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NASCAR Trucks: Ruttman set for 'new beginning' at Chicago in the truck series

22 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

A New Beginning: It is going to be a new beginning to an old tradition when the teams of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series take to the track in the Windy City. Almost 100 years ago, the first automobile race in the country was held in Chicago. That fact, along with the fact that Truck Series title sponsor, Craftsman, is located in Chicago, should make this one of the most coveted victories of the year.

"I understand that several of the teams have been to the track testing for Goodyear or by themselves, so they may have a little advantage at first," said Ruttman. "But after the first day at the track, I'm pretty sure there will be some other guys that get the hang of the speedway."

Ruttman and the Dana Team enter the event riding the high of one win and three top five finishes in the last four races, so there is little doubt in their minds that the No. 18 Dana Dodge will be one of the contenders for victory lane this week.

"We're pretty confident that the team will be a contender," said Ruttman. "But that's how we've felt all year. We've been up front most of the year. The only thing that has kept us out of the points race is a little bad racing luck or engine failures."

With five races remaining on the schedule for 2000, two of the next three races are going to be held at new venues. This makes many of the teams a little nervous. But not Ruttman, He feels age and experience may be his edge.

"Every track is a little different so you have to just get in the race truck and drive it," said Ruttman. "I feel like I have a little more knowledge to draw from and that may be a help to me and the Dana Team."

Career Miles Led: Entering the 2000 season, Joe Ruttman had led 429.285 miles in his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career. Through the first 19 races of this year, Ruttman has led 369.109 miles. If he can lead 60.176 miles or 61 laps at the Chicago Motor Speedway, he will have led more laps this season than in his entire career in the Truck Series.

Visiting Mack: On Thursday, August 24th, the Dana Racing Team and their Mack "Vision" pulled transporter, will be on display at the Chicago Mack dealer in Summitt, Illinois. There will be a Bar-B-Q dinner/picnic for the employees and the race team.

Ruttman's Quotes for Chicago Speedway

"It's always fun to go to a new venue to race. It levels the playing field and most of the time, makes for a good race for the fans. It's also fun for the drivers, as you have to learn a new track and what its characteristics are and how to set up the truck for them."

"This is a big race for Sears and Craftsman. They have been with the Truck Series since the beginning and now they have a race in their own backyard. I'm sure everyone with Craftsman's race program and within Sears is very excited about the event."

"We've been on a roll here lately, and I hope we can keep this momentum going. It's still possible for the Dana Team to finish as high as fifth in the points, and we're pulling out all the stops to make it happen."

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.