Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) achieved a milestone in its eighth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Regan Smith, driver of the No. 7 Advanced Patient Care (APC) Chevrolet along with some team strategy, scored a third-place finish in the Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway on Monday afternoon.
“We got to take the opportunities when they present themselves, and today and this weekend in general, just kind of had that feeling to it with the rain on and off all weekend long, and we were able to make the most out of it, and it’s something I’m proud of them for doing,” said Smith.
“I’m so happy for Tommy,” Smith continued. “Tommy has done this for a long time, and his strategy is second to none. He’s as good as anybody when it comes to calling a race and playing the strategy game. I think this is the team’s best non-plate finish ever, so that’s cool, and something that you can really get everybody pumped up at the shop about and take this on to the next race.”
Smith worked his way into the top-25 by halfway after he and Baldwin made some effective handling adjustments.
With 33 laps remaining, it became apparent that weather would be a factor as green-flag pit stops began. Baldwin chose not to pit until absolutely necessary, and it paid off.
Just several laps into the pit cycle, NASCAR displayed caution for fog, which was followed by a red flag. After waiting just under 90-minutes, the race was declared official.
The finish was the team’s best for a non-restrictor plate track. In 2011, Dave Blaney scored a third-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway.
“Today it seemed like I was the car owner, crew chief and meteorologist,” Baldwin joked. “Regan and I thought we’d roll the dice and bank on the weather. It’s always a gamble but today it worked out for us. I’m just very proud of this team.”
TBR PR
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