2011 Current Driver Points Leader
Thoughts, News & Notes
Sandusky, Ohio – March 29th, 2011 – ThorSport Racing driver Matt Crafton and the No. 88 Menards/Tarkett Chevy team return to Martinsville Speedway this weekend. The current points leader makes his 19th appearance at the famed “Paperclip” short track. The only driver to have three top 10 finishes in as many races in the 2011 NCWTS season, Crafton’s results speak for themselves in consistency – four top 10 finishes in the last four appearances.
On the Race Track & New Partners
“It’s a fun track, short tracks are always fun to race, but there are so many unknowns there as to other drivers. It’s really tough to pass there, so track position is everything at ‘The Paperclip.’ The ones who stay up front and don’t get involved in the wrecks are the ones who stay up front for a while. You’ve either got it or you don’t.”
“We’re happy to add Eibach Springs as a partner this year, starting at Martinsville. Great equipment is a big part of our success & strategy at ThorSport Racing, and we’re looking forward to working with them.”
On Strategy
“It’s a short race on a short track, so you have to qualify well, then stay up front. Of course you have to have a good truck and a great team behind you in the pits and on top of the pit box, but overall it’s track position. We’ve seen a lot of different pit strategies over the years, and with the new Goodyear tires, we might get back to a two-stop race. So I’m sure there are lots of shops talking right now about how they are going to handle it. On the Menards Chevy team, it’s track position and a great truck for qualifying.”
On Favorite Tracks
“Being able to race every week is a privilege, so every weekend I get to race is a good one. I’m not shy about the fact that Martinsville is a track that has so many different twists to it based on outside elements – and as a driver, I want control of as many elements as I can have. So in that sense, it’s not a favorite of mine – but as to competitive racing, absolutely, it’s one of the best for head to head competition and lots of action. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out, since it’s a hard place to stay conservative.”
On Leading Points, the “Famous Hot Dogs”
“We talk a lot about the points. Again, it’s so early on in the year, and while it’s great to be on top and we’re not in a position to have to ‘come back’ later on – I don’t put a lot of stock in it. There’s just too much competition to say that. And I haven’t had a famous Martinsville Hot Dog. Maybe it’s the time factor, we’re so busy when we’re there…anyone want to pass me one going out the tunnel?! We’ll put out a sign saying ‘will work for food’ in the pit box. The guys would love it!”
Martinsville Quick Facts
*Top 10 finishes in the last 4 appearances
*Top 3 qualifications in the last 2 attempts
