Chris Showalter, shown here at the Dodge Ram Tough 200 at Gateway International Raceway, July 17, 2004. (High Sierra Photo)

Chris Showalter didn't plan to make a career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series when he went to the inaugural event in February 1995 as a 21-year-old general mechanic for Butch Miller and Liberty Racing.

Two hundred ninety eight races later Showalter is still here - and the only competitor to have been in the garage at every event.

"I figured in five years I'd be in the NEXTEL Cup Series," said Showalter, a native of Ohio and currently truck chief for the Morgan-Dollar Motorsports' No. 47 Ginn Resorts Chevrolet and driver Kraig Kinser. "But I found out I love it here. People treat you good and I've had a lot of fun."

Showalter has worked for five different teams during the series' 12-plus seasons.

There have been many highs - and of course, some lows - along the way but the defining moment came in 2003 as crew chief for champion Travis Kvapil and IWX Motorsports.

"We went the whole season and completed all but one lap," said Kvapil, now 34. "We went the whole season and completed all but one lap," said Kvapil, now 34. "It was a testament to the strength of the team and special to me because I taught my team to field great race trucks."