John Mickel spends most weekends as a NASCAR color commentator for SKY Sports, a television network out of the UK that broadcasts live NASCAR Sprint Cup races. After landing in Charlotte, North Carolina last week his primary focus has been preparing for his entry into the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race this coming Friday at Lowes Motor Speedway. But Mickel will not be far from the media. 

He spent last Saturday night at Darlington interviewing a few drivers for SKY Sports. With his SKY Sports job duties behind him, he'll spend much of his time this week talking to media about his upcoming race. Mickel was a guest on several racing related radio shows yesterday and can be heard on several more today. His last media appearance will be early Friday morning as a guest on FOX News Rising, a local Charlotte morning television news show. Although he understands the media obligations and is pleased to make the appearances, the main focus of his trip to the United States and back to NASCAR is to race. Mickel will pilot the #07 Torque Speed, Dudman Group, Contac Chevy on Friday night. It will be his 7th start in theseries.

"It's great to be back racing in the NASCAR Truck Series," said Mickel. "I enjoy the media side of things, but I'm a racer and what I'm most looking forward to is going out and having a good run. We want to lay a foundation and build on some momentum and sponsorship for a more full time effort in 2009."