Five races into the 2009 season, California native Matt Crafton finds himself perched fourth in the standings. Only 94 points behind leader Mike Skinner, he continues to show he's just as much a contender as the former series champions that surround him.

As the series prepares to compete in Friday night's North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (7:30 p.m. ET on SPEED) at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Crafton has the confidence of knowing how to find Victory Lane. A year ago, he grabbed his first NASCAR national series victory at Lowe's.

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"I think you have to be confident each and every week but it helps going back to a place where you know you have won before. Last year's win was awesome," Crafton said. "It was nice to look at everyone and say we did it and to finally quiet all those asking if I was capable of winning. My owners, Duke and Rhonda Thorson, have been so supportive so it was really gratifying for them and the others who have believed in me all along the way."

Just like his driver, crew chief Bud Haefele wouldn't mind a repeat trip to Victory Lane.

"Winning the race last year was special for all of us and we're looking forward to getting back there," he said.

The team has posted solid, top-10 finishes in all but one race so far this season.

"Matt has been driving his tail off," Haefele said. "We know that consistency is important to winning a championship, so we know we have to bring everything we've got each time out. Our trucks are better than they've ever been. This team has been together for a while now, and everybody is on the same page, has the same goal in terms of winning a championship."

For Crafton, "without a doubt momentum is key," he said. "If we keep going in there each week with confidence and the momentum we've gained, it'll keep carrying over and we'll be there in the end, contending for the championship."

No time to panic

Ron Hornaday hasn't made a trip to Victory Lane yet this season. But for the veteran driver who is going for a record fourth series title, it's no time to panic.

In his previous nine full seasons, it's only taken Hornaday this long to win a race twice. The most recent time fell in 2007 when it took him to the sixth race to grab his first win of the season. That race was at Lowe's Motor Speedway. It also was the year he went on to claim his third championship.

"Winning at Lowe's in 2007 was definitely a career milestone for Rick Ren [crew chief] and I," Hornaday said. "Neither of us had ever been able to win at our home track. It meant so much and I'm glad that win was part of our KHI championship season."

Hornaday is eager to get back to Victory Lane.

"I really hate the fact that we have not been able to put the No. 33 truck into Victory Lane this season," he said. "We are very hungry. Our team has brought some incredible trucks to the race track so far this season. We have been there every week.

"This is traditionally the time in the season when our team comes alive. I hope we can do it again this year; a tally in the win column would be nice." (Continued)