Emotional Marks Wins at Mid-Ohio

In an emotional victory for Chip Ganassi Racing as they remember Bryan Clauson, Justin Marks wins at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course after battling heavy rain, dry conditions, and Sam Hornish Jr. This is Mark’s first NASCAR Xfinity Series win in 25 starts. Hornish finished second with Ryan Blaney in third, Ty Dillon in fourth, and Justin Allgaier in fifth. 

 

“My specialty is road racing. I don’t get much opportunity to do it. When the opportunity presents itself, I really have to take advantage of it. I knew if we raced in the rain that we would have a shot at winning it. I’m just really happy,” said an emotional Marks in a post-race victory lane interview. 

 

“it’s just great for the team. We’ve got Justin and Kyle winning both in the 42 car. It’s just a great day for Chip Ganassi Racing,” said Mike Shiplett, crew chief on the no. 42.

 

The Mid-Ohio Challenge experienced eight cautions for a total of 32 laps. One caution flew for weather. Five cautions flew for cars going off the racing surface. There was only one debris caution. The caution flew once for a major accident that collected five cars. 

 

There were 13 lead changes among eight different drivers. Marks led the most laps at 43 for a total of three times. Hornish Jr. led a total of three times for eight laps. Ty Dillon led a total of two times for five laps. Owen Kelly also led two times during the race for two laps. Darrel Wallace Jr. led once for seven laps. Blaney also led once for a total of six laps. Brendan Gaughan led once for three laps. Ross Chastain also led once for one lap. 

 

The average speed of the race was 53.437 mph. The time of race was 3 hours, 10 minutes, 09 seconds. The margin of victory for Marks was 3.707 seconds.

 

Elliott Sadler continues to hold onto the point lead heading into next weeks event at Bristol Motor Speedway by 25 over Daniel Suarez. Dillon is in third 33 points behind, Erik Jones is fourth 52 points behind, and Justin Allgaier is 54 points behind. 

 

The next race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series will be Friday, August 19 for the Food City 300. USA Network will be host to the race beginning at 7:30 pm eastern. Performance Racing Network will have radio coverage from Bristol at 7 pm. 

Caleb Whisler
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