Martinsville, VA (Sports Network) - Timothy Peters became a first-time race
winner in the Camping World Truck Series by taking Saturday's Kroger 200 at
Martinsville Speedway.
While under caution during the mid-stages, Sprint Cup regular Denny Hamlin
pitted from the lead for fuel and new tires, allowing Peters to take the top
spot for the first time in the 200-lap race. The 29-year-old driver conserved
enough fuel to lead the final 84 laps and pick up his first victory in his
64th Truck Series start.
"What an awesome way to do this," a jubilant Peters said.
Peters joined Bobby Hamilton (2000), Scott Riggs (2001), Jamie McMurray
(2004), Bobby Labonte (spring 2005) and Ricky Craven (fall 2005) as those
drivers who scored their first win in the series at Martinsville.
Todd Bodine finished second, and Colin Braun was third.
Ron Hornaday Jr. came in fourth and widened his lead to 224 points over Matt
Crafton.
"Good points day, and we'll take that and get out of Martinsville and go to
Talladega," Hornaday said.
Talladega is the next track on the schedule on October 31.
Hornaday has yet to win at the flat 0.526-mile track. His points margin is the
largest in series history with four races remaining. Hornaday is looking to
clinch his record fourth series title.
Kevin Harvick finished fifth despite falling two laps behind early due to a
pit-road speeding violation and a cut tire. Harvick won the spring race here
in March. Hornaday and Mike Skinner also were penalized for driving too fast
onto pit road.
Hamlin, Dennis Setzer, David Starr, Crafton and Terry Cook completed the
top-10.
Skinner, the pole sitter, ended up finishing four laps down in 23rd.