NASCAR Truck Series rivals find themselves on the same team at the 75th Goodwood Members’ Meeting

NASCAR veterans Mike Skinner and Rick Crawford are headed across the pond for the Goodwood 75th Members’ Meeting. Traditionally competitors, but this time they will find themselves teammates, as Crawford will assist and support the team owned by Andrew Franzone while working on the NASCAR-style trucks.
 
“Usually my boys come to help, but they’re both under-the-weather, so we called in Rick Crawford,” said Skinner. “He’s a powerhouse, an old friend and racer, and I’m so excited to have him there with us. I needed someone who could wrench on these trucks, who’s familiar with trucks of that era with the carbureted engine, and I knew Rick would be perfect for the job. His willingness to just drop everything and get on a plane to help us out really speaks to what the Truck Series was back in that era. Crawford, Sprague, Hornaday and me–we were all fierce competitors on the track, but at the end of the day, we all supported each other and had a passion for the series. Even today, we all still share that bond and love of the Truck Series, and we’re still here supporting each other and the Trucks [Series].”
 
With only 24 hours notice, Crawford immediately began preparing for the trip.
 
“Mike and Angie called me yesterday to ask if I was available to fill in,” said Crawford. “Honestly, I’m not even sure that the conversation was over before I answered. It took me all of about 20 seconds to say ‘yes.’ Skinner’s boys, Jamie and Dustin, have put their heart and soul into this effort, but they couldn’t make the trip. I’m glad to fill in and I’m sure they’d be happy to do the same if the roles were reversed. My journey through racing has carried me a lot of places, and this just adds to it. Mike and Angie do so much for so many other people, especially our service men and women; I’m just glad to be able to do something to help them.”
 
Once again, Skinner will bring NASCAR horsepower to the Goodwood grounds as he does exhibition runs on the iconic Motor Circuit in historic truck 10, which is famed for Toyota’s first win in NASCAR competition. Truck 10 was first driven by Travis Kvapil before being inherited by Skinner and the Bill Davis Racing team. Taking the truck to victory lane several times throughout his NASCAR career, Skinner quickly dubbed truck 10 his ‘all-time favorite.’ In addition to his activities at the 75th Members’ Meeting, the 1995 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion will get a little time on the hill climb course while working with the Festival of Speed staff to shoot a promotional video for June’s event.

“I’m really excited for this year’s Members’ Meeting,” said Skinner. “We’ll have one of our trucks there for the first time to do burnouts around the Motor Circuit, and I’m really excited to show it off for this crowd. It’s a cool NASCAR-style truck that makes a lot of noise and has a lot of horsepower–these people don’t really get a chance to see NASCAR race cars aside from watching them on TV. I love that we get to come over here, represent NASCAR, and share our racing heritage with a whole new crowd and new generation of fans. Goodyear has provided us with great tires, Toyota has provided great engines and Cessna is back for a third year to support our effort. It’s going to be another great year at Goodwood and I’m just so excited to kick it off this weekend.”
 
While the 75th Members’ Meeting is sold out, fans can follow along at home via a live broadcast on YouTube, Facebook and Goodwood Road and Racing’s website
 
Mike Skinner PR