Dylan Kwasniewski made his first-career NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) start at Charlotte Motor Speedway during Saturday afternoon’s History 300 and, despite going a lap down during the middle portion of the race, the Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender drove his Rockstar Energy Drink Chevrolet to a 13th-place finish. During the weekend’s two NNS practices, Kwasniewski and his Turner Scott Motorsports team laid down the 15th- and fourth-fastest times, respectively. Kwasniewski then went out Saturday morning and laid down a time of 29.705 sec., which was good enough for the fourth-place starting position and the highest-qualifying effort of a NNS regular. Shortly after the green flag waved on a picture perfect afternoon, Kwasniewski settled into the top 15 and was learning the best way around the 1.5-mile oval. During the first caution on lap 25, Kwasniewski came down pit road and received four tires, fuel and adjustments. After the pit stop, Kwasniewski restarted 23rd, but quickly started picking off competitors one at a time. The 18-year-old was scored in the 10th position when the first round of green-flag pit stops began on lap 79. During the stop, Kwasniewski fell a lap down but continued to battle during the long green-flag run. The Rockstar Energy Drink team continued to tune on the No. 31 Chevy during the last two pit stops of the afternoon and, after several key adjustments, Kwasniewski crossed the finish line in the 13th position.
Dylan Kwasniewski on Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway:
“We had a really fast Rockstar Energy Drink Chevy this weekend. My guys worked really hard during the short week to prepare a great racecar for me. We started out a little on the tight side, but Pat [Tryson] and the guys made great adjustments all day. This No. 31 team is so close to having something special. I think if we can put one whole race together, we can visit victory lane real soon.“
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