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Benson wins at Kentucky, takes series lead

Jul 20, 2008 - 2:31 AM SPARTA, Kentucky (Ticker) -- Johnny Benson's victory at Kentucky Speedway on Saturday was doubly sweet.

In addition to picking up his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory of the season in the Built Ford Tough 225, Benson also took over the series lead by a single point over Matt Crafton.

It was the 11th career series victory for Benson, who led 94 of 150 laps in a Toyota. The victory also was the 20th in series history for Bill Davis Racing, making it second among active teams.

"We ran good, but it wasn't easy," said Benson, who entered the race in fourth place. "It looked easy, but it wasn't."

Michael Annett finished second in a Tundra, followed by Crafton's Chevrolet, Dennis Setzer's Dodge and David Starr's Toyota.

Kyle Busch failed in his attempt to win three consecutive races in three national tours but rallied twice to finish sixth in a Toyota.

Pole-sitter Mike Skinner finished seventh, followed by Terry Cook, Marc Mitchell and Ron Hornaday Jr.

Hornaday entered the race with the points lead but was forced to come back down pit road with a loose wheel on lap 82. He now trails Benson by five points.

"I think we've run good all year, just had a few problems," Benson said. "Just week in and week out, they give me a truck I can win with. If we get up front, we can get there.

"It's just way cool, that's for sure."

The race marked the debut for Randy Moss Motorsports, with Willie Allen bringing the NFL star's Chevrolet home 15th.

"I thought we were going to get a top-10 finish tonight and we were on our way, but just got a little loose there in the end and lost some positions we couldn't make up," Allen said. "But I want to thank Randy Moss, David Dollar and all the guys for having me drive the Rascal Flatts Silverado here tonight."