As is often the case in most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) restrictor-plate races, however, things rarely go according to the plan.
After getting as high as 11th in the 160 lap event, Speed dropped to the back of the pack to save his race car for a late-race dash. Speed found himself in a pile up on the last lap of the race, leaving him with a 28th- place finish and a dinged-up race car.
Speed started the night from the eighteenth row in 36th-place, surged through traffic at the green and was in 13th position by the first caution. Crew chief Wally Rogers brought the No. 95 to pit road for four tires, fuel and added tape to the front. The early caution was followed by a long green flag run, which led to green flag stops. Just before Speed came in for service the caution came out while he was in the 11th-spot.
“It seemed like people were being conservative and going to the back,” Speed said.
Speed restarted 27th and shortly after decided to drop back due to the field getting dicey.
Just as the final lap was coming to a close in the green-white-checkered finish, Speed was caught in a six-car incident. The No.13 got into the No. 99 causing him to spin uncontrollably into Speed. Speed’s car was sandwiched between the No.99 and the outside wall in Turn Two. As the No. 99 continued to spin he hit the No. 95 Leavine Family Racing Ford in the left rear cutting a tire which sent the car down the track and into the grass. Speed quickly got back on track damaged attempting for a good finish, only to watch the caution flag wave freezing the field that resulted in a 28th-place finish.
“Restrictor-plate races are always crazy, but this one got really wild at the end,” Speed said. “Everyone was pushing and shoving, so there were a bunch of us hanging out in the back to stay out of trouble. I ran with Tony Stewart for a big part of the race. So while he got through the traffic and finished second, the accidents found us.”
Speed still finished on the lead lap, and is one of only 10 drivers to finish on the lead lap in all three restrictor plate races this year.
“Our Leavine Family Racing team had a good car and a good plan that just didn’t work out,” crew chief Wally Rogers said. “I am proud of Scott and all the LFR guys.”
Speed and Leavine Family Racing will continue with its limited schedule. The team will concentrate on selected races, including the upcoming Crown Royal Presents the Samuel Deeds 400 at The Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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