Thar She Blows But It’s Not All Bad For Whitt

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In: NASCAR Truck Series News

First, the bad news: Engine gremlins bit Cole Whitt, who entered Friday night’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race ranked second in points.

The motor in his Turn One Racing No. 60 truck quit with 56 laps to go, prompting Whitt to say, “It’s done,” and sending him to the garage for the night. He finished 28th — a sour ending to what was shaping up to be a promising night. After starting 14th, Whitt had climbed to fourth while avoiding a slew of cautions (there ended up being a race-record 10 yellow flags).

“I had a top-10 truck tonight,” said the 19-year-old Whitt. “I struggled with it being tight in the beginning and too loose after adjustments, but the truck was decent. I probably could have salvaged a top five out of the night, and I am really bummed that this Red Bull/Fuel Doctor truck won’t make it to the checkered flag.”

And now, the good news: Despite easily the worst finish of his rookie Truck Series season, Whitt still ranks second in points. He got a little help, too. Rival Austin Dillon was involved in two incidents and finished 26th. Another rival, Matt Crafton, never finished. And points leader Johnny Sauter was black-flagged on the final lap for not holding his line on the restart. He forfeited the victory — Ron Hornaday Jr. was declared the winner — and ended up 22nd.

So, even though Whitt lost the title as the only Truck Series driver complete every lap, he lost only eight points on Sauter in the points standings (326-306).

Red Bull Racing PR

Speedway Digest Staff
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