All he had to do was start the Ford Ecoboost 250 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway Friday night and he would clinch the championship. When the command to start engines was made, Crafton did just that and won his first NCWTS championship in his 13-year career.
The race wasn’t as easy as getting the championship for Crafton. He was involved in an accident on lap 137 that caused a lot of damage to his truck. The pit crew worked hard to get him back out on the racetrack to make sure his truck remained in contention for the owner’s championship. A piece of metal was hanging under the front bumper of the truck and Crafton kept going to ensure that track position was not lost. He drove his truck into the champion circle a little battered, but the crunched metal didn’t photobomb his winning smile as he held onto the NCWTS trophy.
Crafton was Mr. Consistency for ThorSport Racing throughout the entire season and that’s how he was able to get the championship for the team. It was announced earlier this week that he will return to the team in 2014. Will he be able to repeat his success in 2013?
Ty Dillon finished 40 points behind Crafton to take the second spot in the standings while last year’s champion, James Buescher, rounded out the top three.
The NCWTS Awards presentation will be Monday, Nov. 18 at Loews Miami Beach Hotel in South Beach, Florida.
