Catchfence

EYE OF THE TIGER – OR UNDERDOG? The one man that NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship contender Johnny Sauter emulates is none other than…Rocky Balboa. With a second place point standings in the NCWTS after a strong top ten finish at Texas, his cool exterior hints one part “eye of the tiger,” one part underdog- very much Rocky. Sauter isn’t new to the game, knowing cooler heads can prevail in a championship run. He has made four appearances in NCWTS at Homestead-Miami Speedway, two with ThorSport Racing in 2009 & 2010 – with his best start at third in 2010. Sauter’s infamous finish at the 2010 saw Kyle Busch in Victory Lane and him with his best track finish, on the podium at third.

NO FEAR, NO TEARS: Sauter sits 20 points back from competitor Austin Dillon in the points standings, yet he knows that the points differential isn’t a mountain to climb. Going into the season finale, his thoughts are set first to a pole position on the grid; second to leading laps; and third to winning the race – the strategy he and longtime crew chief Joe Shear, Jr. have employed during the entire 2011 season. While the statisticians can keep to the “mathematically possible,” Sauter and team 13 look to show old-school, aggressive truck racing on track at Homestead-Miami.

SHOW US YOUR CANS, FANS: The No. 13 Chevy Silverado welcomes back an associate sponsor from earlier this year – Mud Jug Portable Spittoons – for the Homestead-Miami race. A sponsor from Bristol’s race, Mud Jug looks forward to being a part of the championship weekend with contests for fans on Facebook and onsite. The “Show Us Your Cans” contest encourages fans to post pictures of current snuff brands and a reason why the fan needs a Mud Jug Portable Spittoon.

CHASSIS HISTORY: The No. 13 team will utilize chassis No. 039 this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Considered one of the most successful chassis in the 13 fleet, it showed its speed at Texas just two weeks ago, as well as many of the intermediate tracks on the circuit in 2011. Its last appearance was in Texas on November 4th, where it finished seventh at the checkered flag.

PREVIOUS RACE RECAP: Sauter drove the No. 13 home to a seventh place finish at Texas Motor Speedway after starting in the 12th spot for the day. Sauter led laps, was fastest in practice and heavily raced in the top five most of the day. The top ten finish, 15th of his 2011 season, also bumped his championship points position to second behind leader Austin Dillon.

THOUGHTS FROM THE DRIVER: Johnny Sauter

Does Homestead-Miami Speedway put a smile on your face?

“It’s a really good racetrack for me – a lot of guys say that, but I mean it. Since it was repaved a few years back, it’s a lot of fun to race. There are just so many different grooves you can run. Last year, we had a little trouble in the pits at the end after leading most of the race; then getting a little caught up with Kyle (Busch). We feel like we can capitalize on that third place finish from last year – this is a track I’m confident running.”

The championship hunt, for you, is very much alive – is it not?

“All you can ask for is a shot, and I’m privileged right now. It’s a pretty tall order, 20 points, but there are a lot of competitive trucks out there. It’s a full field and a tough road for anybody to hoe. We just need to sit on the pole, lead laps and win. That’s the coolest thing about racing – you just never know how it’s all going to turn out.”

Are you looking to be more aggressive in Homestead?

“We are in a position to be aggressive here. I love to be the underdog, most people know that about me. Aggressive is the way I like to race, and it’s the way my team likes to race. We’ve had such effort this year from all the guys – they’ve killed it on their pit stops, just nailing them every time for me; and we have great sponsors in Safe Auto and Curb Records who live with us right in the trenches. There is less pressure, not being on top of the mountain. We have some freedom to just get out there and race and see what happens as the night unfolds. It’s the best spot for me to be in – no nerves, no pressure. Just great racing ahead.”

Safe Auto/Curb / Mud Jug Chevrolet Silverado Race Info:

November 18, 2011

Homestead-Miami Speedway

1.5-Mile Oval

Ford 200

134 Laps/201 Miles

Broadcast Info:

TV: SPEED will broadcast live at 8:00 p.m. EST

Radio: MRN will broadcast live at 7:45 p.m. EST

Team Facts:

Current Point Standings: 2nd (-20)

Crew Chief: Joe Shear Jr.

Chassis: 039

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing (ECR)

Johnny Sauter NASCAR Camping World Truck Series results at Homestead-Miami Speedway:

Starts: 4 (2 w/TSR)

Wins: 0

Poles: 0

Top 5: 1

Top 10: 2

Average TSR Start: 5 (best p3)

Average TSR Finish: 3 (best p3)

- ThorSport Racing Press Release