05-25-2007 | TruckSeries.com Report
Mike Skinner, No. 5 Toyota Tundra, Bill Davis Racing How has the track changed because of the rain? "With the rain coming between practice sessions and before qualifying, we had a chance to see different characteristics of the track throughout the day. During qualifying, the track was green, so as more and more guys went out for their laps, it got faster. We had a little advantage going out 17th, but we dodged some bullets with the fast trucks behind us." Todd Bodine, No. 30 Lumber Liquidators Tundra, Germain Racing Is it a bit frustrating that you haven't been to victory lane yet this year? "Not really. If we finish in the top-seven for the whole year, like we have for the first six races, and win the championship, that's fine with me. We come to the racetrack with the mentality of winning each week, but we're happy where our truck is at. We're sitting second in the points right now, and still think we can do better, so that's not a bad place to be." Aaron Fike, No. 1 RFMS Tundra, Red Horse Racing Jack Sprague, No. 60 Con-way Freight Tundra, Wyler Racing Is there added pressure to win in front of the owner's home track? "There is no added pressure. We try to win every weekend. I like this track because, like many guys in the field, I cut my teeth on these types of short tracks. Track position will be pretty important tomorrow, so starting 11th isn't too bad. The key will be to stay clean, stay patient, and have a truck that can compete at the end." Johnny Benson, No. 23 360 OTC Tundra, Bill Davis Racing Terry Cook, No. 59 Harris Trucking Tundra, HT Motorsports Ted Musgrave, No. 9 Team ASE Tundra, Germain Racing Ryan Matthews, No. 36 360 OTC Tundra, Bill Davis Racing Ken Butler, No. 00 Aaron's Lucky Dog Tundra, Darrell Waltrip Motorsports
Starting: 1st - Qualifying Lap: 16.382 (109.877 mph)
How would you rate your qualifying effort? "We're pretty happy with that lap. The Toyota Tundra has been fast all year, and today was no different. We did one qualifying run during practice, and that was good, so we knew we were going to contend for the pole tonight. That's all we had in it. I could've gone out there five more times without getting the same lap time."
Starting: 3rd - Qualifying Lap: 16.538 (108.840 mph)
Did the late qualifying draw hurt your pole chances? "I think they did just a little bit. There were some good teams and some fast trucks behind us, but our truck has been getting better and better. We'll just have to wait and see how it races tomorrow, but the team is confident we'll be all right."
Starting: 8th - Qualifying Lap: 16.619 (108.310 mph)
How important is starting position at a track like Mansfield? "At such a tight, short track like Mansfield, where you start plays a big role. It's hard to pass at this place as it is, so starting eighth will help us hopefully stay near the front. Our truck was good in practice during race runs, so it should be good tomorrow for the race. I thought the top groove was a little better for our truck, but we'll have to wait and see what things are like tomorrow."
Starting: 11th - Qualifying Lap: 16.639 (108.180 mph)
How is your truck this weekend? "The guys brought me a great truck here. We had a good practice earlier and a decent qualifying run. There wasn't much grip in the track went out, but that's what happens when it rains. I think we'll be good in the race tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to it."
Starting: 4th - Qualifying Lap: 16.565 (108.663 mph)
Starting: 6th - Qualifying Lap: 16.598 (108.447 mph)
Starting: 21st - Qualifying Lap: 16.960 (106.132 mph)
Starting: 24th - Qualifying Lap: 16.986 (105.970 mph)
Starting: 25th - Qualifying Lap: 16.913 (105.926 mph)