Clanton Out At Roush-Fenway; Kvapil To Drive #09 Truck in California

It didn't take long for the first driver change of 2008 to take place.

Just one race into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule, Roush Fenway Racing announced today that Travis Kvapil will replace Joey Clanton in the No. 09 Zaxby's Ford for this weekend's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series San Bernardino County 200 at California Speedway.

Clanton ran among the top-10 for most of last Friday night’s season opener at Daytona, before crashing late en route to a 32nd place finish. Roush was visibly upset following the crash, and said today that he will re-evaluate his plans for the team after Saturday’s race.

Clanton, meanwhile, said he is satisfied with the team’s decision, adding, “I have made the decision that it is time for me to pursue other opportunities. I have several business and family obligations, and it is time to focus on them right now." A year ago, he recorded a best finish of sixth (twice) in 16 Truck Series starts.

IROC On The Block: International Race of Champions officials have announced that the series will liquidate all its assets in a public auction on March 7th and 8th in Tinton Falls, NJ. The series has been dormant since the conclusion of the 2006 season due to lack of sponsorship.

IROC President Jay Signore said, “We’re all very sad to see IROC come to an end, but the competition for major corporate sponsorship is very tough, and the car manufacturers have not shown any interest. We kept hope alive as long as we could, but now it’s time to look forward and move on.”

Among the items set to go on the auction block are approximately a dozen race ready cars, tools and equipment, driver uniforms, helmets and autographed pictures.

Martin's Milestone: Mark Martin will make his 700th career Sprint Cup start this weekend at California Speedway, becoming only the 13th driver in NASCAR history to reach that milestone. Martin’s Principal Financial Chevrolet will feature a paint scheme showcasing his 700th start, dating back to April 5, 1981 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, where Martin started fifth and finished 27th.

Bliss Truckin' In Cali: Former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Mike Bliss will drive the No. 07 SS-Green Light Racing Chevrolet in Saturday's San Bernardino 200 at California Speedway. The deal is for one race only, as Bliss concentrates on the NASCAR Nationwide Series, where he drives the No. 22 Dodge for Fitz Motorsports.