Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) began their journey in the
Truck Series in 2001 with Kevin Harvick behind the wheel. This weekend at
Kansas Speedway KHI will record their 200th start in the Truck Series when
rookie Ricky Carmichael and veteran Ron Hornaday take the green flag. In
eight years, KHI has amassed 18 victories, 74 top-five and 121 top-10
finishes. KHI has held nine pole positions and won the 2007 Truck Series
championship with veteran Hornaday.
TIME TO BLOSSOM: Historically, this is the time of the season that the No.
33 team begins to win. For the past two seasons, Hornaday has gone to
victory lane in either the fourth or fifth race of the season.
WELCOME COPART: KHI is proud to welcome new sponsor Copart to the No. 33
team. Copart Inc. (NASDAQ:CPRT), is an online vehicle remarketing company
that sells more than 1 million cars per year. Copart will serve as primary
sponsor for five races in 2009 at the following venues: Kansas, Milwaukee,
New Hampshire, Las Vegas, and Talladega.
Notes from the Professor: Quotes from Ron Hornaday:
COMING OFF LAST YEAR'S WIN WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE TRACK?
"Kansas Speedway is a pretty new track for the Truck Series. Turn three at
Kansas can be slippery if the sun is out and the track temperature is hot.
One of the main things you have do if you want a good run here is to get
through turn three without any trouble."
WHEN THE TRUCK SERIES TOOK A BRIEF HIATUS, YOU MADE A TRIP TO WALTER REED
MEDICAL CENTER AS PART OF YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN
WARS. HOW WAS THE TRIP?
"It's an honor to be able to represent the VFW, the veterans and all the men
and women who are overseas fighting for our freedom everyday. Having the
opportunity to go and hear the stories those guys have was humbling. I'll
tell you the media, CNN, or anyone else; nothing can do any justice for what
those soldiers are going through over there in Iraq. The attitude those guys
have at Walter Reed after being injured is the kind of outlook we should all
try and have."
Notes from Atop the Pit Box: Quotes from Rick Ren:
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE A WIN AT THIS POINT IN THE SEASON?
"If you look at our history, this is the time of year when we really begin
hitting our stride. However, we have put ourselves in a really good
position in the point standings this year. We have focused more on
consistency and less on tallying the most wins. I think it is important to
continue to run up front, if we do that we are sure to get a win soon.
Although, it sure would be nice to start in Kansas like we did last year."
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A CREW CHIEF AT KANSAS?
"Aerodynamics is important everywhere these days, but at Kansas it seems it
has become extra important to have your bodies built just right. These
trucks are very sensitive to the air and move around a lot. If your aero
package is good, you can tweak with the set up and put yourself in a pretty
good spot."
CHASSIS HISTORY: The No. 33 Copart team will bring chassis No. 24 to Kansas
Speedway. This chassis last competed at Auto Club Speedway, finishing
sixth. The team ran No. 24 multiple times in 2008, going to victory lane
three times, once at Kansas Speedway and twice at Texas Motor Speedway.
PREVIOUS RACE RECAP: Three weeks ago on a rare rain-delayed Monday race at
Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, the No. 33 team recorded a second-place finish
behind team co-owner Kevin Harvick. The run marks the second top-five
finish for the team in 2009. Hornaday currently sits third in the point
standings heading into Kansas 71 behind point leader, Cup Series regular
Kyle Busch, who is not expected to enter this weekend's event.
