BK Racing News and Notes: Talladega Superspeedway Race Recap

David Ragan, driver of the No. 23 Schluter-Systems Toyota Camry, finished in the 34th position in Sunday afternoon’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) event at Talladega Superspeedway. Teammate Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the No. 83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry, finished in the 36th position.

“Overall, I had a good day going,” Ragan said. “Our strategy was good and we found ourselves in the top 15 in the closing laps when the engine let go. Proud of the team for working hard and giving me a good car. Thanks to Schluter-Systems and Schwarze Industries for their support this weekend.

“Talladega was definitely a tough race for us after getting caught in the crash at Lap 51,” DiBenedetto said. “Our team worked hard to repair the Dustless Blasting Camry and we were able to get back out for a few more laps until our engine let go. We’ll regroup and head on to Kansas Speedway this weekend.”

Just after the drop of the green flag, Ragan was able to make early gains in the No. 23 Schluter-Systems Camry. Reporting to the team that the car was running well, but hot, Ragan worked his way to 13th. With just 38 laps remaining, Ragan came over the radio and reported to crew chief Patrick Donahue that his engine felt amiss. Heading to the garage with a blown engine, the team found that it was a broken valve train that prematurely ended Ragan’s day.

In the early stages of the event, DiBenedetto was able to work his way through the field. Trouble found DiBenedetto early when at Lap 51, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time when Dale Earnhardt Jr. got loose and collected him. After repairs in the garage, DiBenedetto returned to track 11 laps down and spirit in tact, ready to return to action.

Next up, the NSCS heads to Kansas Speedway for a Saturday night showdown. GoBowling.com 400 race coverage beings at 7:30 p.m. on FOX Sports 1.

BK Racing PR