---

NASCAR Trucks: Joe Ruttman event preview, Indianapolis Raceway Park

2 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Family Affair: Joe Ruttman will be looking to add to his family's history in the city of Indianapolis, if he can take the Dana Dodge to victory lane this Thursday night at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP). The family history that is being referred to happened 42 years ago (1958) across town, when Ruttman's brother Troy won the Indianapolis 500. Ironically, Troy was the youngest winner of the Indy 500 and Ruttman is the oldest winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

"It would pretty special to win at IRP," said Ruttman. "I would love to win at the Brickyard, but for now, until I get that chance, I want to win at IRP. It would just be a lot of fun."

Last year Ruttman looked as if he had the truck to pull off the win from the outside pole, but a mid-race problem relegated him to a 10th place finish.

"I thought we had a good shot at the win last year but we had a little problem," said Ruttman. "This year, though, I think we'll be pretty tough to beat. I've run good here in the past and Fred (Wanke) almost won here with Jimmy Hensley a few years ago."

Weekend Off: During last weekend's break in the Truck Series, the Dana Team did not spend time at home. Instead, they went to Gateway International Raceway to help pit Rich Bickle's Busch Series Car. Unfortunately, the team did not get to make a single stop because Bickle was involved in an accident on lap nine and did not return to the event.

Richmond, Indiana Event: Joe Ruttman is planing to attend a picnic in Richmond, Indiana at the local Dana plants. Ruttman will be at the plants from 11 AM to 2 PM on Tuesday August 1st. The plants and the community will be invited to visit with Ruttman and get autographs. The Dana Racing Showtruck will also be at the picnic.

One of Only Two: Joe Ruttman is one of only two drivers to have run in every Power Stroke 200 held at IRP. The other driver is Jack Sprague. Ruttman, however, has the best average finish of the two drivers, ninth place.

Ruttman's Quotes for Indianapolis Raceway Park

"Fred and the team are getting better by working together, so this week should be smooth even though it's a one day show. Most of the guys on this team are from local short track racing backgrounds, so a one day show is not that big of a deal."

"This is one of the better races on the circuit. It's a throw back to good old night short track racing and the fans love it. Everything is just brighter. The trucks look great at night. I think everyone has a great time at this race."

Text Provided By David Pepper

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.