2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Erik Darnell. (David M. Vaughn Photo)

For some reason, athletes who have successful rookie seasons in their respective sports always get asked about the dreaded Sophomore Slump.

That's the name given to trials and tribulations the post-rookie participant endures during their following year. One driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series isn't too worried about any second season blues this year.

Erik Darnell is coming off his Rookie of the Year campaign driving the No. 99 Ford for Roush Racing. His year already kicked off well with the signing of a sponsor in Northern Tool + Equipment Company. That alone, for any driver, is a great start to one's second season.

But, Darnell doesn't worry about the stereotypical acronyms that are flung around sports like peanuts at a ball game. He just knows one thing is on his mind this year - win.

"I had some great runs last year and still think about Atlanta and Memphis," Darnell said. "We were leading at Atlanta and Memphis when things just didn't go our way at the end.

"Memphis was especially tough because that last caution is what did us in. Jack (Sprague, winner) had just about the same tires as we did, but he got by us and took the win."

While he did earn a Bud Pole Award last year (Nashville Speedway) and finished 12th in points with four top-fives and 12 top-10s, he feels the respect he earned from fellow competitors was worth everything. When a veteran like Sprague says you did a good job, Darnell doesn't take those comments lightly.

The No. 99 Northern Tool + Equipment Ford F-150 with Erik Darnell behind the wheel at California. (VPS Motorimages Photo)

"One of the best things I took from last year was getting the respect of veterans," said Darnell, a native of Beach Park, Ill. "I think they realized I'm not going to go out and wreck other drivers just to get a position. I watched my father race in USAC and ASA for years and that's how he drove, too.

"My driving is a little bit like my personality. I'm laid back, don't let too much get me upset or excited. I get wound up about racing and want to do well, but not to the point it clouds my vision of why I'm out there.

"Winning the Rookie of the Year title in Trucks last year was great. But, this year I want to win a race, or more, and make that my next step in my progress.

"I grew up loving how Dale Earnhardt drove and handled himself. Now, I look up to Matt Kenseth as the driver I like to watch and learn from on the track. Greg Biffle is out of control all the time, but he's fast and on his way to the front and exciting to watch."

Winning poles isn't something new to Darnell. He was the Bud Pole Award winner in the NASCAR Elite Series before embarking on his Gong Show endeavor with Roush. While he wasn't the one picked, he made a good enough impression to get a contract from Roush Racing.

Currently 14th in points after Atlanta, Darnell knows winning a NCTS championship would be tough. But, he does feel the team around him is very capable of achieving that goal.

"We have a great team and I'm looking to finish top-five in points this year," Darnell said. "I'd like to win a couple of more poles this year and improve on our finishes from last season.

"I'd definitely like to win a race this year. When I do, don't expect burnouts or a big celebration. It's going to be pretty laid back because that's just the my way."

Laid back, calm and rarely ruffled is how Erik Darnell is in and out of his No. 99 Ford. That could be the collection of keys to make a sophomore slump - into a sophomore season of success.