It was a day that Elliott Sadler and his fans will never forget and since then they know it can happen many more times.
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[/media-credit]After years of experiencing heartbreak, new teams and constant struggles they were back on top. Sadler had jumped at the opportunity drive a Camping World Truck Series truck for Kevin Harvick Inc. last year in Pocono. In doing so he found the magic and the talent he knew he hadn’t lost when he went out and won.
It led to a full-time ride in the Nationwide Series with KHI as well as a part-time Truck schedule. This weekend in Darlington while NNS and the Sprint Cup Series are on an off weekend, Sadler will again be behind the wheel of the No. 2.
“I really enjoy racing at Darlington Raceway,” said Sadler. “I have had a lot of success there in the past and think it is important anytime that you can go to a track and get some extra track time. I have had a lot of fun competing in the Truck Series and I’m ready to try and tame the track they claim is ‘Too Tough to Tame’ as we try and get our first victory of 2011.”
The Virginia native inherits a truck that has finished second in the first two races of the 2011 season. Sadler finished second to Michael Waltrip in an emotional yet controversial finish in Daytona. Clint Bowyer finished second to Kyle Busch in Phoenix two weeks ago.
For Sadler, the truck will be familiar. Not only the number and the team but the chassis. That long awaited and needed victory in Pocono has led the way for the chassis No. 042 to be used at Darlington.
Sadler is looking for his second win with KHI in his last 10 starts. He’s again looking for the magic.
The 2011 season is one of redemption as he continues to prove that he belongs in this sport and that he can be a contender. Racing for KHI has him feeling like a brand new driver and a young one at that. Something that he’s repeatedly said is that he has been looking forward to having fun while racing.
That hasn’t happened in a while. It won’t when you’re struggling. Good things however, have happened to Sadler since joining KHI and climbing in their racecars or trucks.
When a driver knows they can win that’s when the fun comes. The No. 2 truck can win, Sadler can win and ironically so can the colors that will adorn the truck this weekend. Amour Vienna Sausages are back on board and will be looking for its fifth win with KHI. Victory lane has been their residence the four previous times it has been a sponsor, no matter the driver or the series.
What more can Sadler ask for? An undefeated truck and a chassis he’s won in before – he’ll be one of the drivers looking to make it three-for-three in races that a non-Truck driver has won.
Much like the NNS, a driver competing for points has not yet won a race. With Sadler behind the wheel of the No. 2 and Kasey Kahne also competing on his off weekend in the Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 18, the two will be tough competition for the Truck regulars.
It’s setting up to be a good showdown on a showdown type of track.
If Sadler needs any more momentum or good mojo he can look no further than what his company and sponsor will be doing. Amour Vienna Sausages, American Marketing Group (AMG) and KHI will be hosting over 50 soldiers from the Wounded Warriors Program. They’ll meet all the KHI drivers and get a tour of the Darlington Raceway.
If the saying holds true that good things happen to good people, Sadler and his No. 2 team should again be in good shape come Saturday night.
