Biffle Finishes 15th in NESN Ford at Loudon

New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a home track for the Roush Fenway team and Greg Biffle  celebrated NESN’s 30thanniversary with a special car design.  The No. 16 NESN Ford didn’t have the turn Biffle needed early on in the race, but the team never gave up, making the necessary adjustments to leave Loudon with a top-15 finish. 

“I put a few marks on this NESN car today,” said Biffle.  “It was early too, lap two or three. The No. 51 checked up and I got loose and got into the No. 66. That happens with short track racing. You are going to be banging a little bit. We battled really hard today to come away with a 15th-place finish. I am proud of the guys. My crew didn’t give up and we were able to make the most of it today.”

In the opening laps of the 305-lap race Biffle suffered a left rear tire rub after getting loose and making contact with another car.  Biffle drove carefully, avoiding the tire going down until his first opportunity to pit came under caution on lap 18.  Once the fender was clear of the tire the team could focus on a bigger challenge, getting the No. 16 to turn.

Crew chief Matt Puccia took advantage of every pit stop to try different combinations of chassis adjustments in an effort to gain turn.  Over long green flag runs Biffle lost a lap to the leaders, but had the opportunity to take a “wave around” and get back on the lead lap.

In an effort to make up lost track position, Biffle stayed out under caution with less than 50 laps remaining.  The strategy worked briefly as Biffle cracked the top five, but fresher tires prevailed and Biffle lost spots on the track.  The final caution set the field up for a green-white-checkered finish.  Biffle pitted for fresh tires and fuel and was able to gain a few spots in the final laps to earn a 15th-place finish at Loudon.

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