Ratings for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Martinsville last weekend were up 18 percent, according to Nielsen Media Research. The increase continues a trend on SPEED, as the last three NCTS races all have enjoyed ratings increases, with the most noteworthy growth among younger audiences.

“These numbers are encouraging,” said SPEED President Hunter Nickell. “To be able to deliver consistent ratings increases in this challenging environment is significant.

“The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is delivering a historic points battle between two former champions,” Nickell added. “It’s a series rife with great storylines, and at the end of the day, viewers want to be a part of a great story. SPEED will have all hands on deck as this championship is decided.”

The Martinsville race earned a .73 (534,000 households), peaking at .82 (598,000 HH). Both numbers were improvements from a .62 average and .72 peak in 2006. The Men 18-49 saw the most dramatic growth, up 92 percent from a year ago.

At Talladega, the 2007 Nielsen rating was .94 (886,000 HH), up four percent from .90 (611,000 HH) in 2006. And at Las Vegas, the race earned a .49, up 11 percent from the .44 in 2006.