NASCAR’s Truck Series championship a 2-driver race? – Charlotte Observer

Truck Series points leader Erik Jones is worried about just one other driver as the season winds down. That’s Matt Crafton, who trails Jones by four points heading into Saturday’s Fred’s 250 at Talladega Superspeedway.

“I feel like it’s pretty much between me and Matt now,” said Jones. “As much as we want to go out and win races, we just need to go out and finish of (Crafton) and keep gaining points on them. “I don’t see either one of us pulling away from each other. It should be a pretty good battle.”

Qualifying for the truck race is at 10:30 a.m.; green flag is 1 p.m.

Jones moved into the top spot when he won at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in August. Crafton, who has won the last two championships, has four victories this season. Tyler Reddick still has a shot at the title and is 16 points behind Jones.

Saturday will mark the Truck Series debut of Brian Keselowski, the older brother of Cup driver and team owner Brad Keselowski.

Brian Keselowski will fill in for Austin Theriault in Brad Keselowski Racing’s No. 29 Ford. Theriault was injured recently in a crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

▪ Greg Biffle had the fastest lap of the day during Friday’s two Cup practice sessions at Talladega. Biffle (201.189 mph) was one of seven non-Chase drivers who exceeded the 200-mph barrier in the early afternoon, along with Danica Patrick, Justin Allgaier, Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, AJ Allmendinger and Trevor Bayne. Later in the afternoon and in warmer temperatures, Brad Keselowski led the way with a fast lap of 196.423 mph. Ryan Blaney was second fastest at 196.342.

Qualifying for Sunday’s race is 4:15 p.m. Saturday.

▪ Kurt Busch announced this week he will remain at Stewart-Haas Racing and will be sponsored by Monster Energy next season. Monster will be a co-primary sponsor on Busch’s No. 41 Chevy. Busch has two victories this season and is third in the Chase standings.