"This is quite a weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, and everyone in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is enthusiastic about getting the tripleheader started. We're the opening act so to speak, but the racing's going to be high quality.

"First, I'd like to take this opportunity to say 'thanks' to the fans who've supported the series over the years. The folks from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana have been among our most loyal followers, and that's a big part of the reason we come to Texas Motor Speedway twice a year.

"Although the points aren't quite as close as they have been in recent seasons, there's every reason to believe the WinStar World Casino 350 will have an impact on who ultimately becomes the 2009 champion.

"Simply put, Ron Hornaday Jr.'s lead is going to be larger or smaller than the 202-point cushion he holds after last weekend's race at Talladega Superspeedway.

"If Ron can duplicate last year's success — he won both Texas races — it's very possible he can match Greg Biffle as the only driver to lock up the title prior to the season's final race. Ironically, Greg clinched his 2000 title right here at Texas Motor Speedway.

"A dozen or so rivals, however, would like nothing better than to add their names to the list of Texas winners — and make sure the championship isn't settled until Homestead.

"Todd Bodine, I'm sure, would love to score a season sweep with a record-extending sixth win at a single track.

"Keep an eye on a couple of things: Tires and fuel.

"The fastest truck may not necessarily win — or even finish on the lead lap — if the crew chief isn't on top of his game when it comes to taking tires and fuel at exactly the right times.

"Races at Texas Motor Speedway are notorious for having long stretches of green flag competition. Pit strategy has played a big role in winning here before, and there's every reason to believe it will again this week."

- Wayne Auton, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Director