Trucks change bodies hoping to improve style
Noses remain branded, but rest of truck same for 2007 season
Press Release
January 12, 2007
06:48 PM EST (23:48 GMT)




All four Craftsman Truck Series manufacturers -- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota -- will debut revised versions of their popular vehicles when the 2007 season begins with the Chevrolet Silverado HD 250 on Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway.

The new models got their first workouts Friday as Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder testing continued at the 2.5-mile tri-oval.

PRESEASON THUNDER
• Friday Test Speeds


So far, it appears the new trucks are passing the test.

"On the track [Friday], things are looking pretty good as far as parity," said Craftsman Truck Series director Wayne Auton, who explained that "the aerodynamics are closer, and the downforce is closer which will make for better competition on the racetrack."

All four models are identical from the windshield back, enabling NASCAR inspectors to use a single template to measure each one. Each manufacturer submitted a revised nose piece which is 1.5 inches higher than a year ago.

Several crew chiefs applauded the changes.

"I think that everybody's improved on it," said Mike Beam, crew chief of the No. 6 Roush Racing Ford that will be driven this season by 2003 Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil. "I think this is the first year I've seen NASCAR really work hard to make the trucks equal and put it back on the team for hard work [and] get rewarded for it."

Beam will build on last year's success that included six victories by Mark Martin -- one in the season opener at Daytona.

Rick Ren, newly appointed crew chief for Ron Hornaday Jr., likes the trucks' potential. He was a five-time winner in 2006 with Johnny Benson.

"You're going to have to do some chassis tuning for the aero package," said Ren, a winner in the series with four different drivers. "This package is quite different on the front aero than what any of us are used to. This is a deal where I think whoever strikes up on a combination the quickest is going to get a jump on the field."

The new trucks also appear quicker.

"So far we're faster this year than we were last year at the same time," said Jeff Hensley, crew chief for Mike Skinner's No. 5 Toyota. "Things seem to react real good out there, too. It's different but it's different for everybody. I think we should be fine."

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