Used to sharing the spotlight with their NASCAR brethren, veterans Dennis Setzer and Bobby Hamilton hit center stage when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series gathers under the wattage Saturday night at Gateway International Raceway.

The series’ current dynamic duo, Setzer and Hamilton enter the St. Louis area event separated by a slim six points, Setzer with a series-leading six top-five finishes (including two victories) and Hamilton fresh off a triumph – his third this season – last week at Sparta, Ky.

Let their NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series colleagues scatter for a rare off-weekend of bar-be-que and beaches: This twosome would rather be racing.

“It’s my hobby, my life,” says Hamilton, 47, who fought in NASCAR’s premier series for 12 years before finding his perfect niche in truck competition. “Two months ago I had to ask my son to explain what a first down in football is. I just enjoy (this).

That son would be Bobby Hamilton, Jr., who has found a comfortable fit of his own in NASCAR Busch Series action. Hamilton, Jr., 26, enters the series’ next race, July 24 at New Hampshire International Speedway, fifth in the NASCAR Busch Series standings.

Setzer, a short-track warrior of nearly two decades, says the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series has proven to be the ideal spot to do battle; its 25-race schedule allowing him time to mix it up with his 10-year-old son, Brandon.

“I paid my dues on the short tracks,” says Setzer, 44. “If I was off (Brandon and I) would probably toss the ball around or play the banjo.”

The attentive fathers also are keenly aware of one another as the season heads toward the series finale in Miami. Also square in their sights: Mike Skinner, the series’ first champion in 1995, and Jack Sprague, its only three-time titlist.

In addition to mixing it up trackside with another set of old-timers, Hamilton and Setzer also enjoy the banter common only among long-time cohorts.

Often mistaken for being so laid back he appears asleep at the wheel, Hamilton actually has a rapier-sharp wit he isn’t shy to wield.

“I don’t show emotion, but if I don’t run good I stay up three nights in a row,” says Hamilton. “I’m mad as a hornet.”

And when the gloves come on and it’s time to “show” not “tell,” Hamilton says he feels a special kinship with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Tony Stewart, whose actions often speak louder then his rare yet colorful words.

“I’ve had my face stuffed full of drivers who take pretty pictures and can speak well for sponsors but couldn’t hit their tail with both hands behind the wheel,” says Hamilton, who has a full verbal crayon box. “I don’t like phonies, I like people who say what’s on their mind. Our sport is starving for that right now.”

Stewart and his replenished NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rivals return to action July 25th for the New England 300 at Loudon, N.H.