NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year contender Timothy Peters received somewhat of an early Christmas present this week when he was tabbed to replace Chris Fontaine as the driver of the No. 4 Bailey’s Dodge for this Friday’s Power Stroke Diesel 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Peters has competed in 8 NCTS events this year highlighted by an impressive 6th place finish at Dover in only his fourth career start.

"I am excited about going to IRP this weekend,” Peters said shortly after finding out he would be behind the wheel. “IRP is the one track I really wanted to drive on this season, but it was not on my schedule. I hate Chris is unable to drive, but I am pumped about Friday night. I think it is our best chance to better our Dover finish. I have only seen the track on television, but it reminds me of the racing I grew up on.” 

Peters was called to duty after Fontaine was unexpectedly unable to compete in Friday night’s contest. The 24 year-old Providence, NC native will surely welcome a return to his short track roots. Peters qualified 9th and finished 18th in his most recent NCTS short track event at Memphis.

“Short tracks fit my driving style and I have tons of experience on them,” Peters said. “The No. 4 team is always getting better. We figured out some things in Memphis we needed to change and those things we make us better at Indy. No track can be hotter than Memphis was two weeks ago. I have never got dehydrated during a race like I did there. I feel like I am in pretty good shape and was shocked how much the heat affected me. I drink a lot of water the week before a race and on race day to help keep my body cool. I have done some research during the past week on how to stay hydrated so I am ready to see if it works. Indy will be hot, but I think I am better prepared for it this week than I was at Memphis." 

The Power Stroke Diesel 200 is slated for Friday August 5th at 7:45 pm EDT. The race will be broadcast live nationally on The Speed Channel, MRN and XM Satellite Radio.