Rookie Garrett Smithley had the ride of his life in Saturday’s Sparks Energy 300, charging home with a 12th-place finish in his first NASCAR major-series race at Talladega Superspeedway.
Smithley was running with the lead pack in the closing laps as the race went into overtime. With the leaders jockeying for position in the packed draft in the final two laps, Smithley held his spot and rolled across the finish line with the rest of the front pack.
“What a race,” Smithley said. “The car was great. We were able to move up quickly from our starting spot (35th) and run along with the fast group. A great finish and a great afternoon for the whole team.”
The finish was the best of Smithley’s first season.
Driving the Instalco Chevrolet, Smithley is 18th in Xfinity driver points.
JD Motorsports PR
