December 2004
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series General News

12-01-2004 | 5:43 pm
Ryan Vos Eager Looking for Truck Team in 2005
After an unexpected hiatus from professional auto racing, racecar driver Ryan Vos is ready to get back behind the wheel and revive his career. Vos, 31 is looking at the ARCA RE/MAX Series or the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for experience next season. With thoughts of running a limited schedule or full schedule next year, Ryan would just like to receive the opportunity to get back on the track. “It’s been a while since I’ve competed in a race, but I am determined to race next season,” said a hopeful Vos. “I have some experience in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with success, now I need to get back in a car and prove that I have what it takes.”

12-01-2004 | 5:55 pm
UMI Publications, Inc. Releasing Brand New NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Book
UMI Publications, Inc. is proud to announce two brand new exciting books, The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Yearbook and The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Yearbook. These two books continue the celebrated history of the yearbook series by delivering unsurpassed quality and value to NASCAR fans since 1988. Both of the yearbooks are beautiful leather-bound coffee table books that cover each of their respective series and capture all of the action-packed racing in words and pictures from every event during the 2004 season. These books are licensed by NASCAR and are part of the "NASCAR Library Collection."

12-02-2004 | 10:38 am
Roush Truck Teams Have Little Time Off
Although the season is over and there is no racing on television, that does not mean the teams are taking it easy.  Only two weeks after the season finale in Homestead, Roush’s two Craftsman Truck Series teams are already preparing for their first 2005 test in a few weeks.

12-02-2004 | 11:20 am
Truck Series Equipment For Sale
MacDonald Motorsports is selling all of their trucks, equipment, parts, 1997 Competition Hauler. MacDonald Motorpsorts moved to the Busch Series in 2004 after four full seasons with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Anyone interested in more infomation on what is available should call Randy at the race shop 336 476-0100.

12-02-2004 | 11:30 am
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Announces Motorsports Division Promotions
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has announced various internal motorsports promotions effective for the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season. Tony Eury, Sr. has been promoted from Crew Chief of the No. 8 Chevrolet to Director of Competition. Steve Hmiel, previous Director of Competition, will now be the Technical Director for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

12-02-2004 | 11:32 am
Construction on 1,500 Seats Begins at Kansas Speedway
Kansas Speedway President Jeff Boerger announced today that construction has begun to add 1,500 seats to Kansas Speedway for 2005. Three new sections of permanent grandstand seats are being added to the on grade front stretch near Turn 1. Because of Kansas Speedway’s bowl-shaped design, the new seats will continue to provide some of the best views of the race track, Pit Road and all the exciting track action – from start to finish.

12-02-2004 | 11:39 am
SPEED Channel Signs Merchandising Deal with The Source International
SPEED Channel Sr. VP of Marketing and On-Air Promotions Bill Osborn announced today that SPEED Channel has partnered with industry leader The Source International (TSI) in an effort to supercharge the network's merchandising efforts. "We tested the concept of selling SPEED-only merchandise and the results were better than anticipated," Osborn said. "We decided to partner with a company that not only understands licensed merchandise, but also is a major player in merchandise television and trackside sales."

12-02-2004 | 11:52 am
SPEED to Air Race of Champions Specials
SPEED Channel will air two specials on this year's Race of Champions from the famed Stade de France in Paris, including a behind-the-scenes feature with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series standout Jimmie Johnson. Beginning at 8 p.m. on Dec. 12, SPEED will broadcast a 90-minute special on the international event, highlighted by some of the biggest names in motor sports. Seven-time Formula One champ Michael Schumacher will lead the German contingent, while open-wheel champions Tony Kanaan (Brazil) and Sebastien Bourdais (France) also are part of the mix. * Programming Update: SPEED Channel's Race of Champions Highlight special from Paris on Dec. 12 will begin at 8 p.m. ET and run 90 minutes ... the Jimmie Johnson behind-the-scenes special "Common Thread" from the ROC will begin at 9:30 and run for 60 minutes.

12-03-2004 | 5:27 pm
NASCAR Champions Converge on New York City
NASCAR Champions Pose for Photo... Following the Myers Brothers Breakfast, Kurt Busch joined NASCAR Busch Series champion Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Bobby Hamilton...(NASCAR Images Photo)

12-03-2004 | 11:52 am
Reutimann Receives Off Season Honors in Florida
As the No. 17 NTN Bearings truck is snuggled into the Darrell Waltrip Motorsports shop for a short period during winter, David Reutimann hasn’t slowed down since finishing fourth in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In addition to receiving the Driver of the Year Award from Lakeland Ledger presented at USA International Speedway in Lakeland last weekend, Reutimann is also slated to be the Grand Marshall of Dade City’s Christmas Parade today and then he will receive a proclamation from the city of Zephyrhills presented by Mayor Cliff McDuffie on Monday, December 13th. (High Sierra Photo)

12-04-2004 | 3:26 pm
Amy East Cook Brings New Addition To Cook Family
Amy East Cook, wife to Terry Cook, driver of the No. 10 Ford Power Stroke Diesel by International race truck, gave birth today to a healthy baby boy.  Cody Robert Cook was born at 4:16 a.m. EST at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, weighing in at 6 lbs., 10 oz.

