No. 34 Benebone Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
Looking to add another road course win to his resume, Michael McDowell was ready to take on The Glen. Starting in 10th position, the No. 34 Benebone Ford Mustang stayed up to pace with the leaders despite multiple cautions and restarts. Crew Chief Travis Peterson called McDowell in with 4 laps remaining in the stage for the undercut on strategy in hopes to flip the running order and gain McDowell more positions when the leaders would pit, finishing Stage 1 in 16th. The strategy put the No. 34 back up front as McDowell battled with the No. 1 on the Stage 2 restart for the lead. The Benebone car would cycle back to fourth when McDowell pitted with three laps to go in Stage 2, on the same strategy as the first stage, finishing 12th. For the final stage, restarting fifth, McDowell was able to stay within the Top-5 as tire and fuel strategy became the main focus. McDowell cycled to the lead with 30 laps to go, leading 7 laps before pitting for the final time. He cycled back to the fifth position, then three consecutive cautions set up NASCAR Overtime. After 2 chaotic laps, McDowell finished 7th, his third consecutive road course Top-10 finish.
Start: 10th
Stage One: 16th
Stage Two: 12th
Race Result: 7th
DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:
"It was a crazy race for sure with our No. 34 Benebone Ford Mustang. We knew we had a fast car to race up front, and we had a good strategy to get us in contention towards the end. Just unfortunate with those restarts at the end, but I'm proud of the guys for bringing a good car this weekend, we have such a strong road course program. Wish we could have been up front fighting for the win, but a Top-10 is something to be proud of for sure."
No. 38 Boozy Jerky Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
In his 100th career Cup Series start, Todd Gilliland brought a new look to his Ford Mustang Dark Horse, partnering with Boozy Jerky for the event. Qualifying 37th, Gilliland buckled in for 90-laps and determined to bring home a better race finish, Gilliland started working his way to the front. A chaotic lap 1 brought out the caution, giving Crew Chief Ryan Bergenty the chance to pull off some strategy, bringing Gilliland down pit road for a fuel only stop. Back on track, Gilliland continued to fight for position before coming back to pit road with three laps remaining in Stage 1 for tires and fuel. Gilliland finished Stage 1 in the 32nd position. Staying out under the stage-break caution, Gilliland fought with the handling of his race car. Bergenty again short-pitted the stage with 3 laps remaining, giving Gilliland tires and fuel. Stage 2 ended under caution, crediting Gilliland in the 23rd position. Gilliland stayed out under the stage-break caution. With the cautions falling and tire and fuel strategy becoming an important factor, Gilliland survived NASCAR Overtime to cross the start / finish line in the 16th position.
Start: 37th
Stage One: 32nd
Stage Two: 23rd
Race Result: 16th
DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:
"It's always frustrating when you qualify in the back, but Ryan (Bergenty) and the team did a great job turning our weekend around with our strategy. We're in the final stretch of the season, so we need to keep our heads up and not lose focus. There are still races left that I think we have a legitimate shot at.
"It was great to have Boozy Jerky on board this weekend. They brought quite a few people to the track, and it was cool to meet them all. There jerky was a nice snack to have on the hauler too."
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