March News

Benson, Skinner Seek Strong Results At Martinsville
Johnny Benson (No. 15 Red Top Collector Car Auction Toyota) has taken on a new role in his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series career.  Benson won the series championship in 2008, and since then has run only nine of the 27 races. But in those events, he has scored three top fives and five top 10s.  He's back this weekend at Martinsville, piloting the No. 15 Toyota for Billy Ballew Motorsports. Expect another scene-stealing performance from Benson.  In his 12 career Martinsville races, Benson has one win, four top fives and six top 10s. His numbers since the inception of Loop Data in 2005 – a span of nine races for Benson – are just as strong. Overall, he has a Driver Rating of 92.2, an Average Running Position of 12.1, 61 Fastest Laps Run and a Laps in the Top 15 percentage of 69.6%.

Also watch for past champion Mike Skinner (No. 5 International Trucks/Monaco RV Toyota). Overall at Martinsville, Skinner has a Driver Rating of 96.7, an Average Running Position of 11.1 and 159 Fastest Laps Run.  In his win in March of 2007, Skinner scored a perfect Driver Rating of 150.0, leading 246 of the 253 laps. His Average Running Position that day was an incredible 1.1.

Statistically, Skinner—who is hoping to leap into the top 10 in points—is one of the best at short tracks. Last year, Skinner notched a Driver Rating of 111.6 in the six short-track races. That number ranked second in the series, behind Ron Hornaday Jr.'s (No. 33 Longhorn Chevrolet) 130.2.

About Billy Ballew Motorsports: 

BBM started competing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2002 and has had a variety of well known NASCAR drivers over the years.  The list includes Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Aric Almirola, Brian Ickler, John Andretti, Kenny Wallace, Paul Menard, Bill Lester, Geoffrey Bodine, Joe Ruttman and a host of others.  It was Shane Hmiel who piloted the No. 15 for the 2004 season that brought Billy Ballew his first win at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the team's 100th start in the NCWTS.  Since then Billy Ballew Motorsports has taken 16 more trips to victory lane.   

Director's Take: Wayne's Words
"It's exciting to get going again after a three-week break. We've had two races this season, both on big tracks, and it's back to the series' roots this weekend as we head back to Martinsville Speedway for the 23rd time in history."

As always, we're happy to go back to Martinsville, because this series was founded on short tracks. We know whenever we go there we're in for a treat.  "I have been attending races at Martinsville for over 40 years and I have some great memories at Martinsville. You only need to go back to last October, when Timothy Peters (No. 17 Red Horse Racing Toyota) scored his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory at his home track, which was a great deal. Otherwise, we've seen some great finishes. Kyle Busch has been involved in two of those—once taking out Johnny Benson (No. 15 Red Top Collector Car Auction), and the other time being taken out by Matt Crafton (No. 88 Menards Chevrolet).

 "As I've said in the past, patience is the name of the game. Martinsville is essentially two drag strips with two very tight corners. If you don't have patience, or the right brake set-up, it's going to be a long day. 

Johnny On Sirius Radio
 Click here  Johnny Benson 3-17-10.mp3    to listen to Johnny's interview on Sirius Radio.  He talks about his upcoming race at Martinsville, whether he is building a super modified, what the future holds and wishes his Grandma a Happy 100th Birthday!   (03-17-10)

Bodine, Benson headline TRD truck test at MMS
Coordinated by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), eight of the top Toyota teams on the Camping World Truck Series circuit congregated inside Motor Mile Speedway Tuesday for a daylong test session in preparation for the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on March 27.

The TRD brain trust included NCWTS points leader Todd Bodine and past champions Johnny Benson and Mike Skinner, along with NASCAR newcomers Brian Ickler and Max Papis. Peters and the Red Horse Racing #17 team were at or near the top of the charts at MMS, with lap times ranging from 15.80 to 16.00 seconds.

Benson, the 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, is one such veteran Peters will contend with next Saturday. Still devoid of a full-time ride in the truck series, Benson is slated to pilot the No. 15 Billy Ballew Motorsports entry at Martinsville. "Our expectations are obviously to go try and win the race, that's why we do it. Billy's stuff is good enough and I've won races there before so hopefully we can accomplish that goal," Benson says. "I feel good about Martinsville--- I'm excited about it."

 Todd Bodine agrees. The No. 30 Germain Racing team had the current points leader dialed in and happy by the end of the session. "We got pretty good; the truck was awesome," Bodine says. "We're really pleased with the test. Even though this track is totally different from Martinsville, you learn trends. You learn what changes do what, so when you go to Martinsville you know what changes to make to fix your truck. Trends will work from one track to another, and that's why we came here to test. "We're gonna unload at Martinsville with the exact same setup we ran here. It's really close, and I'm fairly confident it's gonna be fast."
 

