack," said Almirola. "This place still reminds me of Martinsville and the old school racetracks where it's out in the middle of nowhere and you're surrounded by a bunch of diehard NASCAR fans that come to watch the race. I think it's awesome that the Camping World Truck Series is coming here and it's going to put on one hell of a race, it's going to be exciting." "I was glad that we were able to come for Goodyear. It helps me out a lot; this is the first time I have been on the racetrack. I have been here to watch several races but I had to work my courage up to make myself get up close to the wall and get up to speed," said Peters. "I'm looking forward to getting to come here to race. It's going to be an exciting race for the fans, but it's going to be a challenge for us. We always run close together week-in and week-out, it's going to be action packed for sure."(Darlington Raceway PR)(3-9-2010)
  
  
• NASCAR takes trucks for measurement: NASCAR took four trucks back to its research and development center in Concord, N.C., following Saturday's NASCAR Truck Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The trucks will undergo detailed chassis measurements at the facility and NASCAR plans to use the data it collects when considering future rule changes. NASCAR took one truck from each manufacturer, according to NASCAR spokesman Denise Maloof. The trucks taken were the Chevrolet of race-winner Kevin Harvick (Kevin Harvick Inc.), the Toyota of Mike Skinner (Randy Moss Motorsports), the Ford of Jennifer Jo Cobb (Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing) and the Dodge of Jason White (SS Green Light Racing).(SceneDaily.com)(3-7-2010)
  
  
• Hylton to KHI as crew chief for #2-truck: During the Camping World Truck Series practice session broadcast on SPEEDtv, pit reporter, Adam Alexander noted that Butch Hylton will be assuming crew chief responsibilities for the #2-Kevin Harvick Inc. Chevy following the Atlanta race. Ernie Cope will be crew chief at Atlanta.(3-5-2010)
  
  
• Images added UPDATE one more added: Schematic of the #88-Australian Gold/Menards Chevy driven by Matt Crafton is posted on the #88 Paint Schemes Page. Also added #13 etc. Easy to Install/Tim McGraw Chevy driven by Johnny Sauter is posted on the #13 Paint Schemes Page.(3-4-2010)
  UPDATE: Images of the #14-Circle Bar Truck Corral Ford are posted on the #14 Paint Schemes Page.(3-4-2010)
  
  
• Race engine shop relocating to Mooresville: A High Point company that builds Toyota racing engines is moving its operations to Mooresville by year's end, bringing a $3 million investment with 56 jobs paying an average $70,000. Triad Racing Technologies plans to occupy 40,000 square feet in two buildings on Raceway Drive in Lakeside Business Park, off Interstate 77 Exit 36. Triad supplies horsepower for teams in NASCAR's Truck, Nationwide and Cup series and the Automobile Racing Club of America series. The move to Mooresville will bring Triad closer to its customers and help it to continue to grow in racing, co-owner Marty Gaunt said.(Charlotte Observer)(3-4-2010)
  
  
• Piquet to rejoin ESR for ARCA; select Truck events, announcement soon: Nelson Piquet is delighted to confirm that he will rejoin Eddie Sharp Racing for several forthcoming ARCA Racing Series events. This is a continuation of the relationship that began when Nelson competed in the 2010 ARCA opener at Daytona, qualifying on his debut in an impressive seventh place, which he then followed up with a sixth place finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series a week later. Nelson can confirm that he will compete in the Rattlesnake 150 at Texas Motor Speedway on 16 April, the Racing for Wildlife 200 at Michigan International Speedway on 11 June and the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 on 31 July at Pocono Raceway. The 24-year-old will also be competing in selected NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events, details of which will be announced soon. (NelsonPiquet.com) [Past news on Piquet is posted on the February Archives Page.](3-4-2010)
  
  
• NASCAR suspends #76 crew member UPDATE Hackett Racing response: William Hileman, a crew member for the #76 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy. On Feb. 25, Hileman was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book.(NASCAR PR)(3-1-2010)
  UPDATE: The Ray Hackett Racing team was given notice by NASCAR officials that one of its volunteer crew members was found in violation of the substance abuse policy during a random test prior to the Camping World Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Ray Hackett Racing has a no tolerance policy with all crew members in regards to substance abuse and fully supports the decision by NASCAR. The crew member in question has been suspended by NASCAR and has been immediately released by the team.(Hackett Racing PR)(3-1-2010)
  
  
• Musgrave working toward full-time, fully-funded, multi-year deal: Former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ted Musgrave told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody today that he will not race in the Truck series' second event of 2010 at Atlanta Motor Speedway next week, and could also miss the next two races at Martinsville and Nashville. However, he said paperwork and legalities are currently being finalized to put him back on the circuit in the near future. "It will be full time, multi-year and fully funded, and we're hopeful that it will all come together within the next six weeks," said Musgrave. "It has taken a lot of people and a lot of hard work, but it is coming together really well." The new deal will likely put Musgrave in a Billy Ballew Motorsports Toyota Tundra for the balance of the 2010 season and beyond, though those negotiations also have not been finalized.(Sirius-Speedway.com)(2-26-2010)
  
  

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• Recent Past News: For recent past NASCAR Camping World Truck Series News see the March Archives Page.
  
  

PAST NEWS ON THE ARCHIVES PAGES

• March 2010 Past News & Rumors
• Mike & Angie Skinner host Toyota Skinner Round Up
• Benson's future still unclear
• Geoff Bodine in the #95 at Atlanta
• Crawford sponsorship close; to Atlanta with Circle Bar onboard
• Todd Bodine honors "The Night Train" Olympic victory in Atlanta



• February 2010 Past News & Rumors
• Steve Wallace to make series debut at Atlanta
• Changes at KHI? Fuge out; George named as crew chief
• Eggleston to SS Green Light
• NASCAR suspends #57 crew member
• NASCAR revises Green-White-Checkered Race Procedure
• Carmichael, multi-year sponsorship deal with Monster
• Graceway Pharmaceuticals returns as sponsor for Almirola
• Navistar to sponsor #5 truck for RMM with HTM
• Hunt Brothers Pizza to sponsor Sadler
• NASCAR revises method of setting starting lineups



• Jan 2010 Past News
• Dec 2009 Past News
• Oct 2009 Past News
• Sep 2009 Past News
• Aug 2009 Past News
• Jul 2009 Past News
• Jun 2009 Past News
• May 2009 Past News
• Apr 2009 Past News
• Mar 2009 Past News