NASCAR - Camping World Truck Series - VFW 200 Preview

NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series heads to Michigan International Speedway this Saturday for the 12^th annual VFW 200. Since the last NCWTS race, your leaders have been shaken up due to Johnny Sauter’s infraction at Pocono. In a tight battle for the championship, Sauter was knocked to second after being docked six points for his right rear was found to be too high. Austin Dillon moved into the top spot by one point and the defending polesitter intends on riding this momentum all the way into Victory Lane this weekend.

Expect competition to be high around the 2 miles of Michigan International Speedway. This track has posted some impressive credentials such as the NCWTS’ fastest race, third closest finish, and second highest number of leaders in a race. In a season that is showcasing our sport’s future talent, there are an innumerable amount of drivers who could pull off the win here.

Laps: 100

Miles: 200

Total purse: $494,252 (2010 figures)

Defending Polesitter: Austin Dillon

Defending Champion: Aric Almirola (not defending)

These NCWTS regulars will have to face off with the likes of Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, and Mark Martin again. Though none have won a truck race at Michigan before, they each have recorded NASCAR national touring series victories here. The Harvick-Busch owners’ points rivalry is sure to heat up for the second race in a row. Following his 2^nd place finish at Pocono, Busch leads Harvick by only 27 points.

Parker Kligerman is no stranger to Victory Lane at this track as well. The Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender won an ARCA race at MIS in 2009. Though he is from Connecticut, team owner Brad Keselowski calls Michigan home and has recorded two NNS wins here. The #29 Dodge Ram, featuring new sponsor Cooper Standard, is sure to be a home state favorite this weekend. Kligerman currently sits at eighth in the points standings.

Dillon, Sauter, James Buescher, Timothy Peters, and Cole Whitt are your Top 5.

Catch the VFW 200 this Saturday at 12:30pm ET on Speed Channel.

NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series will waste no time, heading to Bristol Motor Speedway Wednesday August 24^th for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 200.

The entry list is after the jump: