Yeah, pretty sure the trucks are running spec Ilmor engines. I think they're based on a GM design. At any rate, I was pleased with each series' outcome. Great weekend for Ford.
The truck race was straight-up embarrassing to the discipline of auto racing. Hell, even NASCAR itself was shitting on the series. When the owner of the winning team in the next series up mentions the ****-show in a post-race interview...yes, it is bad. If a NASCAR official has to bring up how NOT to race in a pre-race meeting...yes, it is bad. That race was so bad, particularly since it was the last race of the season, it will leave a "truck series is a joke" kind of taste in everyone's mouth for a long time. Daytona isn't next week....
I'm not sure if ARCA teams/driver are an answer. They're not much better, but they are the next "feeder series" ; I would probably look at CARS series teams, or other late model touring series. Guys with blood, sweat and tears in their cars, like you said. Maybe look to a series not aligned with NASCAR corporate. I saw where Frankie Muniz will have an Xfinity ride next season, with some ARCA events as well. I wonder if this, skipping the seemingly troubled truck series, will become the norm. Maybe it is all circumstance, but the Craftsman Truck Series sure seems like a good place for a rich kid to tear up your stuff.
Interesting stuff.
-Joey