12-04-2004 | 3:47 pm
Jarit Johnson Aligns with SS Racing For 2005
Ken Smith today announced the signing of Jarit Johnson, the 25-year-old racer and younger brother of Nextel Cup star Jimmie Johnson.  “Jarit is committed to racing and willing to do whatever it takes.” Smith said.  “This is the perfect fit within our organization and we have a lot of work to do over the next few months sorting out the future.”  SS Racing has an alliance with NEXTEL Cup powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports and hopes that Jarit will soon join Hendrick’s growing driver development program.

12-06-2004 | 2:39 pm
Kelly Sutton Reflects on Rookie Season in the Truck Series
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCTS) saw no shortage of veteran talent in 2004, with the return of several past champions and an assortment of Busch and Nextel Cup drivers in more than 20 races. The addition of a fourth manufacturer also made each team step it up a few notches. Despite those challenges, Kelly “Girl” Sutton raced to seven top 25 finishes, and posted a career-best qualifying run of 14th at Las Vegas in September, improving her previous best start of 20th set the preceding weekend. “When you’re new to the series, you have a lot to learn about the trucks, the tracks, and your competitors. There are a lot of skilled drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and several have helped me learn and grow as a driver,” Sutton recalled.

12-06-2004 | 2:47 pm
Appalachian State University Receives Petty Racing Collection
Lynda Petty, wife of stock car racing legend Richard Petty, has donated a large collection of materials documenting her husband’s career to the Appalachian State University Libraries Stock Car Racing Collection. The donation, which covers 1958–2003, includes newspaper and magazine articles, fan letters, scrapbooks, promotional and charitable materials, awards of recognition,  photographs, books, and race programs.

12-06-2004 | 6:59 pm
SpeedFreaks Rattling The Cage Again to Close '04 on SPEED
Tonight, National Motorsports Radio and TV Show, SpeedFreaks, hosted by Kenny Sargent, Crash Gladys, Lugg Nuttz and Statt Mann Caruthers, are joined by Mopar drivers Sam Hubinette, Formula D Champion and Shaun Carlson, Sport Compact Drag Racing Champion and big-time engine builder.

12-06-2004 | 7:03 pm
NEXTEL Cup Race Car, Simulator On Hand at Speedway Toy Drive
Martinsville Speedway's 11th Annual Toy Drive will be capped off with an appearance by a Dale Earnhardt Inc. race car, a chance to ride in a race-car simulator and an appearance by Santa Claus. The toy drive will make its second stop at Martinsville's Wal-Mart on Saturday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a few unique race-fan opportunities while raising toys for needy youngsters in Martinsville and Henry County.

12-06-2004 | 12:48 am
Eric Phillips Named Crew Chief of the No. 46 Chevrolet
Veteran crew chief, Eric Phillips has been named as the crew chief of Morgan-Dollar Motorsports #46 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Dennis Setzer.  Phillips, who scored five wins in the NASCAR Busch Series with Joe Nemecheck and Greg Biffle, and two wins this year with Travis Kvapil in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, will take over the top duties for Morgan-Dollar’s #46 Chevrolet Silverado. Morgan-Dollar Motorsports finished second in the overall point standings in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series the past two seasons.  The team scored two wins this year and seven since 2001.  Morgan-Dollar has competed full time since 1999, making 2005 their seventh campaign in the series.  In 2004, Morgan-Dollar fielded a second truck, the #47, with various drivers competing in ten races including Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Michael Waltrip, and Robby Gordon - among others.

12-07-2004 | 2:49 pm
SPEED Channel Gets High Marks from Viewers
More Cable Subscribers Aged 18-49 and More Men call SPEED Channel One of their Five Favorite Networks than any other Cable Service.  Viewers responding to Beta Research's new Evaluation of Basic Cable study released today ranked Fox Cable Networks' SPEED Channel and National Geographic Channel tops among mid-sized networks in program quality, customer satisfaction and contribution to their enjoyment of cable service as a whole.

12-07-2004 | 5:56 pm
Last Week to Guarantee Delivery of 2004 NASCAR Tickets by Dec. 25
Race fans who want to give Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR tickets as holiday gifts have until the end of this week to ensure a delivery before Dec. 25. LVMS has made a pledge to all ticket buyers that tickets purchased by Dec. 10 for the March 11-13, 2005 NASCAR Weekend will arrive prior to Dec. 25.

12-07-2004 | 6:00 pm
A Band Apart Produces Reality Series for SPEED Channel
A Band Apart Commercials, a producer of award-winning commercials and music videos, and director Scott Gillen are currently producing a new reality series for Fox Television's SPEED Channel entitled Build or Bust. Created and directed by Gillen, the unique one-hour show gives "average Joes" a chance to build a custom motorcycle. The series' 10-episode debut season will air on SPEED Channel Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. beginning in February.