Red Top Auto Auction Continues Sponsorship of Billy Ballew Motorsports No. 15 Truck Johnny Benson and Steve Wallace to compete in Martinsville and Nashville Races

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 15, 2010) – Red Top Auto Auction will continue its sponsorship of the No. 15 Billy Ballew Motorsports Toyota Tundra for the next two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) events. The Cartersville, Ga.-based organization will pair with Johnny Benson for the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on March 27, and with Steve Wallace for Nashville 200 at Nashville Superspeedway on April 2. Red Top Auto Auctions most recently sponsored Wallace’s Billy Ballew Motorsports-fielded entry in the Atlanta 200, which Wallace finished in fourth-place.

“Red Top Auto Auction is thrilled to continue its relationship with Billy Ballew Motorsports,” said Wallace Sanford, managing partner of Red Top Auto Auction. “We’ve got two great drivers who are definitely capable of getting in victory lane. Steve Wallace got things off to a great start for us this season.  He kept his truck up front all race long in Atlanta.  We’ve enjoyed a lot of success this season and look forward to continuing it at Martinsville and Nashville.” 

Benson, a former NCWTS and NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) champion, is no stranger to the historic half-mile oval.  Benson has logged 2473 laps in 12 NCWTS events at Martinsville Speedway and has one win, which came at the Kroger 200 in 2008.  

“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the 15 truck,” said Benson.  “I love racing at Martinsville (Speedway) and I know Billy Ballew Motorsports has the people and equipment to get the job done.  Red Top Auto Auction has given us a great opportunity and I hope we give them a great ride.”

Wallace made his only NCWTS start in the Atlanta 200 on March 6. Driving the No. 15 Red Top Auto Auctions Toyota, Wallace started in sixth-place and finished in fourth-place.  Wallace looks forward to racing at Nashville Superspeedway, a track he has shown he can navigate well. At Nashville Superspeedway, Wallace has scored two pole positions, one in June 2007 in the NNS, the other in ARCA Series competition in April 2006. 

“I had a great time racing at Atlanta (Motor Speedway) and I’m really looking forward to doing it again,” said Wallace. “Nashville (Superspeedway) is a lot of fun and I know the Truck Series will put on a good show there.  I want to thank Red Top Auto Auction for coming onboard and giving me a chance to go racing in the 15 truck again.”  

Red Top Auto Auction is a subsidiary of Auction Broadcasting Company (ABC). ABC is a full service auto auction company offering transportation, full and partial reconditioning, telemarketing, in-house restaurants, world class auctioneers and ringman, on-line bidding capability, and managers that are car people. ABC has autoims in all its locations to provide simple and seamless communication to our captive finance and Fleet consignors. Customers that unfortunately do not get their vehicle sold in the lane, live on sale day, ABC also provides you with an additional seven thousand bidders to view your vehicle.

Johnny to Race at Martinsville!
Good News - JB Fans!  Johnny will be competing in the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, March 27th.  Press release will be forthcoming.   Be sure to tune in to cheer on our favorite driver!  (03-13-10)

Happy 100th!
Alma Flora (Johnny's grandma) turns 100 on March 19th!  A fan club member wrote in and suggested that we give her a card shower to help her celebrate her milestone event.  We agree!   All cards may be sent to JBFC - PO Box 150619, Grand Rapids, MI  49515.  Attention Alma. 

The entire family will be gathering together on March 20th to celebrate her birthday in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  We will be sharing her memories of the 10 decades of her life.  She raised three daughters, cherished her twelve grandchildren and enjoyed her great grandchildren. 

Over the years, she took care of Johnny and Barb while John Sr. was traveling to race his super modified through out the Midwest ...   She watched John Sr. race at  Berlin Raceway ...  When the JBFC was formed in 1993 she was right there to help with the fan club events and monthly newsletter mailings.  She has been Johnny's #1 fan!

Grandma Flora and Johnny at a test session
in Lakeland, Florida in 2002

Thank you for joining us in our celebration!    (03-13-10)

Bus Tours Available
Momentum Tours is now advertising for tours to the night races at Bristol Motor Speedway in August (which includes the Trucks) and a day tour to Michigan International Speedway on Sunday June 13th.  For details, you can click on their site - www.msportstours.com    (02/27/10)

March Birthdays
The month of March is a time for celebration in the Benson family.  For those JB fans who have been with him through out his career know that his first daughter, Katelyn was born during the Atlanta race weekend when he won his first NASCAR Cup pole award. 

March 1st marks a milestone for Judy Benson (aka Mama Benson).  She turns 70 this year!  

And last but not least .... 

Judy Benson and her mother, Alma Flora

Alma Flora (Johnny's grandma) turns 100 on March 19th!  A fan club member wrote in and suggested that we give her a card shower to help her celebrate her milestone event.  We agree!   All cards may be sent to JBFC - PO Box 150619, Grand Rapids, MI  49515.  Attention Alma. 

Thank you for joining us in our celebration.  They have been both involved in John Sr.'s and Johnny's racing career and are the unsung heroes!   (02/27/10)

Benson's Future Still Unclear
2008 Camping World Truck Series Champion Johnny Benson strolled briskly behind pit road Friday afternoon, sporting regular clothes with no emblem looking more like a media member than a racing ace. 

