>Mike Skinner - Toyota Tundra Racing Post Race Report

Race: Kroger 250 (Race 4 of 25) - Track: Martinsville Speedway
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2008 - Started: 20th - Finish: 29th
Laps Completed: 251 - Total Laps: 253 - NCTS Points: 14th

Mike Skinner went into Martinsville Speedway with hopes of setting a new Craftsman Truck Series record. Hoping to become the first driver to win three short track races in a row is what the veteran had on his mind. With a good test under his belt a few weeks prior, Skinner was ready to tackle the half-mile track this past weekend.

After running well during both practice sessions on Friday, Skinner and his No. 5 Toyota Tundra looked as if they were going to dominate once again. Finishing out Friday as the third quickest truck on the speed charts, Skinner was ready for qualifying.

Looking to capture his third pole at the speedway, Skinner hit the track on Saturday morning looking for a good lap. Running a 20.186 second lap, Skinner would only qualify himself in the 20th position for that afternoon’s race.

As the green flag waved over the 36-truck field, Skinner and his No. 5 crew had strategized their plan before the race kicked off. Moving through the tight field as carefully as possibly, Skinner would begin to make his way to the front. With caution flags waving and teams coming to pit road, Skinner and his No. 5 Tundra team would stay out in order to be near the front of the pack.

As the fourth caution of the afternoon was displayed on lap 79, Skinner would dive down pit road for four tires, fuel and a small trackbar adjustment. With their strategy being fuel conservation, Skinner did all he could throughout the remainder of the race to make sure he would be to the good on fuel.

Fighting his way back to the front of the pack, Skinner would find himself in the third position with 10 laps to go. Doing all he could to maintain his position and fight for the lead, Skinner’s day on the track would come to an end as their gamble didn’t pay off when his Toyota Tundra would run out of fuel on lap 248.

Skinner would finish the race in the 29th position, two laps down.

Skinner and the rest of the Craftsman Truck Series will race again in three weeks at Kansas Speedway. The race will be televised live on Speed on April 26.