Skinner makes return to Craftsman Truck Series

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Mike Skinner makes his return to the Craftsman Truck Series this weekend as the driver of the No. 15 Ford.

	Mike Skinner

Team owner Billy Ballew named Skinner as the replacement for Rich Bickle starting with Saturday's Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky Speedway.

Skinner will drive for Billy Ballew Motorsports in the next two events to help the team examine all the competitive elements of its operation.

"Billy has asked me to come in and help evaluate his team for the next two events and I am available to help him do that at this time," Skinner said. "We plan to take a look at all the aspects of his operation and help the organization move forward.

"We will evaluate everything from the chassis to the engines to the team and even the driver. I am willing to do anything within my power to help Billy and crew chief Gary Showalter achieve their goals."

The team currently sits 15th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series owner's points standings.

Craftsman Truck Series  Tools of the Trade

Ballew feels like he has to examine every feasible alternative in order to provide the best possible competitive combination for his sponsor and his team.

"We cannot sit here and spin our wheels," Ballew said. "I have the utmost respect for Rich Bickle as a person and as a driver.

"I am sure that all the problems we have experienced lately are not necessarily Rich's fault but I had to address the concerns we had.

"I looked at all the options we had available to help us get back on track competitively, and when you have the opportunity to bring in a former champion to help you then I think you have to capitalize on that opportunity.

Mike Skinner is a talented driver with great instincts with these truck chassis. He will be a tremendous asset to our team and he will help us get where we need to be from a competitive standpoint."

Skinner's record in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is stellar. He has 16 wins, 15 poles, 32 top five finishes, 41 top-10 finishes in only 50 starts.

He captured the 1995 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship while driving for Richard Childress Racing.

He has earned $1,082,780 in the series, and his last start in the truck series was at California Speedway in 1998 where finished in the fifth position.