Ron Hornaday has eclipsed Mike Skinner and taken the championship points lead by 4 points after Gateway. (VPS Motorimages Photo)

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship battle, which has gone to the final race for a decision in 11 of the 12 seasons, has a way of tightening - no matter how large the margin.

In 2005, Dennis Setzer (No. 75 Spears Manufacturing Co. Chevrolet) enjoyed a virtually unheard of 225-point cushion after race No. 15.

And Setzer didn't win the title.

The 2007 "shuffle" has begun with Mike Skinner (No. 5 Toyota Tundra Toyota) losing all of a 92-point lead and then some due to Saturday's early-race cut tire and accident at Gateway International Raceway.

Skinner's misfortune - he'd completed every lap entering the year's 17th race - handed the point lead to 1996-1997 champion Ron Hornaday Jr. (No. 33 Camping World Chevrolet).

Hornaday last led the standings on May 16, 1999 and Chevrolet, despite its six manufacturers' championships, hadn't seen one of its drivers in the top spot since Sept. 24, 2005 when Setzer led following the stop at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"Pretty excited," is how the 49-year-old Californian described his post-race mood. "We needed a good points day and we got it."

Hornaday's four-point margin is second closest in series history after 17 races.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series - Closest Point Races After Race 17

Season - Point Margin - Driver
2001 - 1 - Scott Riggs
2007 - 4 - Ron Hornaday Jr.
1997 - 5 - Jack Sprague
2003 - 5 - Brendan Gaughan
1995 - 25 - Mike Skinner*

* Won Championship

SOURCE: NASCAR Communications