SETZER GRABS EMOTIONAL TRUCK SERIES VICTORY IN KROGER 250

Source: MS Media Relations
Date: 03/30/2008

Setzer led the final 126 laps Saturday afternoon to capture the Kroger 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. It was his third Craftsman Truck Series win at the historic Martinsville oval, but his first since joining BHR-VA, the team founded by the late Bobby Hamilton.

“This win right here is for Bobby Hamilton – ONLY,” Setzer’s crew chief Marcus Richmond shouted immediately after the race. “He is the man.”

Hamilton died early in 2007 after a year-long battle with cancer. His widow, Lori, kept the team going, and early this year took on several partners, moved the team to Virginia and renamed it BHR-VA.

“I have so much respect for Lori Hamilton. Nobody knows how hard she has worked to keep this team going,” said Setzer. “She moved the team to Virginia, really spent a lot of time with the new partners getting this thing up and going and it’s starting to pay some dividends for us now.

“I’m so proud of the job Marcus Richmond did today, the job this whole team did. They put a great truck under me.”

Setzer was able to move to the front, though, after starting 10th, and once he got the lead, he was in control. The win was his fifth at Martinsville, three in the Craftsman Truck Series and two in Late Model Stock cars.

“I love racing on short tracks where you get to use a lot of brakes,” said Setzer, who picked up $55,025 for the win. “And I love racing here at Martinsville Speedway.”

Setzer took the lead with 126 laps remaining and was never really challenged again, despite a rash of caution flags down the stretch. It was Setzer’s 18th Craftsman Truck Series victory and his first win of the 2008 season.

Matt Crafton finished second, his best career finish, followed by former Martinsville winner Rick Crawford, Ken Schrader and Eric Darnell.

Action revs back up at Martinsville Speedway at 2 p.m. today with the running of the Goody’s Cool Orange 500.

Tickets remain for the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 with prices ranging from $42 to $80.

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