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2016 Season in Review: Johnny Sauter

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Johnny Sauter, driver of the #21 Allegiant Travel Chevrolet, celebrates with the championship trophy in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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Johnny Sauter

CREW CHIEF: Marcus Richmond (races 1 – 6), Joe Shear Jr. (remainder of the season)

TEAM: GMS Racing

WINS: 3 (Daytona, Martinsville II, Texas II)

LAPS LED: 130 (highest since 2014)

TOP 5s: 12 (most since 2011)

TOP 10s: 19 (career-high)

POLES: 1 (Texas I)

WHAT WENT RIGHT: Made the switch to GMS Racing and won the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. The win qualified Sauter for the inaugural Chase … Tied his season-high in wins with three and also earned a career-high 19 top-10 finishes. Had just one DNF … Advanced to the final round of the Chase at Homestead-Miami Speedway and captured his first championship.

WHAT WENT WRONG: Statistically, nothing. Sauter had a career-year in terms of his numbers and won his first championship. Even a crew chief change early in the season didn’t slow Sauter down as he won the pole and finished third in his first race (Texas) with Joe Shear Jr.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2017: Sauter will be back with GMS Racing for their second season together and his ninth full season. Will look to become first repeat Truck Series champion since Matt Crafton in 2013-2014 … Will remain competitive on every style of racetrack.

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