There are 25 races on the schedule for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  It's been a long, grueling season.  On Friday night, the entire season comes down to 200 miles at Homestead-Miami Speedway.  Back in February, everyone started out with a clean slate.  2 drivers have dominated the 2008 season, Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday.  As a result, they're 1-2 in the standings heading into Friday's season finale.  Every driver who began the 2008 season in Daytona started in a tie, 0 points.  Now, as the series returns to Florida for the final curtain call for the Craftsman title sponsor, Hornaday and Benson find themselves back at square one.  Heading into last week, they were separated by just six points.  Both found trouble, and both finished right next to each other when the checkered flag fell, with Hornaday finishing one position in front of Benson.  As a result, just THREE points separate the two drivers as they head for the grand finale.  Kobalt Tools will be the title sponsor of the Truck Series in 2009, but Hornaday and Benson have set up Craftsman for a final curtain call that will be remembered for years to come.  It's probably a safe bet to say one of these drivers will win, however, I'm not picking either of them.  But they're going to finish right near each other again.  So if not Benson or Hornaday...then who?

My Pick: Erik Darnell - Why would I be picking Darnell?  I've got one word...Roushketeer.  Yeah, Jack Roush's vehicles run pretty darn well at this place, evidenced by Biffle winning 3 years in a row and Kenseth winning last year.  Anyone wanna take a guess who had the fastest truck in Thursday's final practice?  If you guessed Darnell's #99, you're right.

Dark Horse: Scott Speed - He already has one win this year at Dover, and whenever he's driven for Team Red Bull in the #22 truck this year, he's done quite well.  I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see this young driver take the final trip to victory lane as a winner in the Craftsman Truck Series.

Until next time, I'm your NASCAR VP, and this has been your official Q race preview.  134 laps, 200 miles, 2 drivers, 3 points...but to steal the theme from the Cup Series, who will be the last man standing?  Craftsman is set to go out with a bang...NOW LET's GO RACING!

BK over and out

summary:
Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday are separated by just 3 points heading into the Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.  Look for both to run strong, but only one can claim that coveted championship trophy.  Who will it be?