Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA
Breaking news

Johnny Sauter to test new spec Truck engine at Martinsville

NASCAR Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter will return to Martinsville Speedway on November 6 to test the new crate engine.

Johnny Sauter, GMS Racing Chevrolet

Johnny Sauter, GMS Racing Chevrolet

Brett Moist / Motorsport Images

Johnny Sauter, GMS Racing Chevrolet
Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota and Johnny Sauter, GMS Racing Chevrolet
Johnny Sauter, GMS Racing Chevrolet and Stewart Friesen, Elaine Larsen Motorsports Chevrolet
Chase Briscoe, Brad Keselowski Racing Ford, Ryan Truex, Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota and Johnny Sauter, GMS Racing Chevrolet
Johnny Sauter, GMS Racing Chevrolet

Sauter has tested the “Delta” engine three times this season—most recently tested the engine two weeks ago Talladega Superspeedway following the truck race and Monster Energy Cup Series qualifying. 

During the test, Sauter posted speeds that topped the pole-winning time for the Talladega truck race. 

“I thought it was good,” Sauter said. “I’ve tested the motor twice now. I tested it twice at Darlington over the summer. It had good speed. Coming here will be the real indicator — at a place that’s hard on brakes and we’re running a lot less rpm’s. But so far, we haven’t had any problems and it’s ran good so I feel good about it.” 

Sauter qualified fourth for Saturday’s Texas Roadhouse 200 at Martinsville. Sauter has three wins, seven top-fives and 10 top 10 finishes in 19 starts at the half-mile track. He returned here with the same GMS Racing truck that he finished second with in April.  

“It’s good to have fire-off speed here but it’s really important to have forward drive,” Sauter said. “Ultimately, that’s what I think wins here.

“Everything feels a little bit different just because of the pressure of the championship and it’s 50-laps shorter. With the tire we’ve had this year, I think you’re looking at a one-stop race. That puts a big emphasis on qualifying well and track position.” 

Although Sauter expects to return to GMS Racing next season, he doesn’t have a contract yet.

“Obviously, I want to be back, but there’s nothing that’s signed and dotted,” said Sauter, who is second in the truck standings. “You’re kind of in limbo.”

Sauter also hopes to add the Snowball Derby to his off-season adventures. The 39-year-old rookie plans to prepare his own late model for the 50th running of 5 Flags Speedway’s most popular event.

“My poor wife (Courtney), four races in a row, she’s having the baby on Wednesday and I leave Thursday morning to go to Texas. Then I come here to test and I’ve told her I’m going to run the Snowball Derby.”   

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Harrison Burton finds himself in a NASCAR age-limit quandary
Next article Noah Gragson claims his first NASCAR Truck win at Martinsville

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA