Saturday’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race in St. Pete will feature three notable guest drivers, adding excitement and star power to the event. Alongside four-time IndyCar Series champion Jimmy Hinchcliffe, former Indianapolis 500 pole-winner and FOX Sports broadcaster Hinchcliffe will race the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevy, branding his truck with the name Jimmy Hinch.
Special Entries from Experienced Racers
Colin Braun, a sports car star and former NASCAR competitor, returns to the truck series behind the wheel of the No. 25 Kaulig Racing RAM truck, filling the role of guest free agent for this race. Braun brings a 2009 Truck Series victory at Michigan to the field but has not raced a truck since 2011, marking a notable comeback for this event.
Scotty Franchitti, three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, is driving for TRICON Garage through a special arrangement facilitated by NASCAR team owner Johnson, a close friend of Franchitti. Their partnership adds another layer of interest to the weekend’s competition.
Guest Drivers Share Excitement for the Event
Reflecting on the upcoming race, Colin Braun expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete again in the NASCAR Truck Series after a long gap. He stated,
“I think it’s going to be a cool event, a great venue. An interesting race, I think, from the NASCAR side, obviously. You know, being the first time here for everyone, it’s a little bit of a level playing field so going to try to jump in and have some fun.” – Colin Braun, Guest Driver
Significance of Guest Drivers Attracting Attention
The involvement of these high-profile guests not only brings added star power to the NASCAR Truck Series but also introduces diverse driving talent to the St. Pete venue. Their participation has the potential to elevate the competition and draw additional fan interest, underscoring the broad appeal of this event as it integrates experienced drivers from various racing backgrounds.
