Johnny Sauter 2017 Season Recap

Johnny Sauter entered the 2017 season as the reigning Camping World Truck Series champion. As the season unfolded, he would come close to winning a second consecutive title, too. Scroll through to see how Sauter was able to capture one of his most successful seasons on the track.

The veteran driver started off the season with no championship hangover. He rattled off four top-three runs in the first five races before busting the win bubble in Dover. The victory sealed his spot in the playoffs.

With a postseason position already locked down, Sauter (left) was able to focus on his driving without added pressure. Fellow veteran driver and former teammate Matt Crafton (right) joined Sauter as the most seasoned drivers in the playoffs -- both making the Championship 4.

It didn't take long for Sauter to pop champagne for a second-time in 2017. His win at Chicagoland caused a stir amongst fellow Truck drivers including Ben Rhodes, one of the younger drivers in the field.

Ben Rhodes, driver of the No. 27 truck, had harsh words for Sauter, driver of the No. 21 truck, after Chicagoland. But being the more experienced of the two, Sauter's response was simple: 'Mess with the bull you get the horns.' That line became one of the most talked about storylines throughout the playoffs.

Sometimes experience is the best way to navigate high-pressure situations like chasing a championship. Sauter used the digs from younger drivers as motivation to advance throughout each round. His win in the playoffs came at Texas, his third of the season.

Man on a mission. Sauter won back-to-back playoff races (similar to his 2016 title run) with a victory at Phoenix. Momentum was on his side heading into Homestead-Miami -- and many considered him to be the favorite alongside Christopher Bell. The win at Phoenix gave him the most checkered flags during one season in his career.

Despite a strong start, Sauter finished second in the final standings to champion Christopher Bell.

Season by the numbers:
Wins: Four (Dover, Chicagoland, Texas, Phoenix)
Top fives: 13
Top 10: 19
Average finish: 6.3

It was announced the day of the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway that Sauter would return to GMS Racing to pilot the No. 21 Chevrolet in 2018 for a third season with the organization.