Drivers put trucks through two-day test at Martinsville

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- The Craftsman Truck Series got a head start this week for its next race at Martinsville Speedway with a final round of NASCAR-scheduled testing.

Sprague

With 36 teams represented, the drivers hit the historic short track hoping to learn information that will be key when the series returns for the Kroger 250 on March 29.

Jack Sprague, in the No. 2 Chevrolet, was the most consistent atop the speed charts. After having the fourth-fastest speed in the first session Wednesday, Sprague topped the evening session at 94.387 (20.062) and the morning session Thursday at 95.675 (19.792).

Sprague was second-fastest at 94.106 (20.122) in the final session, which was led by Terry Cook in the No. 60 Toyota at 94.148 (20.113).

Rookie Brian Scott led the way in the Wednesday morning session at 94.326 (20.075).

Part-timer eyes Truck titles

Kyle Busch was busy testing the No. 51 Billy Ballew Motorsports Toyota he's taken to Victory Lane twice so far this season. Busch leads the series drivers' point standings and has brought the team to the top of the owners' point standings.

"We've had a lot of fun running the way we've been able to run," he said. "We've been fortunate enough to have the success that we've had so far with Billy Ballew Motorsports and this truck team."

Even though the driver will pilot the truck for a limited number of races, Busch is on a mission to stay on top of the standings. "I'm running for a points championship and an owners' points championship for Billy Ballew. In order to do that, I've got to drive it up front and win," he said. "If we can do that, it'll be a job accomplished."

Busch tested the first day only, with a best speed of 94.008 (20.143), good enough for seventh in the morning session.

Bobby Hamilton Racing at home

Bobby Hamilton Racing-Virginia used the short offseason to relocate its shop from Tennessee to Martinsville. Merged with operations of longtime engine builder Joey Arrington, the team is looking to be in championship contention.

Setzer

"This program was already great but it missed Bobby a lot last year," said Dennis Setzer, driver of the No. 18 Dodge. "But with the group we have behind us, it's exciting. Joey's constantly working on the engine. It's exciting for me to see the changes the guys have already made this season."

Setzer ranks ninth in points after the season's first three races. Setzer's best practice session was in the Thursday morning, when he posted the fifth-best speed at 94.222 (19.949).

"I'm excited to be back as a force in NASCAR racing," he said.

Stacy Compton, who drives the No. 4 Dodge, is a two-time Martinsville winner.

"It's been fun and great with the people we have behind us," said Compton, also offering praise for the team's manufacturer. "It's been amazing the support they have given us."

Next generation of Wallace

One of NASCAR's legendary families is a presence at this week's test. Chrissy Wallace, the middle daughter of veteran Mike Wallace, stepped into the ring at the Martinsville test for her introduction to the Truck Series.

Testing the No. 03 Toyota for Germain Racing, Wallace is looking forward to all the seat time she can get in her quest to join the series full time -- something she knows is the next step in her career (read more).

"After winning in Thunder Roadsters, Legends Cars and Bandolero Cars, once I turned about 14 or 15, I became more serious about it and last year I really realized what I wanted to do, and that was racing," the 20-year-old Wallace said.

"The Germains have given a belief in me that I can go out there and run just as good as anyone can run."

Father Mike, who accompanied his daughter to the two-day test, beamed with pride.

"This is a totally different perspective for me, taking a different role, just sitting back observing," said Wallace, a four-time winner in the Truck Series. "I looked at my mom, Chrissy's grandmother, who is here and had to ask her if she ever thought she'd be here at Martinsville, sitting on top of the trailer, watching her granddaughter race," he said.

"We are incredibly proud of her, and not just because I drive, but because this is what she really wants to do."

The elder Wallace was also quick to mention her 10 wins at Hickory Motor Speedway. "At famed Hickory, she was the first female to win there in 57 years. That's an incredible feat," he said.

Wallace saved her best speed for last when she finished 11th in the final session at 93.673 (20.215).