Crafton attempts to make Lone Star statement

Matt Crafton is a mere three races from becoming the first repeat champion in the 20-year history of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Leading second-place Ryan Blaney in the standings by a cushy 18 points, Crafton will attempt to continue his march to the title by sweeping Texas Motor Speedway, the site of Friday’s Winstar World Casino and Resort 350 (8:30 p.m. on FOX Sports 1).

Crafton stretched his fuel on the way to Victory Lane in the June Ft. Worth race, running the final 61 laps on one tank of gas for his second – and latest – win of the season.

“Finally getting a win at Texas was really cool – everyone wants to win at Texas – you want to be able to shoot the guns in victory lane and get that infamous cowboy hat,” Crafton said.

Despite Texas success in previous years, the win was the first of Crafton’s career at the 1.5-mile high-banked oval. In 27 NCWTS starts at the Ft. Worth track, the No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra driver boasts eight top-five and 16 top-10 finishes, as well as two poles.

Crafton believes he can make a “Lone Star Statement” Friday night even though the race will be shorter and affected by cooler temperatures than the one in June.

“Without a doubt, we had the fastest Menards Toyota Tundra in June and I can’t wait to get back this weekend and do it all over again,” Crafton said. “In June, the track is hot and slippery but this weekend, there will be cooler temps and a lot of grip so it’ll be faster. This race is 20 laps shorter so we’ll have to see how the race plays out, but I feel confident we can pull off a sweep.”