12-07-2004 | 11:08 am
Jim Melvin Appointed Director of Operations for Bang! Racing
Bang! Racing today announced the appointment of Jim Melvin as Director of Operations. Melvin will oversee the business operations of the race team and sponsor support services which includes the Show Vehicle Program and Sponsor Account Management. “Jim has made great contributions to the success of Bang! Racing in 2004,” said Bang! Racing’s CEO and owner Alex Meshkin. “Loyalty is an important factor in any business, but in this business loyalty is everything. Bang! Racing went through a lot this first year. There were many changes in our internal management structure, and Jim was a supportive key person within the company.”

12-07-2004 | 11:10 am
Roush Announces New Craftsman Truck Series Crew Chiefs
Roush Racing announced today that Mike Beam and John Monsam have been named crew chiefs of the two Roush Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entries for 2005.  Beam will head-up the No. 99 Superchips Ford F-150 with Ricky Craven and Monsam will oversee the No. 50 Roush Racing Ford F-150 with Todd Kluever. Beam and Craven have a long history together.  They scored one Nextel Cup win at Martinsville in the spring of 2001, and three pole positions at Michigan, Rockingham and Darlington.

12-08-2004 | 9:44 am
Labock Rhino Runner Bus saves 18 lives in Baghdad
Route Irish is the heavily traveled, and highly dangerous, road between the secure Green Zone in Baghdad and Baghdad International Airport. There have been so many ambushes and IED explosions on that route in the past few months that the U.S. Embassy announced on December 2, 2004 that State Department personnel will be forbidden from traveling that route, and must use helicopters instead. Military and civilian contractor personnel will continue to use the heavily armored Rhino Runner buses manufactured by Labock Technologies, Inc. of Weston, Florida.

12-08-2004 | 12:12 am
VIDEO! The Risks of Loaning Your Car
Most of us have given permission for someone outside of our household to use our car at one time or another, perhaps to let a designated driver take the wheel or just to help out a friend who's moving. But what happens if the person who is borrowing your car gets in an accident? Are they responsible or are you? These important questions are often left unanswered until something happens. But consumer experts say to do your homework before you hand over your car keys. For instance, many car owners don't realize if you hand over your keys to a friend, you may be held liable, even if you are not driving.

12-08-2004 | 12:58 am
Holiday Sobriety Challenge at Atlanta Motor Speedway to Illustrate Dangers of Drinking and Driving
Drunk driving is the nation’s most frequently committed violent crime, killing someone every 30 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition, 40 percent of all traffic fatalities occur between October and January, during the festive holiday season. It’s these statistics that have driven Atlanta Motor Speedway to team with the local law enforcement agencies to illustrate the dangers of drinking and driving during the Dec. 10 Holiday Sobriety Challenge at the speedway.

12-09-2004 | 6:50 pm
Kvapil to Pilot No. 77 Kodak Dodge in 2005
Travis Kvapil, a 28-year-old former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion from Janesville, Wis., will drive for Penske Racing South on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup circuit in 2005 and compete for Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors. Compare driving the Nextel Cup car and a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series truck... “It was quite a bit different. The races are longer and more pit stops are involved in the Cup Series. The biggest difference I noticed was how important the team aspect of it was. In the truck series you could have a 16-second pit stop and maintain your position or you might even gain a spot or two. In the Cup Series, if you have a slow stop or you’re off a little bit you’re really going to lose positions. The competition is so close. You could be running 25th on the track and running similar lap times to the guys running in the top five. The depth of the competition and the importance of every member of the team make Cup a lot tougher.” (High Sierra Photo)

12-09-2004 | 10:29 am
Talladega Truck Test Debut On Track for Earnhardt
Kerry Earnhardt has made four NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series starts, more than 60 NASCAR Busch Series starts, gathered a handful of wins from the ARCA RE/MAX Series and logged countless tests on numerous tracks. But he had not tested a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series machine until today at Talladega Superspeedway.  Earnhardt tested Wednesday with Craftsman Truck Series drivers Dennis Setzer, David Starr, Jack Sprague, Ken Weaver and Shawn Murphy. Also joining them was Hendrick Motorsports development driver and 2004 ARCA RE/MAX Series Talladega winner Blake Feese. (KerryEarnhardtFans.com Photo)

12-10-2004 | 1:48 pm
Jon Wood Hot Doggin' it into the Busch Series with Help from Ball Park Franks
Ball Park Franks and Snuggle Fabric Softener will partner with ST Motorsports for the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series season, team owners Tad & Jodi Geschickter announced today.  Both brands will be associate sponsors.  Ball Park Franks will join primary sponsor Kingsford Charcoal on the No. 59 Ford, while Snuggle Fabric Softener will join Clorox and Wisk Detergent on the No. 47 Ford.

