3-28-2008 - Colin in NASCAR Truck "Youthfull Invasion"

Youthful invasion healthy for grizzled Truck Series
Mix of veterans, 20-somethings has fan interest peaking
By Raygan Swan, NASCAR.COM

When I looked at the Craftsman Truck Series entry list this weekend for Martinsville Speedway, I couldn't help but think of Scooby-Doo.

At the end of every cartoon, the old crotchety man curses the young detectives (Shaggy, Velma, etc.) for foiling his evil plan: "If it weren't for those meddling kids ..."

I wondered if the group of Truck drivers well into their 40s, and a couple now 50, ever ponder the same thought. How do they feel about the youthful invasion of their traditionally seasoned Truck Series?

For some reason, I'm flashing back to Kyle Busch in his Billy Ballew Motorsports truck at the season opener in Daytona ...

Regardless of their opinions, the landscape is definitely changing as no less than 14 drivers all under the age of 30 will compete for real estate alongside several rough-and-tumble veteran wheelmen.

Among the so-called youth movement is Colin Braun at age 19, and following him is Chrissy Wallace, also 19, attempting to make her NASCAR debut. A dozen or so other drivers all under 30 round out the group dubbed the 2008 20-something invasion which has placed three drivers under 30 in the top 10 in points.

With that in mind, does the phrase 'respect your elders' apply in racing? Cup veteran Tony Stewart would certainly say yes. He's given the respect speech more than Aretha Franklin herself.

I digress.

Braun, a Roush Fenway Racing rookie and a respectful young man no doubt, said he is eager to learn from his senior counterparts and feels it is a unique opportunity.

"The Truck Series gives us rookies a chance to learn from the veterans and race against some of the most talented drivers in NASCAR," he said. "I have some great mentors in the series."

Everything is cyclical in NASCAR, yes. But this youthful invasion deserves some attention, because it reminds us that the Truck Series is the best place to start in NASCAR competition.

Being the first step on the national ladder, the Craftsman Truck Series gives young drivers the opportunity to gain traction in his or her career. It's the first series with heavier cars and the same type of horsepower and tires that the driver will find in the Cup and Nationwide series. Here, drivers also find opportunities to be exposed to owners in the other two garages.

More importantly, the Truck Series is a good measuring stick for rookies like Braun or Justin Marks competing among established drivers. Running and even finishing in the top 10 with Todd Bodine, Mike Skinner, Rick Crawford and Johnny Benson can be a real testament of their talent.

Also, history shows us that drivers developed through the Truck Series have had great success.

Owen Kearns, senior manager of communications with the Truck Series who tracks development in the series, said Roush Fenway pretty much set the bar in terms of development, an initiative the team put in place when Greg Biffle came to the series in 1998.

Since then, the organization has produced five rookies of the year all under the age of 30, and jumped Kurt Busch, at age 21, and Carl Edwards, at age 25, directly to Sprint Cup.

Beyond that, the diversity in age and generations makes for an entertaining opening act for NASCAR fans. And without getting too analytical, I will point out that through three races, the Truck Series' TV ratings are up 30 percent in average households over last season.

Anyone's guess as to why is as good as any, but again, Kyle "Rowdy" Busch comes to my mind.

Braun, as well as myself, agree the differing ages and personalities is bringing a renewed intrigue to the Truck Series.

"I think it keeps things interesting," Braun said.

In years past, seemingly everyone running up front in the Truck Series was well into their 40s. Last year, the youngest members of the final top 10 were 31.

However, now, three of the top 10 and seven among the top 20 are 20-somethings, each individual getting a great racing education among veterans with significant Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series showings in equal equipment in some cases, Kearns said.

At least three drivers under 30 have finished among the top 10 in each of the three races thus far in 2008.

When young talent comes into any sport it increases the overall competition level. Also, it pushes the veterans to get up on the wheel, which will also help develop the young guns.

I think a shot of youth is good for the golden oldies of the Truck Series.

Besides, how entertaining would it be if we could see Rick Crawford or Ron Hornaday chase "Rowdy" Busch around the Truck garage cursing his "meddling" moves that foil their plans for a championship?