After an almost month-long break, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will return to action in the Ram Tough 200 on Sunday, May 6, at Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis.
Jack Sprague will look to repeat last year's performance at Gateway for his first win of the 2001 season.
"The race at Gateway last year was a really great win for us," Sprague said. "I can't imagine us running any better, and I can't imagine any reason why we can't go there and do it again."
Gateway is one of those tracks that many drivers have a hard time figuring out. According to Sprague, the track is a challenge to even the most experienced of drivers. Sprague should know about the experienced driver things, as he is the only driver in the series to compete in all 150 events thus far since the truck series inception.
To add to the challenge, Ford and Dodge teams will be adjusting to a few rule changes that will take effect beginning with the Ram Tough 200 on Sunday. The fact that Chevy teams won't be undergoing rule changes may work to Sprague's benefit.
Front air dams will undergo changes on both the Ford F-150s and Dodge Rams. The minimum ground clearance on Ford air dams will be reduced from four inches to three-and-three-quarter inches. On the other hand, clearance will be increased for Dodge. The ground clearance for Dodge trucks will be increased to four-and-one-half inches from and even four inches.
Spoilers specifications will also change for Ford and Dodge. Rear spoilers on Fords will be moved back, being mounted 77 1/2 inches from the back of the cab, as opposed to 75 1/2 inches, the previous distance.
Dodge teams will be adjusting to a decrease in spoiler width. New, 64 3/4 inch spoilers will replace the old 66 3/4 inch spoilers.
NASCAR made these changes in the name of parity, perhaps eliminating the dominance Dodge has shown early in 2001, being the only manufacturer to find victory lane so far this season courtesy of Scott Riggs, Ted Musgrave, and Joe Ruttman. With two wins, Musgrave has won half of the races so far this young season, and Riggs is the only driver to finish in the top-five all races so far this season.
Dodge also has a stronghold at the top of the points standings with Riggs and Ruttman claiming first and second, separated by only 27 points.
