Drivers
- Car: No. 88 Menards/Seal Best Chevy Silverado
- Team: ThorSport Racing
- Crew Chief: Bud Haefele
- Birth Date: June 11, 1976
- 2005 Rank: 9
- 2005 Points: 3095
- 2005 Winnings: $297,705
BIOGRAPHY
Matt Crafton's love of racing began when he graduated Kindergarten and he was given a go-kart as a gift.
He began racing go-karts at the age of seven, claiming both regional and national championships before moving on to Midgets eight years later.
In his first three seasons in the Midgets, he won 20 main events. After a brief stint running Mini Sprints, Crafton moved on to the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour Series in 1996.
Crafton’s father, Danny, had been racing in the Southwest Tour Series when he was injured and had to step out of his ride. Matt stepped in and took over his father’s car for three races while he recuperated, running well enough that his father stepped aside and let him take over permanently. He was crowned NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series champion in 2000.
The following year, Crafton signed on to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he quickly made an impression.
In his rookie year, he captured 11 top-10 finishes and was third in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings. Crafton has since earned 15 top-10s in the Truck Series, running well enough to capture the eye of team owner Kevin Harvick, who signed him to drive the No. 6 truck in 2004.
"I want to finish in the top five in points," Crafton said. "I am not satisfied with just running in the top ten every week. I want to be in contention to win every time I'm behind the wheel. I want to make everyone proud to have me in the seat."
He enjoys video racing games, golf and closely follows the St. Louis Rams of the NFL.
TRACK STATS
2005 Season
- Highlights:
- Two top-five and ten top-ten finishes.
- Career:
- Finished 15th in Craftsman Truck standings, 2002
- NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour champion, 2000
- Began racing go-karts at age 7
2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
- Rank: 5
- Points: 3379
- Winnings: $325,005
