Spencer Gallagher, driver of the No. 23 Allegiant Travel Chevrolet, endured rear gear complications in his track debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) after running inside the top 15 for the majority of the afternoon. Gallagher was credited with a 28th-place finish in the 500th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race, while GMS Racing teammate, Austin Dillon, captured the organization’s first NASCAR victory.
On Friday afternoon, Gallagher and the Allegiant Travel team displayed their strength by posting the second-fastest lap in final practice, and underscored that effort by earning a season-high seventh-place qualifying effort. At the drop of the green flag, an extremely tight balance condition in the center and exit of NHMS’ flat corners hindered his forward progress. The GMS Racing team made aggressive adjustments, which included track bar and spring rubber changes during the first four-tire pit stop on lap 41.
On the lap 45 restart, Gallagher began to work his way back inside the top-15 as the balance improved, and held his position past the halfway mark. On lap 99, the Las Vegas native reported that he lost all drive in his No. 23, and forced him to the garage for repairs. The GMS Racing team came prepared, changed a rear gear, and returned him to the racetrack to see the checkered flag. The repair efforts helped Gallagher maintain his ninth-place position in the NCWTS driver championship standings. The NCWTS will head west to Gallagher’s home town of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway next Saturday night.
SPENCER GALLAGHER QUOTE:
”Our Allegiant Travel team really showed what they’re made of this weekend. We constantly improved the balance throughout practice, and definitely made gains during the race. It was unfortunate to have the rear gear issue, because with all the attrition, and the way we were improving our Silverado, we would have had a great opportunity to get another top-10 finish. But, today is about our entire GMS Racing organization. Austin (Dillon) getting our first victory is huge, and really shows what type of team we’ve been able to build this year. I can’t wait to get to Las Vegas and run well out there next weekend.”
GMS Racing PR
