Matt Crafton

Matt Crafton roars into the '06 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season on the strength of his second consecutive top-10 finish in the championship point standings.   Crafton's '05 season included ten top-10 finishes, and he secured his first-ever Bud Pole Award at New Hampshire, setting a track record (29.567 seconds) in the process.

Crafton, the driver of ThorSport Racing's No.88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado, began racing full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series in '01.   The Tulare, California native has won multiple championships in his racing career, and appears to have found his groove in the Truck Series.   Crafton appears poised to make a push for Victory Lane, and perhaps a championship, this season.

"I'd like to get off to a fast start this season," he said.   "To win races and compete for a championship nowadays, everything needs to click.   It's a total team effort.   Our guys in the shop have worked really hard this winter, and I believe the work will pay off.   I'm confident that we'll get to where we want to be."

Crafton has a new teammate this season, as Kerry Earnhardt takes the wheel of ThorSport Racing's No.13 Chevy Silverado.   "I'm happy that Kerry received a full-time ride, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do over a full season," Crafton said.   I'm glad that he got the opportunity."

Teamwork is vital to success in NASCAR, and Earnhardt knows he's got a good partner in Crafton.   "Matt is an intelligent, talented driver, and a good guy to have as a teammate.   We'll learn from each other and work well together."

Bud Haefele returns as crew chief for the No.88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado.