NASCAR Trucks: Joe Ruttman looks for good run at Dover Downs

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 29, 2001

A Look at the Past: Joe Ruttman will be looking to build on his resume of good runs at Dover Downs International Speedway this weekend, when he tries to win his second race in a row in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Last year, a broken steering box cost the Dana Team a good finish, but hopefully the team will relive some of Ruttman's better moments at the Speedway in this year's running of the MBNA 200. In 1982, Ruttman went to Dover to compete in the inaugural NASCAR Busch Grand National Series race at the monster mile. On that day, he was the class of the field and went to victory lane. One year later, Ruttman returned to win his first pole of his NASCAR Winston Cup career and finished third in the race.

"I've had some great runs at this place, both in Cup cars and the Busch cars, but last year with the truck it was a little disappointing," said Ruttman.

"I really thought we would have been a little more competitive, but after we got home from the race, we discovered there was problem with the truck. That made us feel good that we just didn't miss the setup. This year we're going back and try and avenge that poor finish and get another win."

BHR Looking for Three in a Row: Bobby Hamilton Racing will be looking to extend their current streak of two wins in a row to three if Ruttman is able to get to victory lane.

"That would be fantastic," said Ruttman. "We've got a great team and every time Bobby (Hamilton) and I get in one of these Dana Trucks, we both know we can win the race."

Text provided by David Pepper

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