After running well for the #95 Team Gill Racing Team in Daytona, fellow veteran Geoff Bodine is behind the wheel and AMS.  "There's have been a lot of questions about the #95 and Danny Gill.  Geoff was always scheduled to run here," he said.  I'm trying to help some other teams and we're hoping to do some other stuff."

Benson says he is not frustrated by the fact that he is a past champion of the series without a ride because he understands that the sport is now for younger drivers - especially ones who have money.  Benson was tentatively tabbed to run for KBM and says he still could, but sponsorship has failed to materialize as of yet.  Benson was helping out Tayler Malsam in Atlanta.

Harvick wins at Atlanta
Kevin Harvick turned in a dominating performance to easily win the E-Z-GO 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with no threat in the final laps from second place finisher #18-Kyle Busch. This is the third win in a row for races entered by Harvick in the Camping World Truck Series; his seventh overall.

Rounding out the top ten were; #51-Aric Almirola, #15-Steve Wallace, #30-Todd Bodine, #4-Ricky Carmichael, #17-Timothy Peters, #13-Johnny Sauter, #14-Rick Crawford, #3-Austin Dillon. Hornaday Jr.

Tough day for defending Champion, Ron Hornaday as he was out of the race on Lap 24 resulting from a cut tire causing him to hit the wall.. The cut tire was a result of damage sustained on Lap 1 when he and Kyle Busch got together. Hornaday finished 34th. There were 9 lead changes among 6 drivers with 6 caution flags for 27 laps.

Toyota Skinner Round Up
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion and Volusia County resident Mike Skinner will host the 4TH Annual Toyota Skinner Round Up for Charity presented by Rue & Ziffra Personal Injury Attorneys on Thursday, March 11, and Friday, March 12, at Daytona International Speedway and Spruce Creek Country Club in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Among the celebrities to help raise funds to benefit Volusia County charities include "The Blues Doctor" Nashville recording star Stacy Mitchhart, "American Idol's" Bo Bice, NASCAR Drivers Michael Waltrip, Ron Hornaday, Tommy Baldwin, Rick Crawford, and Steve Park. Also joining the action will be WSOP Poker Professional Tristan Wade.

Over the last three years, celebrities and the community have joined Mike in raising over a half a million dollars for area charities. The two day event kicks off to the public on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at the Fan Zone and Daytona 500 Club in the infield of Daytona International Speedway. For more information on the 4th Annual "Toyota Skinner Round Up" Presented By Rue & Cziffra Personal Injury Attorneys, visit Daytonalive.com or to inquire about sponsorships, contact Angie Skinner at angie@mikeskinner.com or call 386-763-9011.  (03-07/10)

With Sponsorship Scarce, Champs Left Out

However, a scarcity of offers will keep both out of Saturday's E-Z-Go 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and the tough economy has them resigned to racing against Ron Hornaday Jr., Todd Bodine and Mike Skinner when they can. Which still beats watching from home as they did a year ago

"The economy has put a crimp in everybody, so you just do what you do and gamble and go for wins (when you race)," said 2004 champion Musgrave, who drove a second Toyota Tundra for Billy Ballew Motorsports at Daytona, finishing 31st. (Sprint Cup driver Aric Almirola is racing the No. 51 full time.)

"It was agonizing not to race, and I had hoped to do it before then. A full-time deal would be great, but if I can get a part-time deal for 16, 18 races ... so for now that's the goal and let's see what happens."

They aren't the only ones feeling the pinch. While Daytona featured 42 entries for 36 spots for the first time since 2006, a good number were unsponsored and others raced in one-off deals.

Series director Wayne Auton thinks new rules such as reducing guaranteed spots from 30 to 25 will not only entice more teams to enter (a couple of 2009 races fielded fewer than 36 starters) but also make it attractive to sponsors, even for one race.

"We did a lot last year to ensure that owners, drivers and fans could afford to come to races, and the 42 (trucks at Daytona) was a testament to that," he said, hoping that will keep Benson and Musgrave active and perhaps lure three-time champion Jack Sprague from his sabbatical.

For Benson, the 2008 champion whose ride with Red Horse Racing dried up before serious injuries suffered in a Late Model race sidelined him for all of last year, his first race back has him eager to line up something by the next race March 27 at Martinsville Speedway. Though he drove at Daytona and finished eighth for Danny Gill, Benson is something of a free agent and available to anyone seeking a veteran championship driver — if even for a cameo.

"When you have five former champs like we did at Daytona, it's a plus for the series," he said. "There are a lot of young drivers who are bringing in dollars, and the owners are looking for that right now, but there's something to be said for our experience. (Sponsors) might be a little scared to do it, but this series is a great deal."

JB Fans in the Winner's Circle
Johnny Benson Fans were busy this past weekend and ending up in the Winner's Circle.  Congratulations to Nick Byrne and family on his first win at Arena Racing ....  And to Mike Chaffee and the Win Tron crew with driver Justin Marks on winning the ARCA race in Palm Beach!    (03/02/10)