The Craftsman Truck Series, usually overshadowed by NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series, is grabbing a little attention of its own this year.
Toyota, the first foreign nameplate to race in NASCAR's big leagues, entered the Craftsman Truck racing circuit this year with its Tundra trucks. The Japanese manufacturer is sponsoring six trucks and four teams, one owned by Darrell Waltrip.
Toyota is building its own motors and chassis to take on the established trucks of Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford. Toyota's teams have won championships in a number of other series, including IRL and CART.
Besides the 2004 Tundra entry, new truck bodies are also being sported by Dodge, on its Ram 1500, Ford's F150 and the Chevrolet C1500 Silverado.
Also new this year, teams have shifted from Goodyear Eagle tires to the Goodyear Wrangler.
Get Into Gear
NASCAR's Schedule Heat Up
Craftsman Truck Series |
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March 13 |
Easycare Vehicle Service 200 |
Atlanta Motor Speedway |
April 17 |
Kroger 250 |
Martinsville Speedway |
May 15 |
Ohio 250 |
Mansfield Motorsports Speedway |
Nextel Cup Series |
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March 7 |
UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 |
Las Vegas Motor Speedway |
March 14 |
Golden Corral 500 |
Atlanta Motor Speedway |
March 21 |
Caroline Dodge Dealers 400 |
Darlington Raceway |
March 28 |
Food City 500 |
Bristol Motor Speedway |
April 4 |
Samsung/Radio Shack 500 |
Texas Motor Speedway |
April 18 |
Advance Auto Parts 500 |
Martinsville Speedway |
April 25 |
Aaron's 499 |
Talladega Superspeedway |