Born in the West, at Mesa Marin Raceway, the Craftsman Truck Series was once dominated by West Coast drivers, As the popularity of the series grew in the east, West Coast drivers began to dwindle.
But it looks like things are going full circle. The race at Gateway will begin the event with no fewer than 4 West Coast Champions and a lot of other West Coast talent.
Perhaps the most interesting news concerning the drivers is the return of Doug George to the wheel. He has been named the driver du jour for Gateway International Raceway in the No. 86 Royal Crown Dodge Truck. George, who is the crew chief of the No. 12 Hotwheels truck has a resume that include 8 wins and the 1995 championship in the NASCAR Winston West Series.
George was called upon to pilot the truck when Mike Cope was given his walking papers earlier this week. In support of Cope, the majority of the team decided to walk with him. It is not known at this time who the permanent replacement for the truck will be. George qualified the truck in the 13th position.
Other West Coast drivers in the event include 1993 Winston West Champion, Rick Carelli starting 9th, NASCAR Winston West Series points leader, Brendan Gaughan, will start 11th, 1999 Southwest Series Champion, Kurt Busch will start 16th, 1996 Winston West Champion, Lance Hooper starts 25th, David Starr who won the Orleans 200 in the Winston West Series at Vegas earlier this month starts 26th. Other notable west drivers in the field include Rich Woodland, Lance Norick, Rob Morgan and John Young. Leading them off will be Northwest driver, Greg Biffle.