12-10-2004 | 4:10 pm
The Inside Line by Tim Stephens
The strong draft horses lay in mud, their breath showing warm and moist in the frosty morning air and their eyes looking tired. All along the road from home to work, the fields are empty, nothing left of this summer's bright green promise but an occasional, stray, mangled corn stalk. You see the horses, the fields and you know why so much fatigue shows on the horses' faces. Sitting at your desk, looking up at the 2004 yearly planner on the wall behind the computer screen, you can think back through week after week of days covered with tasks, jobs, deadlines, trips and races. The upper left corner of the calendar reads "At A Glance". To the company which makes these calendars, it's a brand name. To you, it's a way to remember another year of your life...

12-10-2004 | 5:42 pm
Sobering Statistics: 80 Percent Fail Holiday Sobriety Challenge
Amy Farris is a 27-year-old widow. She lost her husband, Keith, in a crash caused by a drunk driver 18 months ago; she and her then-2-year-old son Christopher escaped without serious injury. The man who killed her husband was released from prison yesterday. “He gets to go home and spend the holidays with his family,” Farris said. “But I’ll never see my husband again.”

12-10-2004 | 6:15 pm
$1.5 Million South Tunnel Entrance Reconstruction Underway at Texas
A $1.5 million construction project has begun on roadways around the south tunnel infield entrance at Texas Motor Speedway in an effort to improve traffic flow on speedway grounds and to expedite traffic on nearby public roads.  The south tunnel is the first of several improvement projects planned for the speedway.

12-10-2004 | 9:39 am
Carolina Dodge Dealers 500 Tickets on Sale December 15
Tickets for one of the most eagerly anticipated events in Darlington Raceway's impressive history will be available in time for the holidays. The Carolina Dodge Dealers 500 on Saturday evening, May 7, 2005, will be the first flag-to-flag NEXTEL Cup Series race under the lights at NASCAR's most historic speedway. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, December 15.

12-10-2004 | 11:15 am
Bang Racing to Busch Series with Dodge, Kvapil Inked as Part-Time Driver
Bang! Racing today announced they have joined the Dodge Motorsports family driving Dodges in the NASCAR Busch Series for the 2005 season becoming part of an elite group of world-class racing organizations alongside Evernham Motorsports, Chip Ganassi Racing, Penske Racing and Petty Enterprises.  "This has been a year to remember," said CEO and owner of Bang! Racing Alex Meshkin. "And today is another milestone as Bang! Racing becomes a Dodge team. We are honored to enter the NASCAR Busch Series in 2005 with the intended goal of Nextel Cup racing with Dodge as our partner. This relationship will enable us to achieve our goals of entering NASCAR's highest echelon of racing."

12-13-2004 | 11:42 am
Park and Gaughan Team Up for 2005 Truck Series Campaign
TruckSeries.com has confirmed that 2004 Truck Series' Most Popular Driver Steve Park will return to the No. 62 Orleans Dodge full time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2005.  Team officials also confirmed that Brendan Gaughan will drive a second Orleans Racing Dodge in at least the 16 Truck Series events that are companion races to NASCAR NEXTEL Cup events. Look for more details including team sponsorship and roster through the Holiday season. (NASCAR Images Photo)

12-13-2004 | 12:12 am
Attention Crew Chiefs: BSR Products Implements New Email System
BSR Products of Concord / Mooresville, NC is pleased to announce a new system for the 2005 race season. They are now in the process of updating their computer data base along with collecting team, and Parts Managers’ email addresses. They are working on a new system where they will be able to send an email once a month to each race team that is in their data base. This will help keep all teams involved up to date with new products, items of the month, and in store sales.

12-13-2004 | 12:25 am
Tonight: SpeedFreaks and Champions Bogart the Egg Nog on SPEED Channel
WHAT: SpeedFreaks' Motorsports Radio and TV Kingpins Kenny Sargent, Lugg Nuttz, Statt Mann Caruthers and Crash Gladys unwrap the second of four Freakin' Holiday Specials tonight on SPEED Channel. WHO: In the SpeedFreaks Pits will be 13-Time NHRA Funny Car Champ John Force, USAC Sprint Car Champ Jay Drake, 125 Supercross and Motocross Champ James "Bubba" Stewart and 250 Supercross Champ Chad Reed.

12-14-2004 | 2:24 pm
Keselowski Turning Quick Laps at Talladega in Preparation for Daytona
Brad Keselowski took to the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway on Monday during a Ford Racing test session in preparation for the season-opening NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at the Daytona International Speedway.  The 20-year old Keselowski was one of six trucks to participate in the first day of testing, but was able to turn some of the fastest single-truck laps of the day.

12-14-2004 | 2:28 pm
World Financial Group to Sponsor Atlanta Truck Event
Atlanta Motor Speedway officials announced today that World Financial Group will sponsor the new Friday night, March 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. The event, which will follow Georgia Power Qualifying Night for the NEXTEL Cup Series race, will be called the World Financial Group 200.

12-14-2004 | 2:31 pm
Whitt, Clean Line Motorsports Partner With Toyota For 2005
Clean Line Motorsports has begun a partnership with Toyota and the Toyota Tundra throughout the 2005 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, it was announced today. The organization fields the #38 truck of driver Brandon Whitt, who just completed a successful rookie campaign in the Craftsman Truck Series.

