S.M.'s Craftsman Update, No. 2

Rumors

Nothing new to report on the title sponsor search. Kobalt Tools is still the front runner.

The big rumor in Kentucky, making its way through the garages, has to do with whom Dennis Setzer will be driving for in 2009. Setzer is believed to be heading up Randy Moss Motorsports, driving the No. 81 Truck.

He at one time drove for Moss' co-owner when the team was known as Morgan-Dollar. RMM is looking for a veteran driver and Setzer fits the bill.

However, officials at Bobby Hamilton Racing have said they are negotiating with Setzer to continue driving for them in 2009. Both are staying focused on the 2008 season and say they expect to make announcements about their intentions in 2009.

For those who are interested, Landon Cassill will be driving the RMM No. 81 truck at the Power Stroke Diesel 200 at Indy Friday Night.

Driver Spotlight

It's only fitting it's Matt Crafton. Crafton's the big surprise in CTS in 2008 and is having a breakout year.

He recorded his first career win at Lowes Motorspeedway this year. Seems like each race, he keeps himself out of trouble and in contention for the win to end up with decent finishes. Plus, his pit crew at Thorsports Racing have been doing their job, getting him off pit road quickly and mistake-free.

Crafton has established himself as a bona fide contender for the Championship. With Benson, Crafton, and Hornaday so close in the points it will be a great battle to the Championship in Homestead.

Through 13 races he has one win, seven top fives, and eight top 10s. Crafton has been driving in CTS since 2000 and for Thorsports Racing, except in 2004 when he drove for KHI.

His best season came in 2004 for KHI, finishing fifth in the final points standing. His best result for TSR was last year, when he finished in eighth.

Coming Races

July 25—Power Stroke Diesel 200, Clermont, Ind. 7:30 PM on Speed (Friday)

Aug. 9—Toyota Tundra 200, Lebanon, Tenn. 7:00 PM on Speed (Saturday)

Aug. 20—O'Reilly 200, Bristol, Tenn. 7:30 PM on Speed (Wednesday)                  (That's not a typo. Remember to take the night off from work.)

Shrub Sighting in Indianapolis

The Shrub will be racing in all three NASCAR National Series races in Indy and won't have to do much traveling to do it.

Odds are in his favor to win all three races and sweep the historic Indy weekend. With the way his dream year has gone, don't bet against it. 

Here's his weekend schedule, which doesn't include all the practices and qualifying he'll do.

Friday—Power Stroke Diesel 200 (Craftsman)

Saturday—Kroger 200 (Nationwide)

Sunday—Allstate 400 at the Brickyard (Sprint Cup)

Craftsman Truck Series Point Standings

1. Johnny Benson                  1881

2. Matt Crafton                        -1

3. Ron Hornaday                      -5

4. Rick Crawford                     -92

5. Mike Skinner                      -101

6. Todd Bodine                      -111

7. Terry Cook                        -186

8. Erik Darnell                        -200

9. Jack Sprague                     -206

10. Dennis Setzer                   -227