Ross Chastain and the No. 19 Checkered Flag Foundation team started the race from the 25th position after posting a qualifying lap of 19.992 seconds around the .533 mile oval
Chastain got off to a hot start moving all the way up to the 12th position on lap 58 The caution flag waved for the first time due to a spin in turn one. It was the kind of start, crew chief Chad Kendrick had envisioned as he brought the CFF F-Series down pit road for the first time, changing all four tires and topping it off with fuel.
Kendrick and Chastain continued to communicate constantly on their radios making gradual improvements to the No. 19 CFF F-Series as the day progressed.
The yellow flag waved for a second time on lap 70, as Chastain got caught up in an altercation, which ultimately damaged the front end of his Truck. Electing to stay on track under the caution period, Chastain secured the 12th position as the green flag fell again.
The No. 87 brought out the seventh caution flag of the afternoon on lap 143 for a spin, forcing Kendrick to reel Chastain from the 11th position down pit road for a second time replenishing him with fuel, four new tires and echoing a loud applause throughout the No. 19 pit stall due to efficient stop.
On lap 240, right after Chastain had already come to pit road for a third time for fuel and four tires, he had to make an unexpected stop, because his BKR Ford F-Series had a left rear cut down by the No. 81, forfeiting him a top 10 finish in the Kroger 250 and placing 20th.
As a result of Chastain’s finish, the No. 19 team now sits 16th in owner point standings.
“Although we didn’t qualify well yesterday, we had a strong Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation F-Series, as I moved to the front in a hurry. It’s always a great time to be able and run here at Martinsville Speedway, especially when Brad’s CFF is on the hood of the Truck. I can’t thank my team (@TeamBKR) enough for supporting me throughout the up and down day as we look forward to Rockingham next weekend.”- Ross Chastain
BKR PR