12-14-2004 | 5:35 pm
Truck Series Year in Review on SPEED Channel
New Time! Friday, 9 pm ET   SPEED Channel will air the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Year in Racing special  Friday at 9 p.m., ET . SPEED's Rick Allen will host the program with highlights from all 25 races of the 2004 season. Several of the top stars of the series, including Bobby Hamilton, Dennis Setzer and Carl Edwards will be featured throughout the show.

12-14-2004 | 6:19 pm
Kerry Earnhardt on Spike TV's "True Dads with Bruce Willis"
Friday, 9 pm ET   NASCAR legacy Kerry Earnhardt talks candidly about the influence the relationship with his famous father, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. had on his own experience as a father. Kerry pushed racing aside to be present in his children’s lives, but has recently decided to pursue the sport that took his own father’s life.  Kerry Earnhardt is set to appear on Spike TV's "True Dads with Bruce Willis" December 17th @ 9:00 pm ET.   Kerry Earnhardt will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 18, 2005 with Billy Ballew Motorsports in the No. 15 Chevrolet Silverado.   (RCRRacing.com Photo)

12-14-2004 | 8:45 am
Renshaw to Pilot No. 8 BHR Dodge in 2005
Deborah Renshaw has joined the ranks of the 2004 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship organization for the 2005 season. In a homecoming of sorts, Renshaw will pilot the #8 DODGE of BHR2 for the complete 25 race schedule next season. “Wow, what an opportunity that I have to join this organization,” said Renshaw. “This is a very important time in my career and I cannot think of a better place to be than right here. I am familiar with some of the people in this organization since my days of racing around the Nashville area and I actually ran an ARCA race a few years ago with some of the guys on this team. I really feel like this is where I belong and that is comfortable.”  (DeborahRenshaw.com Photo)

12-15-2004 | 2:32 pm
Craven and Kluever Wrap Up Talladega Test Sessions
Roush Racing drivers Ricky Craven and Todd Kluever spent two days testing their Ford F-150s at Talladega Superspeedway this week. The test only included other Ford teams, but both drivers were extremely pleased with their results so far.

12-15-2004 | 2:52 pm
Keselowski Gets a Feel for the Draft as Ford Testing Concludes at Talladega
On the second day of testing at the Talladega Superspeedway, Brad Keselowski was able to work his way into the draft and begin getting a feel for how the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks behave in a pack on a superspeedway.

12-15-2004 | 12:02 am
Statement by NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France Regarding Sprint Nextel Merger
“NASCAR is excited about the merger opportunity for its friends at Nextel.  Nextel’s leadership has built an outstanding company and successfully served its millions of customers.

“Once the merger is completed, the company will have greater resources in technology, services, and the ability to reach its customers.  All of this will benefit the NASCAR relationship and will provide NASCAR the opportunity to reach new fans nationwide.

12-15-2004 | 12:12 am
Gateway Oval Season Tickets Now On Sale
The entire season ticket package is just $125 and includes all of the above races. Fans can call 1-866-35-SPEED to speak with a Gateway International Raceway ticket representative. Individual race tickets will go on sale on Monday, January 24, 2005.

12-15-2004 | 12:14 am
Michigan International Speedway Announces 2005 Renovation Project
In a continuing effort to improve experiences for fans who visit historic Michigan International Speedway each year, MIS President Brett Shelton announced today the largest renovation project in the 37-year history of MIS.

12-15-2004 | 12:21 am
Martinsville Speedway's 11th Annual Toy Drive Nets Over 2,500 Toys
Martinsville Speedway's 11th Annual Toy Drive may have had a different look from the first 10, but the final results were the same. More than 2,500 toys were raised during the toy drive, which ended on Monday. The toys will be distributed to needy youngsters in Martinsville and Henry County.

12-15-2004 | 12:56 am
No. 03 Team EJP Racing Has Silverado Trucks and Parts for Sale
NASCAR Craftsman Truck- Laughlin standard snout chassis. Truck is complete with brakes, fuel cell, and all electrical components. Truck has all 2005 updates done with a new intermediate Chevrolet body. Proven top ten truck. Race ready minus motor and transmission. Please contact Adam Ross  or Steve May for more details and photos.

12-15-2004 | 12:56 am
VIDEO! Trouble in Paradise by the Dashboard Lights
Vehicle dashboards have come a long way, but do you know what all those dials and gauges indicate? If you don't know, you better pay attention - those dials and gauges can be a warning that you're about to blow your engine!

12-16-2004 | 10:33 am
Toyota Tacoma Selected as 2005 Motor Trend Truck of the Year
MOTOR TREND magazine, the world's number one automotive authority and part of the PRIMEDIA Consumer Automotive Group, announced December 15, the selection of the Toyota Tacoma as the 2005 MOTOR TREND Truck of the Year. Each year, MOTOR TREND evaluates all new eligible pickup trucks and awards the coveted Golden Calipers to the one that most clearly raises the bar in the category, specifically in terms of significance, superiority and value.

