Ryan Blaney (@RyanBlaney22), driver of the No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford F-150, made his third start at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday afternoon after qualifying in the 24th position Friday.
The second caution came out on lap 68, because the No. 18 got into the back of the No. 29. Blaney was directed by crew chief, Doug Randolph, to bring his Cooper Standard Ford to pit road for four tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment, as Blaney had been losing grip towards the end of the run.
After Blaney went one lap down due to the prior incident with the No. 18 KBM machine on lap 69, Blaney received the lucky dog on lap 99 under caution. He restarted in the 19th position on lap 105 after coming to pit road for four tires, fuel and one up on the track bar.
When the eighth caution came out on lap 170, Blaney was relieved to bring his Cooper Standard Ford to pit road for four fresh tires, fuel and two up on the track bar as he had come on the radio two laps prior stating his F-150 had simply just lost everything. Blaney restarted in the 18th position with 25 laps to go.
The final caution came out on lap 187 for a tangle between RCR teammates. Blaney restarted in the eighth position with six to go and muscled his way to a fifth place finish in a spectacular display of racing.
The No. 29 BKR team currently sits sixth in the NCWTS driver points standings, 92 points back from first.
“Well that’s Martinsville for you. It was a great performance by my Cooper Standard team to never give up today. I’m extremely happy for our entire organization and I’m looking forward to Texas next Friday night under the lights.” – Ryan Blaney
BKR PR
