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2016 Season in Review: Matt Crafton

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Matt Crafton, driver of the #88 Black Label Bacon/Menards Toyota, leads a pack of trucks during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Matt Crafton

CREW CHIEF: Carl “Junior” Joiner

TEAM: ThorSport Racing

POINTS: 2nd

WINS: 2 (Dover, Charlotte)

LAPS LED: 446

TOP 5s: 8 (fewest since 2013)

TOP 10s: 16

POLES: 1 (Atlanta)

WHAT WENT RIGHT: Crafton earned multiple victories for the third consecutive year, which included his first win at Dover International Speedway … After qualifying for the inaugural Chase in the Camping World Truck Series, Crafton was one of the final four at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

WHAT WENT WRONG: An ill-handling truck led to Johnny Sauter chasing him down and passing Crafton at Homestead, giving Sauter the championship. Crafton had been in control of the title fight all night, even leading 10 laps … Had five DNFs in a season for the third time in his career (most in a season was six in 2002) … His two wins came early in the season - the fifth and sixth races. He failed to win after leading laps in five races thereafter, including Texas where he had 133 laps led.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2017: Crafton embarks on his 17th full year in the series looking for his third championship … Will continue to be one of the drivers to beat for the title.

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