Portenga more focused second time around

For the first time since 1995, Steve Portenga is back in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series full time. And though he may feel a little rusty, he is developing into a consistent competitor.

"Two of the tracks that I had my best finishes at in the Truck Series in 1995 -- I-70 Speedway and Louisville -- aren't even on the schedule anymore," said Portenga, who also is the owner of the No. 39 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet he drives. "That has put me at a little bit of a disadvantage, but we are finally getting our ducks in a row so to speak and are making some progress."

In the last two races -- at Gateway International Raceway on May 5 and Pikes Peak International Raceway on May 19 -- Portenga has steered his truck to his top two finishes of 14th and 8th. At Pikes Peak, he also won the $1,500 Waste Management Picking Places award for working his way up through traffic from his 25th starting position.

"We had two really good runs at the past two races," Portenga said. "We have all the tools in place with Hendrick trucks and Hutter Racing Engines, but I think the biggest difference came when we made George Church the crew chief at Gateway. He has really helped stabilize the team and let me concentrate on just driving. Plus, my wife has been the backbone behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly."

Portenga's team aims to continue its momentum at Dover International Speedway.

"I have never raced at Dover before, so those first two practice sessions are going to be crucial for us," Portenga said. "We need to complete a lot of laps and get some notes so we can get a solid top 20 qualifying position."

Portenga has put a stronger emphasis on qualifying ever since his truck failed to make the show at Martinsville Speedway.

"That really made us take a step back," said Portenga. "Now, we focus on making the race first and then worry about what we can do once we get in the race."

Making the starting grid was never a problem for Portenga the past three seasons when he was a star in the NASCAR Winston West Series, placing in the top five in points each year.

"Driving in the Winston West Series was a great experience for me," said Portenga, who also won a Featherlite Southwest Series title in 1994 and a NASCAR Touring Series Late Model crown in '98. "But, we are in Truck Series now and Roto-Rooter will be back with us next year, so we are going to make a go of this."