Greg Biffle worked his way from his 24th-place qualifying effort all the way into the top 10 before a blown left rear sent him to pit road under green at California. While trying to get back on the lead lap the No. 16 3M Aerospace Ford got debris on the grille, causing the engine to overheat. The team was forced to pit multiple times to add water to the engine as the laps dwindled down, but they never gave up and crossed the finish line 40th, 13 laps down to the leader.
Biffle’s 3M Aerospace Ford started off a little free, but after some wedge and track bar adjustments he found himself running inside the top five. All seemed to be going well as Biffle settled solidly into the top 10, but then the left rear tire gave way. Biffle was one of many tire victims at California and after pitting under green for fresh tires he found himself one lap down to the field.
The teams’ focus was getting back on the lead lap until Biffle reported his water temperatures were rising as there was debris on the grille. Biffle searched for help on the track to clear the debris, but ultimately had to bring his Ford to pit road. Biffle pitted to have the grille cleaned and water added back to his Ford. Shortly after pitting the caution came out again and in an attempt to get a lap back Biffle took the “wave around.”
The temperatures kept rising on, sending Biffle back down pit road multiple times to have water added to his Ford as the laps ticked away. California has been a great track for Biffle and his team in the past, but this visit they were left with a disappointing 40th-place finish with the No. 16 3M Aerospace Ford.
RFR PR
