02-15-2006 | TruckSeries.com Report
When Team Chevy Silverado unloads at Daytona International Speedway there will be new names, new paint schemes and new truck numbers, but the goals will remain unchanged. Chevrolet Silverado, the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history remains focused to pick up where they left off at the end of 2005. The 25-event 2006 NCTS season kicks off with the GM FlexFuel 250 on February 17, 2006, at the World Center of Speed. Perennial championship contender Dennis Setzer will pilot the No. 85 Chevrolet E85 FlexFuel Silverado in his 2006 quest for race wins and the ultimate prize, the Series' championship. Setzer's new look as well as sponsorship of the Daytona race is part of the General Motors program to educate consumers about the fueling options they have as the owner of an ethanol capable vehicle. Two-time champion Ron Hornaday will be behind the wheel of the No. 33 Kevin Harvick, Inc. Silverado. Hornaday holds the NCTS records for wins with 27 and is poised to extend that mark on a march to a record-tying third title. Rookie of the year contender Kraig Kinser will compete full-time in the No. 47 Morgan-Dollar Motorsports Centrix Silverado under the tutelage of championship winning crew chief Randy Goss. Kinser, son of legendary sprint car racer Steve Kinser, will benefit from teaming with Setzer to jump-start his NASCAR career. Aric Almirola, graduate of the Joe Gibbs Racing Drive for Diversity Program, has been tapped to drive the No. 75 Spears Manufacturing Silverado in 2006. Almirola, candidate for rookie of the year, ran four NCTS races in 2005, scoring two top-10 finishes. Matt Crafton, coming off his second consecutive top-10 points finish, joins Team Chevy Silverado behind the wheel of the No. 88 Menards Silverado. Former series champion Mike Bliss returns to the NCTS full-time driving the No. 16 Xpress Motorsports Silverado. Kyle Krisiloff assumes the driving duties in the No. 15 Billy Ballew Motorsports Silverado, another strong candidate for the rookie of the year title in the NCTS. Kerry Earnhardt returns full-time to the series in the No. 13 ThorSport Silverado and will also run for the rookie of the year title.