Harvick wins Kroger 250 At Martinsville Speedway
Harvick captured the Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race Saturday after winning the pole for both the Kroger 250 and the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race on Friday. A win in the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 would give him a perfect week at the historic half-mile
"It was a lot of fun for me, just for the fact that the thing was so dominant to drive," said Harvick, who is also the NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader. "I didn't really have to do a whole lot different — I just drove my line every lap, and we were able to make our way through traffic when we needed to.
"When we passed the No. 17 (Timothy Peters) for the lead, it looked like his truck started to get a little loose getting into the corner, and we were able to capitalize on that."
Saturday’s win was the eighth truck series victory of his career and his second of the season.
Harvick led 187 laps, and he dominated for most of the day on the way to a 1.5-second win over Ron Hornaday Jr. Brian Ickler was third, followed by Timothy Peters and Johnny Benson.
Peters, who won at Martinsville last fall and also captured the season-opener at Daytona, led late in the race and gave Harvick a spirited battle until Harvick took the lead for good on lap 190.
“Every time we have come here, not matter what it is, we’ve run well," said Peters, who lives less than a half-hour from Martinsville Speedway. “I’m just thankful we can have that success up here. I just love coming here."
Peters’ fourth-place finish was enough to move him from second to first in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points standings. He left the Kroger 250 with a 59-point lead over Aric Almirola, who finished sixth Saturday.
Racing returns to Martinsville Speedway Sunday with the running of the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500. Good seats remain, starting at just $25, and may be purchased at the ticket office beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday.