SAUTER: Looks to Build Momentum at Kansas
04-22-2009 3:24 pm

Sauter, driver of the No. 13 Fun Sand/Rodney Atkins-Curb Records Chevrolet, is chomping at the bit to return to the track after a few weeks off.

"We're ready to go," he said. "We've had great trucks, some strong runs so far, but just haven't had the finishes to back it up. That's the way it goes sometimes. In three of the first four races, we've legitimately had at least a top-ten truck, and that's encouraging. We know we're right there. It's just a matter of knocking down that first top-5 or top-10 finish, and then the others will come. You keep your focus on the race at hand, and try to make sure you do all the little things right to give yourself the best opportunity each time out. The guys are working their tails off for me, and I appreciate it. Hopefully, we can come out of Kansas with a top-5 or top-10 finish and start to build some momentum."

According to Sauter, from a team perspective, the time off between early-season races has been a positive.

"It's allowed the guys to prepare that much more, to gain an even better feel for what we have," he said.

Though this will be Sauter's first NCWTS start at Kansas, he has a combined 7 career starts there in Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series competition. He finished 3rd in a Nationwide series race at the track in '05.

"I love racing at Kansas," he said. "I always look forward to racing there. There's lots of room to run, and it's always a good show for the fans. It's essentially all about the grip. It's important to be on the throttle as much as possible thru those long corners. I always have lots of friends and family who come out to watch me race at Kansas, so that makes it special for me. I'm excited to get back on the track and show what we're capable of."