Mike Skinner finished third in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Points standings. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Comeback Driver of the Year

Mike Skinner – Rebounded from a disappointing 2008 to finish third in the final championship standings. Skinner, the 1995 series champion, had only one win and finished sixth in the 2008 point standings. With a new team in 2009, he collected three wins, eight top-five and 17 top-10 finishes. His three poles extended his lead in the series for the most all-time poles to 50.

Top Five Races of the Year (in chronological order)

NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway (February 13) – Twelve different drivers swapped the lead 15 times before Todd Bodine made his way to Victory Lane in the season opener. Bodine became the first repeat winner in 10 years of trucks racing at the famed 2.5-mile track.

Michigan 200 at Michigan International Speedway (June 13) – In his 35th series start Colin Braun grabbed his first career win. The win gave his team, Roush Fenway Racing, its golden 50th win in the series extending its lead for the most wins in the series.

Copart 200 at The Milwaukee Mile (June 20) – Ron Hornaday Jr. celebrated his 51st birthday in Victory Lane after winning for the second time at Milwaukee in 10 starts. It was the second time for Hornaday to win on his birthday. His win, the first in a string of five consecutive, was highlighted by a perfect Driver Rating of 150.0.

Built Ford Tough 225 presented by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers at Kentucky Speedway (July 18) – Hornaday continued his hot streak by becoming the first repeat winner at Kentucky. Starting from the pole, Hornaday beat 2007 race winner Mike Skinner by a .135-second Margin of Victory.

Mountain Dew 250 fueled by Fred’s at Talladega Superspeedway (October 31) – Kyle Busch narrowly beat teammate Aric Almirola by .057 seconds, the smallest Margin of Victory of the season. It was the first one-two finish for Billy Ballew Motorsports and Busch’s fourth win in as many starts. There were 21 lead changes among 10 different drivers. The winner only led twice for a total of 10 laps.