By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer

Just about everything looks to be the same for Matt Kenseth as this year’s TD Banknorth 250 draws near.

The former Nextel Cup champion will have the same people preparing his car and the same crew.

Now if only Kenseth can do something about his draw on Sunday.

Kenseth found his way in the back of the pack during qualifying last year and started the race in the 41st spot. He ultimately finished third overall.

With Whorff Motorsports getting his ride ready once again, Kenseth could be in pretty good shape this time, assuming he finds better luck at the driver’s meeting.

“We’re following the same plan we had last year,” said Bill Whorff Jr. “The plan that we had worked great last year. He’s going to have the same crew chief and the same crew. Pretty much our strategy is going to be the same. I think we did everything right last year.”

When Kenseth decided to return to the 250 this year, it made sense that he team up with Whorff Motorsports in West Bath again.

“He contacted the racetrack and said he was interested in coming back,” said Whorff. “He said he wanted to hook up with the same team he had last year. He felt we worked good together. We were honored that he was pleased with what we gave him for a race car. I’m glad he had a good time and that he wanted to come back.”

Whorff and his son Jeremie will also be preparing their own cars for Sunday. Bill won the last chance qualifier last year, even though he had a provisional, but tire problems hampered him.

Jeremie didn’t qualify because an accident ended his day early. When asked if he considered declining Kenseth’s request for a car to focus on his own team’s preparation, Whorff just smiles broadly.

“It is a lot of work,” he said. “It was a lot more than I thought it would be, but it’s definitely all worth it. To be involved with a Nextel Cup champion and having him drive one of your cars, who wouldn’t be excited? We were just as excited when he wanted to comeback.”

Kenseth, the 33-year old from Cambridge, Wisconsin, liked what he had for a car last year. He said following the race that had it been a normal kind of qualifying, he thought his car would have fared very well. Getting a bad draw, his inexperience on the track and a flat tire all added to his frustrations during qualifying. Whorff says Kenseth may have an even better car this year.

“He actually requested the same car, but we’re going to use that car as a spare car for all three of us,” said Whorff. “We’ve actually built him a new car. It’s run five times total and my boy has won three times with it. It’s had a good track record so far.”

Other than the car being new, Whorff says nothing is being done differently than last year’s preparations.

“We have made changes as far as the chassis,” said Whorff. “A lot has changed as far as springs and shocks. We have changed that part, but as far as what we did to prepare for the race, that hasn’t changed. We were well prepared last year, and we are this year.”

Kenseth will also have the same crew led by Steve Reny of Boothbay.

“It’s definitely going to be an advantage because they’re going to be in sync a little bit,” said Whorff. “Matt’s familiar with Steve Reny, and they’re well prepared and excited to do it again.”

Having already gone through this routine for Kenseth once is making this year that much smoother and could benefit Kenseth as well.

“It’s definitely helped us,” said Whorff. “It’s easier this year. The hype isn’t there as much as last year. Now we’re focused on getting one of us three to victory lane.”