After two weeks off, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to action Saturday (7 p.m. ET on SPEED; NCTS Setup at 6 p.m. ET) at Kentucky Speedway.  With the closest points battle ever between both first and fifth, and first and 10th positions, SPEED on-air personalities weigh in on what they will be watching as the series prepares for its final 13 races. Following are their thoughts:

What is the biggest story you're watching in the Truck Series right now?

Adam Alexander, SPEED reporter: "I think the championship battle being so tight again this year is the biggest storyline.  Plus, Matt Crafton still in the championship hunt in second place is remarkable.  He, of course, is a part of one of the best storylines in all of NASCAR with three consecutive first-time winners in the Truck Series earlier this year. That was amazing."

Ray Dunlap, SPEED reporter: "The tight points battle is story number one for 2008, but Mike Skinner's fall from grace and Jeff Hensley being released as his crew chief is the biggest off-track story. Hensley has joined forces with Bobby Hamilton Racing-VA and we still do not know who will guide the No. 5 team the rest of the year. Skinner had led six million laps this time a year ago and so far we have yet to see him contend for a single victory."

Who has been the biggest surprise of the season?

Dunlap: "Without a doubt, the biggest surprise of 2008 is Matt Crafton and the No. 88 Menards team. Not only did Matt finally get his first big win at Lowe's Motor Speedway, but this team has been super consistent all year long. I think Dennis Conner's guidance has helped a great deal and obviously Pro-Motor has given them great horsepower under the hood. However, I think Crafton has matured as a driver and understands how to points race better than in the past."

Mike Skinner won at Kentucky last year but is still chasing his first win in '08.  Do you think he will get it at Kentucky? If not, then whom?

Alexander: "I would never count Skinner out. There is no doubt their program has been off in '08.  However, they are capable of turning it around at any time. Three other drivers to watch at Kentucky will be Erik Darnell, Ron Hornaday and Jack Sprague. The KHI mile-and-a-half program has been great all year and Darnell is enjoying the most consistent run of his career."

Dunlap: "There has been a great deal of turmoil at the No. 5 team all season. In fact, it all began back at Homestead last November. It will be interesting to see who jumps in and fills the role of crew chief for Mike Skinner the remainder of the year. The driver obviously did not forget how to race but the team seems to have forgotten how to lead races and win! Look for another battle between Ron Hornaday and Jack Sprague for the win at Kentucky."

We're seeing the effects of the weakening economy on NASCAR.  How has it affected the Truck Series and what do you expect the remainder of the year?

Dunlap: "There is no doubt attendance is down across the board in professional sports. I think this should help the Truck Series. When the economy slows down, people look for better value for their discretionary income. The answer is the NCTS! Cheaper ticket prices, great racing, up-and-coming drivers slugging it out with seasoned veterans and shorter races. I can't imagine a better value for your money."

Randy Moss Motorsports makes its debut at Kentucky with Willie Allen.  What do you expect out of this team and what does his involvement mean for the Truck Series?

Alexander: "Randy Moss becoming involved in the Truck Series raises the profile of the series and I think it will attract fans who haven't previously watched racing.  However, his success will dictate how much of an impact he will have on the series.  But this team experienced success under the Morgan Dollar name and there is a great deal of experience on this team and confidence should be high with Moss coming in. I think it will take time but this is a team that should see improvements race by race and stay competitive."

Dunlap: "I think there is huge potential for this team in 2009 and beyond. Randy brings a lot of marketing power and a real desire to get this team back to its previous winning ways. I hear they have sponsorship in line for two complete teams, which will be a big deal for the Truck Series next season."

We're approaching the halfway point of the season and the points battle is shaping up to be the tightest ever.  What will it take to win?

Dunlap: "To win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title, a team must eliminate stupid mistakes. I know that sounds simplistic, but every team in the current top 10 in points has made at least one dumb decision in races this year. Run hard, win races and the points usually come from that, but crash out early and those lost points are hard to get back in a points race as tight as truck racing is in 2008."

Who is your favorite for the championship and why?

Alexander: "I still think Johnny Benson is the guy for the title. They have run as consistently as anyone and I think they have the edge right now. However, it is way too early in this crazy series to predict who will win the championship."

Dunlap: "From a casual observer's viewpoint you would have to pick Ron Hornaday to win another championship. Rick Ren has the #33 truck dialed-in right off the truck each week. However, I am still very impressed with his teammate Jack Sprague. The number two team has been fast at every race, they just have not had any luck. I picked Sprague to win the title in the pre-season. I think it will be hard for him to jump ahead of Todd Bodine, Johhny Benson and his teammate and friend Hornaday, but I still think it is possible if they can shake off the bad luck and win some races."

SPEED, now in nearly 78 million homes in North America, is the exclusive home of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Gatorade Duel at Daytona, NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The only network delivering  live, at-track programming all season long, SPEED offers the definitive pre- and post-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series programs - NASCAR RaceDay and NASCAR Victory Lane, as well as other popular NASCAR programs including Trackside Live, Tradin' Paint, NASCAR Performance, NASCAR Live!, This Week in NASCAR, NCTS Setup,  Go or Go Home and The Chase is On.