Terry Cook (No. 25) on outside of front row at Talladega (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series has begun its Silly Season early with comings like Justin Lofton, goings like Brian Scott, and 'movings' as with Ricky Carmichael. Each year, Silly Season starts earlier, with Sprint Cup drivers like Jaime McMurray, Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr, and Casey Mears caught in the initial rumor mills.
Truck racing gets more challenging
The NCWTS has always been viewed as both launching pad and landing pad for drivers on either end of Cup driving dreams. Celebrated are the times when a driver like Brian Scott finds the perfect match of timing and opportunity to move up the NASCAR ranks in a full time ride, even during a difficult economy. Unfortunately, the unique position that the Camping World Truck Series had is threatened by the same economy. The series, also seen as a soft place to land as drivers transitioned out of driving regularly, has recently become a bit harder and more unwelcoming for those with a longer resume.
Terry Cook’s week illustrated the nature of both NASCAR racing and the impact of the economy on racing. Cook was the driver for the No. 25 HT Motorsport until he was released Monday. Cook currently holds the record for most consecutive starts in the Camping World Truck Series with a live streak of 295 starts after starting in the series in 1996.
Cook had a disappointing finish in Texas, coming in 24th. His season had been all over the board, which does not help in keeping any ride, at any level, secure. His opening race finish of third at Daytona, was followed by a 25th in Fontana. His Talladega finish in 4th was promising, but Texas was the finishing blow for his No. 25 truck efforts.
The threat to his start streak was quick remedied, through the last two races of the 2009 season. Within 48 hours, Cook landed behind the wheel of Corrie Stott’s truck for Phoenix and Homestead.
Cook sat 12th in the driver standings at the time of his release. For Cup, that would put him in the final spot in the Chase. The question to be asked is simple: Did the change NASCAR made, in recognizing only the top-five drivers in Nationwide and Camping World at the season finale events, create more challenging times for those who run in the top 15 in those series? It may not be the only factor in such situations. However, it could be a point to consider as the highly prized media coverage goes to those who remain standing at the end of the season.
After all, the highest, ranking Cup driver with a questionable outlook is Casey Mears, who sits 20th in that series’ standings. That eight position difference in Cup for Mears is comparable to Cook’s seven position to the CWTS elite. Did cutting those who get banquet invitations in half for NNS and CWTS translate into sponsors devaluing the drivers sitting sixth through 12th spots by half as well?
Part Two: NASCAR veterans face thin ice in downturn: Today’s racing
For more information on NASCAR Truck Series racing, check out:
Terry Cook out effective immediately
Just announced: Brian Scott leaving the truck series in 2010
Justin Lofton making the move to Red Horse Racing
Kyle Busch goes five for five in Texas
Hornaday dismisses Crafton a little too soon
Janelle is a native of Southern California who follows a variety of racing formats. She finds the competition between hard-driving veterans and rising stars in the NASCAR Truck Series some of the best in the top tiers of racing. Janelle has been published in print and online, covering topics in both sports and academics. She also serves as the Southern California Motorsports Examiner. Send Janelle an e-mail, and follow her on Twitter. Join the discussion at the NASCAR Truck Series Examiner Facebook page as well.
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