Californian Leffler could use a good run in home state this weekend
By Amanda Brahler - Special to Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
Friday, August 29, 2008
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Last season, Jason Leffler finished third in Nationwide Series points standings with Braun Racing, the highest showing of any Nationwide-only driver. This season, he has fallen back to eighth as Brad Keselowski leads the way as the series' new breakout star, battling Sprint Cup regulars Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards for the title.
Because of his slide, Leffler has been plagued with rumors of his job being at risk.
As the Nationwide circuit visits Auto Club Speedway for the Camping World RV Service 300 this Saturday, he has one hope for the race -- silence the rumors by getting his first win of the 2008 season.
"To win here would be a huge deal for me," said Leffler, a Long Beach, Calif., native. "Of course, you want to win every race, but you especially want that win in front of the home crowd and with your family and friends cheering you on."
Twenty-six races into the 35-race schedule, Leffler has had to take the backseat as the "other" Toyota driver. Last season he led the Toyota charge, giving the manufacturer its first win in the Nationwide ranks. This year, Joe Gibbs Racing has stolen the spotlight, earning 14 wins so far. Braun Racing has one win, won by Kyle Busch at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May, running as a teammate to Leffler under the Braun umbrella.
Looking for any advantage he can, Leffler will be driving that winning car driven by Busch this weekend. He already found success with it just two races ago at California's sister track in Michigan by finishing eighth, his 10th top-10 of the season.
"After the strong performances we have had as a team the last few of weeks, we are carrying a lot of momentum into this weekend and we look to get the Great Clips Camry back to victory lane," he said.
- Mentioned Drivers:
- Jason Leffler
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