12-16-2004 | 10:44 am
Look Back at 2004: Season of Change Becomes One of NASCAR’s Finest
NASCAR Builds New Traditions, Provides Unprecedented Excitement, Drama - The historic finish to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series was one of this year’s most compelling sports stories. The championship was an impressive triumph for veteran Bobby Hamilton (No. 4 Square D Dodge), who became the oldest series champion at age 47, and the first driver-owner to clinch a series title since the late Alan Kulwicki did it in 1992. For the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, it was the championship being won on the last lap of the last race by driver Kurt Busch (No. 97 Sharpie/IRWIN Tools Ford), who edged out Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet) by only eight points. Such a finish was the result of a change by NASCAR in the season format known as the “Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup,” which, after race No. 26, provided for a 10-race shootout among the Top 10 drivers. For the NASCAR Busch Series, it was the fairy-tale ascent of a then-unknown driver with a then-unknown team – Martin Truex Jr. (No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) with Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s Chance 2 Motorsports – who drove all the way from a part-time existence to the series championship.

12-16-2004 | 11:10 am
Speed Channel Launches Interactive TV Campaign With Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction
SPEED Channel has teamed with industry leader Proteus Inc., of Washington, DC, to develop an interactive television experience for the network's January 2005 coverage of the 34th Annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction. The interactive feature will allow viewers to take part, making "Fantasy Bids" on the ultimate sales price of upcoming vehicles via wireless device or Internet. SPEED talent will promote 24 feature cars during the broadcast, giving viewers an opportunity to guess the sales price prior to the car being auctioned off the block. Responses will be tabulated in real time and shown in the broadcast shortly after each car is sold.

12-16-2004 | 12:24 am
VIDEO! Tips for Safer Holiday Driving
One thousand Americans die every month as a result of speed-related accidents. And that's not just due to high speeds. A new survey found that 70 percent of drivers exceed the limit by just five to ten miles. This holiday season, one of the most important things to remember is to slow down.

12-16-2004 | 12:42 am
Nextel Statement on Sprint Merger and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Sprint and Nextel announced yesterday a merger of equals between the two wireless telecommunications companies. Together, Sprint Nextel will be a larger, stronger company with more resources, which will be better positioned to transform our vision of a wireless future into a reality. There are obvious questions as to the impact this could have on Nextel's NASCAR sponsorship. Nextel stands by its belief that the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series is one of the best brand and sponsorship investments Nextel has ever made.

12-17-2004 | 1:13 pm
Jarrett Tests Truck While Considering 2005 Opportunities
Jason Jarrett joined several NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers for a Dodge test session at Talladega Superspeedway today, helping the No. 59 Harris Trucking team prepare for the series' season opener in February. Jarrett said he is not signed on to run the Daytona race, but that he hopes the test session here will open a door for other opportunities with team owner Jim Harris. "Basically I am just trying to help them out doing some speedway testing for Daytona," Jarrett said. "I am not sure who the official driver is going to be, but hopefully at some point I can throw my name in the hat." (JasonJarrett.com Photo)

12-17-2004 | 1:31 pm
Dodge Drivers Test at Talladega
Steve Park, driver of the No. 62 Orleans Racing Dodge along with Deborah Renshaw in the No. 8 BHR2 Dodge and Chase Montgomery in the No. 18 Bobby Hamilton Racing Dodge weighed in on testing at Talladega Superspeedway this week.

12-17-2004 | 11:30 am
What Are Roush Racing Drivers Doing for the Holidays?
Todd Kluever, No. 50 Roush Racing Ford F-150:  "I am going to spend Christmas and New Years with my family and friends back in Wisconsin, and then I'm moving to North Carolina on January 3.  I've got a lot to do while I'm home to get ready to move, but I can't wait to get down there and start racing."

12-20-2004 | 4:48 pm
Chad Chaffin to Drive the No. 30 Toyota Tundra
Germain/Arnold Racing announced today that veteran NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Chad Chaffin has signed with the team to pilot the No. 30 Toyota Tundra in 2005. Chaffin, who drove for Bobby Hamilton Racing in 2004 winning two races at Dover and Indianapolis, finishing tenth in 2004 NCTS Championship points, began his career in 1981 at the age of 13. With 57 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts including, 11 top-5 and 22 top-ten career finishes under his belt, Chaffin brings a wealth of experience to the Germain / Arnold Racing team.

12-20-2004 | 5:21 pm
Speed Channel Expands Wind Tunnel, Moves Show to Race Day
Popular Motor Sports Talk Show Looks to Capture Passion of the Moment SPEED Channel is making several changes to its popular call-in show Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain for the 2005 race season. Beginning in February, Wind Tunnel will be expanded to two hours, anchoring the Sunday night Prime Time lineup at 9 p.m. ET.

