JOHNNY SAUTER MARTINSVILLE PREVIEW
Driver of the No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records/WTQR 104.1 Chevy Silverado
Race 23 of 25
Johnny Sauter
MARTINSVILLE: CHECKERS OR WRECKERS? Returning to the “scene of the best day ever,” Sauter’s first win in 2011, he arrives in Martinsville, Virginia with nothing but winning on his mind. Sitting third in driver championship points in the NCWTS after a wild ride at Talladega, he
Johnny Sauter, Driver of the No. 13 Chevy
continues in the top three for the 20th race week of the season. Sauter has made seven appearances in NCWTS at Martinsville, five with ThorSport Racing in 2009, 2010 and 2011 – with his best start in pole position in April and finish as well. Sauter, recognizes that it’s going to take wins over the course of the next three races to clinch a championship – and says it’s time to race aggressive. He looks to make it a double at Martinsville – earning a trip to Victory Lane twice in one year.
GREEN CLOVERS, BLUE DIAMONDS…OR OTHER LUCKY CHARMS: Sauter will have a little lucky charm or two on his side at Martinsville this weekend. At his first appearance this year, he had to rush home post-race for the birth of his daughter Paige. This time around, he’ll have the support of wife Cortney and son Penn on the pit box, as they watch dad run for the win.
NEVER, EVER GIVE UP – SUPPORTING SCRUGGS: Sauter and teammate Dakoda Armstrong will be the honored guests at the 2011 Scruggs Foundation Award Dinner for Scholarship Recipients at GR Chevrolet in Martinsville on Friday evening post-practice. Bobby Scruggs was a NASCAR Official for almost 40 years. He lost his thirteen-year battle with Cancer on January 22, 2005. His motto was “Never Give Up, Go Over, Go Under, Go Around or Go Through, but NEVER GIVE UP!” Continuing his legacy through fundraising, the foundation offers scholarships to students seeking a career in the Motorsport Industry as well as interns with Motor Racing Outreach and Wake Forest University Cancer Research Center.Forty- fourScholarships have been awarded to students from 17 high schools in Southwest Virginia.
CHASSIS HISTORY: The No. 13 team will utilize chassis No. 011 this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. A proven short track chassis for the team, it brought a successful podium finish at Martinsville earlier this year. Its last appearance was in September in New Hampshire, where Sauter powered home in fifth position.
PREVIOUS RACE RECAP: Sauter drove the No. 13 home to a 15th place finish at Talladega Superspeedway after starting in the 20th spot for the day. After an unavoidable incident on lap 30, Sauter rallied from three laps down to a lead lap p15. The effort not only helped preserve precious championship points, but also earned a “shout out” from Dodge – the Guts & Glory Award.
THOUGHTS FROM THE DRIVER: Johnny Sauter
Martinsville – are you confident, or is it a percentage of luck?
“It’s a piece of cake! Okay, maybe not THAT easy, but it really is either you finish first, or you have trouble. Until April, I was part of the second bunch. I don’t feel any pressure, being the previous race winner. It’s just another day at the office for me and the guys. So I guess that makes us confident!”
Is there really a “checkers or wreckers” attitude on the 13 for these last three races? Go for broke?
“We don’t have a choice but to win if we’re going to pull off this championship. Being behind, you have no other option but to race aggressively. So yes, that’s the general attitude with our team going into Martinsville – we’re going to do whatever it takes to win, within reason. I don’t look out for anybody but us – especially now with just three to go.”
Daughter Paige born in Martinsville just days after your win. Sentimental track for you?
“Anytime you win at a track, it has some sentimental feel to it. Add in the birth of your second child, and it makes it that much more sentimental. Last time, Cortney was in the hospital about to give birth – this time, she and Penn will be with me in Martinsville. I’m excited to have them with me.”
SA Chevy
Safe Auto/Curb Chevrolet Silverado
Race Info:
Saturday, October 29th, 2011
Martinsville Speedway
.566-Mile “Paperclip” Shaped Oval
Kroger 200
200 laps/105.2 Miles
Broadcast Info:
TV: SPEED will broadcast live at 1:30pm EST
Radio: MRN & Sirius XM NASCAR Radio will broadcast live at 2:00pm EST
Team Facts:
Current Point Standings: 3rd (-14)
Crew Chief: Joe Shear, Jr.
Chassis: 011
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing (ECR)
Johnny Sauter
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series results at Martinsville Speedway:
Starts: 7
Wins: 1
Poles: 1
Top 5: 1
Average Start: 9 (best p1)
Average Finish: 12 (best p1)
