This weekend at ORP will mark a homecoming of sorts for Shelby Howard, driver of the No. 13 FarmPaint.com Silverado.

Howard is a native of Greenwood, Indiana, just a short-track lap from venerable ORP, site of Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Power Stroke Diesel 200

"I'm excited to be racing at ORP this weekend in front of lots of friends and family, and their support means a great deal to me," he said.  "Hopefully, we can make 'em all proud with a strong run."

According to Howard, a top-10 finish at ORP would be the perfect jumpstart to his '08 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign.  He is in 19th place in the NCTS standings, but within easy striking distance of a handful of drivers in front of him. 

"As a young team, we feel like we're on the right track as far as gaining the knowledge we need to be successful," Howard said.  "We kind of put ourselves in a hole early in the season, and it takes time to dig out of it.  We're trying to do that."

Howard will be pulling welcome double-duty at ORP, as he will also pilot the No. 13 Bobcat/FarmPaint.com Chevrolet in Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series Kroger 200.

"I'm real familiar with this track, so I'm confident we can run well in both races," he said.  "It would be awesome if we could come out with top-10 finishes both nights, especially with all of the great support we'll have in the stands."

Howard says track position takes on added importance at ORP, but isn't the end-all.  "It's important to qualify well here, but you can still pass people.  If you can keep your piece turning good and drive off the corners well, you've got a strong shot here.  You have to keep your nose clean and try to stay out of the trouble that short-tracks can bring.  We'll give it our best on both nights, and hopefully we can have a special weekend."