12-20-2004 | 5:23 pm
Alcoa Wheels Drive New Ford Designs
Ford Motor Company will now offer a new line of 20-inch Alcoa wheels as Genuine Ford Accessories for Super Duty trucks. Referred to as Super Duty Dubs, customers may now choose from five styles of the strong, hot-forged aluminum wheels- from a flared 6-spoke to a wide 5-spoke design. Each is engineered to meet Ford specifications for durability and vehicle dynamics standards. These wheels are now included as a Genuine Ford Accessory by the U.S. automaker.

12-20-2004 | 5:27 pm
Hamilton Selected for Auto Racing All-America Team
In some of the closest voting ever for the annual Auto Racing All-America Team, 15 have been chosen in seven categories by members of the motorsports press. With two drivers selected First Team in each category, it was not the winner but the driver in second place who made it by the thinnest of margins -- one vote -- in two categories and by just three in a third. The driver on the short end of that vote, plus the person in fourth place, make up the Second Team with all drivers receiving at least five percent of the vote receiving Honorable Mention. So intent were the voting members of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association on the top candidates that in two categories no Honorable Mention was named, which has not happened in more than 30 years. (High Sierra Photo)

12-20-2004 | 6:32 pm
MetLife Auto & Home Offers Auto and Home Tips for Surviving Winter Weather
The weather outside's expected to be frightful this winter, at least for much of the country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which reports a great likelihood of cooler-than-average temperatures in much of the East, Middle Atlantic, and South. Bitter cold can lead to serious problems for property and vehicle owners, but an ounce of prevention can help significantly reduce the chance of damage to your auto or home this winter, according to leading insurer MetLife Auto & Home.

12-20-2004 | 6:58 pm
Eric McClure Looking for Truck Series Ride
Eric McClure, son of Morgan-McClure Motorsports co-owner Jerry McClure, is seeking driving or testing opportunities in the NASCAR Busch, Truck or ARCA series for the 2005 season.

12-20-2004 | 9:59 am
SpeedFreaks Unwrap Three Time NHRA Champion
SpeedFreaks' Motorsports Radio and TV Saint Nicks Kenny Sargent, Lugg Nuttz, Statt Mann Caruthers and Crash Gladys decorate their Spruce Monday night on SPEED Channel. In the SpeedFreaks Pits 3-Time NHRA Top Fuel Champ Gary Scelzi and World of Outlaws Champion Danny “The Dude” Lasoski. Also, the Freaks’ topic is, “Which Cup driver’s stocking would you stuff with a Nextel Cup Championship?” Tune in to see WHO the Freaks Pick!

12-21-2004 | 3:55 pm
Superchips to Continue Sponsorship of No. 99 Roush Racing Ford Truck Team
Roush Racing announced today that Superchips will return as the primary sponsor of its No. 99 Ford F-150 entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, driven by Ricky Craven for 2005.  In addition to the primary sponsorship, Superchips has formed a “Superteam” of Roush drivers with Mark Martin, Carl Edwards and Todd Kluever to help promote their automotive tuners.

12-21-2004 | 4:11 pm
New NASCAR Rules to Make Debut California Speedway
NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and Nascar Busch Series Qualifying Moving to Saturday During February Nascar Weekend. California Speedway announced today that it will be the first speedway on the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series season schedule to implement Saturday qualifying during the February 25-27 NASCAR Tripleheader Weekend, which also includes a Friday night NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.  The Auto Club 500 race weekend takes place one week after the season-opening Daytona 500.

12-21-2004 | 4:15 pm
Dear Santa
I have written you for nearly 30 years and you have always taken care of my Christmas wishes.  I know I already told you, but thanks again for the toys and DVDs you sent last year.  I already sent you my letter for myself and my family, but this year, I wanted to send you something for all of my friends in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.  For Ted Musgrave, I hope Santa brings a strong start to the 2005 season.  A slow start in 2004 was the only thing that derailed Musgave’s championship hopes.  He’s been so close Santa, so please see if you can help him out. (Coca-Cola Santa Image by Haddon Sundblom Courtesy of the Coca-Cola Company)

12-21-2004 | 9:14 am
Dave Fuge Acquires Xpress Motorsports, Considers Second Team
Xpress Motorsports, two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCTS) championship team, has undergone a facelift for the 2005 season.  Longtime team manager Dave Fuge has taken over the ownership reins of Xpress Motorsports/IWX Racing effective December 1, 2004 when Steve Coulter made the decision to retire from his motorsports involvement.  Coulter, founder and owner of IWX Motor Freight, started Xpress Motorsports in 1996 to compete full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.  In the spring of 1997, NASCAR veteran Fuge joined the organization as Team Manager/Crew Chief and quickly brought the team to the next level. PHOTO:  Dave Fuge (left) celebrates with Jack Sprague at Mansfield's Victory Lane in 2004.  (High Sierra Photo) 

12-21-2004 | 11:40 am
NASCAR License Plates Coming to Pennsylvania
Popular Spectator Sport Gets Its Own License Plate, Benefits Charity - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that the latest edition to its Specialty License Plate Program, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) plate, is now available to Pennsylvania registered vehicle owners.  "With NASCAR being a popular spectator sport in Pennsylvania, the NASCAR license plate gives Pennsylvania registered vehicle owners an opportunity to proudly display their favorite NASCAR driver and at the same time support a great cause," said State Transportation Secretary, Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "Each time a NASCAR plate is purchased, it helps to improve a child's quality of life."

