Texas preview

FORT WORTH-DALLAS (August 24, 2001) - Many times newcomers to motorsports receive the most attention. But when the Silverado 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race hits the new asphalt at Texas Motor Speedway Saturday, September 15, it may well be the veterans that have the final say.

Scott Riggs and rookies Travis Kvapil and Ricky Hendrick have represented the "new" faces on the Craftsman Truck Series circuit this year. Veterans Joe Ruttman and Jack Sprague know the pressures of championship battles. All are currently in the top five in the series point standings and the outcome of the Silverado 350 may well determine who is the champion at season's end.

"We had a rough first half (of the season)," said Ruttman recently. "But, we are certainly good to go for the second half. This truck has been strong all year long, I knew once they got the mechanical problems figured out we were going to be strong."

Ruttman is a veteran of NASCAR Winston Cup and Truck competition as well as a champion in the former United States Auto Club stock car division. Ruttman's car owner is Bobby Hamilton who also drives in the Winston Cup Series.

"You know what's really weird," said Sprague recently following his series victory in Indianapolis. "Dennis Conner (crew chief) and I are communicating better than ever. The rest of the season should be good."

Sprague, winner of June's O'Reilly 400 at Texas Motor Speedway, will return to the Silverado 350 in search of a 2001 double. Tickets are available at the speedway ticket office, by calling (817) 215-8500, online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com and at Ticketmaster locations.

-TMS