Gallagher Scores Second-Best Finish of the Season at PIR

Spencer Gallagher avoided the late-race fireworks en route to his second-best finish of his rookie campaign at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). The Las Vegas native capitalized on earning the ‘Lucky Dog’ award and an improved balance over the final 50 laps to score a sixth-place finish in his second-career start at PIR.

Starting from the 15th position in the Lucas Oil 150, Gallagher bided his time through the events first two caution periods and advanced to 11th by lap 40. As the race’s third yellow flew on lap 40, crew chief Jeff Stankiewicz brought Gallagher to pit road for four tires and fuel along with air-pressure and track-bar adjustments to aid his tight condition in the center of each corner. During the ensuing 53-lap run, the tight balance issues persisted while Gallagher fought to break into the top 10 and stay on the lead lap.

A caution period of lap 105 brought relief for Gallagher after falling a lap down, as he received the ‘Lucky Dog’ award and rejoined the lead lap. Gallagher pitted for the final time under the caution, and proceeded to take advantage of chassis adjustments through the balance of the 150-lap event. While running ninth, Gallagher navigated a multi-truck incident that involved the race leaders on lap 121, and advanced to seventh for the final restart on lap 127.

Through the closing 24 circuits, Gallagher posted some of the fastest lap times on the racetrack and capitalized on poignant chassis adjustments from the Allegiant Travel team. Gallagher executed a pass with under five laps to go to take sixth position and earn his sixth top-10 finish of the 2015 season.

“So much of racing at Phoenix (International Raceway) is about survival and perseverance,” stated Gallagher. There were quite a few incidents tonight that we were able to avoid and managed to take advantage of them. The first couple runs tonight we were too tight over the course of a fuel run, but Jeff (Stankiewicz) and the Allegiant Travel team did a great job improving the balance to where we could get up there towards the end and get a solid finish out of it. We’ve had a couple strong weeks in a row, and I’m excited to finish the season strong next week at Homestead.”

Gallagher and the GMS Racing team head to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway 10th in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver championship point standings.

Adam Sinclair