12-21-2004 | 12:49 am
After Exciting, Successful Season, NASCAR Celebrates Holidays
With one eye on next season and the traditions of Daytona, the NASCAR community always embraces December holidays. Engines are quiet. Facilities are at rest. It’s time to take deep breaths, enjoy friends and family, and – not the least – count blessings. Family, of course, is paramount. Beginning with NASCAR’s founding France family and extending through the years, generations of stock-car racing’s cornerstone families trace their interests and careers to the sport.

12-23-2004 | 1:02 pm
In The Garage by Kelly Sutton
For two years now, I've been sending newsletters several times a year about my racing career, and you have supported me and the team, cheering us on in each city we visit. But, like many of you, my life has taken a few twists and turns, and not all of them on the racetrack. Here is my personal story and how I have continued to race toward the checkered flag. When I was a girl, my mom asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. My response really didn't surprise her. I told her I wanted to race cars and help people. Little did either of us know of the major detour down the road that would change my life forever and ultimately enable me to achieve my dreams in a way neither of us could imagine.

12-23-2004 | 1:17 pm
Hamilton and Kvapil Tie For Most Exciting Moment in 2004
Media choose emotional victory as NASCAR season highlight - A year filled with changes, history and exciting “firsts” left no shortage of memories during NASCAR’s 2004 season. But one moment does stand out, as selected by media voting at the NASCAR Media website. Jimmie Johnson’s (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet) Oct. 31 win at Atlanta not only kept him in contention for the inaugural “Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup,” it helped jump-start healing for Hendrick Motorsports, which had been shaken by a team plane crash the previous week. As a result, Johnson’s win was selected by the media as the top 2004 NASCAR moment.

12-23-2004 | 2:13 pm
How About a New Job for Christmas?
Billy Ballew Motorsports needs experienced fabricators for their full 2005 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule.  BBM will field the No. 15 Chevrolet Silverado with driver Kerry Earnhardt.  Top pay and benefits for building premier NASCAR race vehicles.  Please contact Ritchie Wauters 704.664.7015. (High Sierra Photo)

12-23-2004 | 11:57 am
Close Finishes: Holiday Reflections On 10 Years Of The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
The holidays are usually a time of reflection and in looking back, it’s hard to believe the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series just completed its 10th season. After 242 races, countless thrills and memories, the Truck Series has become a viable financial commodity for NASCAR and a place for racers to compete, make a living, and call home. Considering its success on almost every level, it is amazing to think people weren’t sure if the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series would ever fly. After all, who would want to watch pickup trucks race? As it turns out, race fans love the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Hard, fast and competitive races have been the hallmark of the series right from the inaugural event at Phoenix when Mike Skinner nipped Terry Labonte by a scant 0.09 seconds. Last year, well over one million fans spun the turnstiles at the 25 events on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule.

12-26-2004 | 10:19 pm
NASCAR Statement in Memory of Reggie White
The passing of Reggie White is a loss for the NASCAR community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the White family, Joe Gibbs Racing, and everyone who had the pleasure of working with Reggie. The Reggie White/Joe Gibbs Racing team helped to further diversify NASCAR by providing opportunities to drivers such as Chris Bristol and Aric Almirola.

12-28-2004 | 10:33 am
The Inside Line by Tim Stephens
Pile up a foot or so of snow, compact it down a little, add a layer of ice maybe an inch thick and then put another six inches of snow on top.  The resultant mess weighs heavy on your mind, not to mention the roof of your house.  It also promises to weigh much more than your back wants to carry. Maybe rather than shoveling out, you'll shuffle back inside and spend some time rewinding races in your mind. There are days when it's hard to believe that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCTS) has been running for 10 years now.  You remember Winter Heat and Tucson like it was yesterday, not in a previous decade, century and even millennia. Ten years?  Whew, where did the time go?

12-29-2004 | 12:52 am
Close Finishes: Stephens Speeds Toward New Challenges after Ten Year Truck Series Career
Each season, a new crop of racers make their way into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series garage area. In 2005, the group ranges from Roush Racing veteran Ricky Craven and ‘Gong Show’ winner Todd Kluever to Kerry Earnhardt at Billy Ballew Motorsports. Along with the new faces behind the wheel, there will also be a pack of fresh crewmembers, PR people and marketing types on hand looking to make their presence known in the Truck Series when the gates swing open at Daytona in February. Regrettably, each new season also sees several familiar faces fall off the Truck Series tour. This year, longtime series marketing and team member Tim Stephens is one of those bowing out of the mix, opting for a new career path as vice president of a newly formed management company that will direct Mansfield (OH) Motorsports Speedway. (High Sierra Photo)