1997 Stevens Beil/Genuine Parts 200

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Flemington Speedway
August 9th, 1997

[@Barry_Mmm]

I read an article a long time ago, (can't remember the magazine or author), that the truck series had outgrown the bullrings of America. I still disagree with that sentiment. The trucks really shine on the short tracks imo.

[@AlonsoRules]

pity that they run on so many boring 1.5's

[@matthartleyjr9180]

@@AlonsoRules big time cites is the reason why but I agree why not change different shapes no idea

[@TheLocalLt]

Same goes for the Busch series

[@modifish68]

I was at this race. Was a pretty big deal for the track at the time. I used to go there for the weekly Saturday night shows. I ended up sitting low in the turn two bleachers and it was weird to watch it from there. I always sat in turn one and had never even seen a race from two. Used to love the Modifieds there as well as the Super Modifieds when ISMA would come around. One year, 99 iirc, a Super set the track record at 154mph. Was pretty insane to sit behind a rickety catch fence and watch cars wiz by at that type of speed. Those foam blocks saved some drivers lives during the asphalt years. Sadly, the track is a Lowe's now. Never been there. Won't do it. Very sad that we are losing so much heritage to "progress"....still a few tracks hangin' on in the region and I take my family to the short tracks whenever the opportunity arises..trying to pass it on and they really love it...hopefully they can take their kids one day...

[@KR1736]

Wonder if a young Martin Truex Jr was at this race

[@matthartleyjr9180]

maybe just a couple of hours away from where he grew up

[@KR1736]

Matt Hartley Jr I know he’s an NJ native. That’s what made me think of it.

[@matthartleyjr9180]

@@KR1736 yeah makes sense to me as well

[@matthartleyjr9180]

@@breezyb606 yeah it works for me

[@modifish68]

He was probably up at Watkins Glen with his dad for the Busch North race that same day. Truex Sr. finished 3rd that day at the Glen. Truex Jr. started racing modifieds at Wall Stadium the following year. I was at Wall for Thanksgiving weekend in 99 when he won the Turkey Derby. We knew the family had the heritage and the money to move Jr. up, but he also had the talent to stick. Wasn't necessarily a fan back then, was just into the modifieds at the time. I was at Pocono when he won a couple years ago and I was really happy to have been there for it. It's cool to have watched a local guy move up and be successful.

[@brianbailey4275]

Geeze, don't talk to Hornaday on the last lap eh?

[@moontainbew5018]

GOsh i forgot and miss Michael Dokkeen i think he had alot of talent i always liked him and was and is in my top 50 aka mostly top 30 of all stock car drivers. Also top 5 Bobby DOtter great driver should of had a greater equipment in the #08 for sure, could of won races i feel same as Willy T. RIbbs and Bill Lester all great top 30 or so best drivers ! :) i like underdogs