WAYNE'S WORDS: Gateway Wraps 2009 Swing Through Midwest
09-08-2009 4:43 pm

"Midwestern fans have been in love with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series from the very beginning back in 1995. This week's race at Gateway International Raceway wraps up the 15th year our teams have competed in the nation's heartland and we continue to be pleased at the reception the fans continue to give the series.

"We had great inaugural events at Chicagoland and Iowa and this week the teams return to a more comfortable zone. Most have competition notes from Gateway since this marks our 12th consecutive year at the St. Louis-area facility.

"Gateway's layout is different, to say the least — tight turns at one end and sweeping turns at the other. The pit road entrance is unique. If there are green flag stops, the drivers who can best navigate the section of pit road from entrance to the first speed line definitely have an advantage.

"Gateway and Martinsville Speedway have one thing in common. Brakes — big brakes — are critical at both tracks. A good handling truck is easy on the brakes. One that doesn't handle so well means the driver will probably overuse the brakes. Not good."