WELCOME COPART: KHI is proud to welcome new sponsor Copart to the No. 33 team. Copart Inc. (NASDAQ:CPRT), is an online vehicle remarketing company that sells more than 1 million cars per year. Copart will serve as primary sponsor for five races in 2009 at the following venues: Kansas, Milwaukee, New Hampshire, Las Vegas, and Talladega.

Notes from the Professor: Quotes from Ron Hornaday:

COMING OFF LAST YEAR’S WIN WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE TRACK? “Kansas Speedway is a pretty new track for the Truck Series. Turn three at Kansas can be slippery if the sun is out and the track temperature is hot. One of the main things you have do if you want a good run here is to get through turn three without any trouble.”

WHEN THE TRUCK SERIES TOOK A BRIEF HIATUS, YOU MADE A TRIP TO WALTER REED MEDICAL CENTER AS PART OF YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS. HOW WAS THE TRIP?  “It’s an honor to be able to represent the VFW, the veterans and all the men and women who are overseas fighting for our freedom everyday. Having the opportunity to go and hear the stories those guys have was humbling. I’ll tell you the media, CNN, or anyone else; nothing can do any justice for what those soldiers are going through over there in Iraq. The attitude those guys have at Walter Reed after being injured is the kind of outlook we should all try and have.”

Notes from Atop the Pit Box: Quotes from Rick Ren:

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE A WIN AT THIS POINT IN THE SEASON? “If you look at our history, this is the time of year when we really begin hitting our stride. However, we have put ourselves in a really good position in the point standings this year. We have focused more on consistency and less on tallying the most wins. I think it is important to continue to run up front, if we do that we are sure to get a win soon. Although, it sure would be nice to start in Kansas like we did last year.”

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A CREW CHIEF AT KANSAS?“Aerodynamics is important everywhere these days, but at Kansas it seems it has become extra important to have your bodies built just right. These trucks are very sensitive to the air and move around a lot. If your aero package is good, you can tweak with the set up and put yourself in a pretty good spot.”