Kligerman in Red Horse fold for Michigan

Parker Kligerman holds a modest streak of three straight top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. But what’s been a fairly steady season for him had a fairly significant shake-up earlier this week.

Kligerman, who drove the season’s first 11 races for Brad Keselowski Racing, will be behind the wheel of the No. 7 Red Horse Racing Toyota for Saturday’s VFW 200 (12:30 p.m. ET, SPEED) at Michigan International Speedway. The dramatic change suddenly partners the Connecticut native with points leader Timothy Peters and two-time series champ Todd Bodine.

Though Kligerman ranks sixth in series points, he’s still an outside threat for the championship, ranking just 35 points behind new teammate Peters. Now that he’s established with a team that has put all three of its trucks in Victory Lane at some point this season, Kligerman said the time for him to shine is now.

“When you look at truck series teams right now, there’s no doubt Red Horse Racing is definitely one of the top organizations,” said Kligerman, who will also fill in for Sam Hornish Jr. during Sprint Cup practice in the No. 22 Dodge for Penske Racing; Hornish will fly back and forth between the Brooklyn, Mich., track and Montreal to continue his quest for a Nationwide title.

“I’m really excited to make the move here with the support of Tom DeLoach and everyone at this team to see how we can help the team and be successful,” Kligerman added. “I feel like Red Horse gives you the best equipment they can and at the end of the day that’s all you look for as a driver; the actual chance to win, not just the trophy.”

Peters’ grasp on the series lead took a hit at the tour’s last race at Pocono Raceway, where a crash-related 22nd-place finish lopped 15 points off his advantage. Peters heads to the fast 2-mile track in the Irish Hills of Michigan with just an eight-point edge over top rookie Ty Dillon.

James Buescher, the only driver with multiple truck wins this season, ranks third, just 15 points off the top spot.