Bliss Beats Obstacles to Finish 23rd at Chicago

By:
On:
In: Xfinity Series News

 

 

 

 

After collecting the wall in NASCAR Nationwide Series practice, as a result of a really loose Toyota, Mike Bliss started the Dollar General 300 powered by Coke from the 35th position.

 

Gaining seven positions within the first 10 laps, Bliss began fighting loose conditions with the No. 19 TriStar Motorsports Toyota Camry.

 

When the opportunity to pit came at lap 23 for the events first caution, Crew Chief Paul Clapprood called Bliss to pit road for four tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment.

 

Racing in the 25th position as the field settled in for a long green flag run, Bliss stated his Toyota was still “loose, loose, loose”.  Seeing little change from the adjustments made during his previous pit stop, he brought the No. 19 Camry 

down pit road for a green flag stop on lap 81.

 

Continuing to make strides to tighten up his loose handling car, Bliss opted to take the wave around during the events second caution on lap 102. 

 

On lap 127 Bliss brought the Toyota Camry to pit road for another green flag pit stop.  Making no adjustments the crew put on four scuff tires and topped off on fuel. 

 

Bliss took the wave around for the second time as the third caution fell on lap 161.   He said, “the car felt the best it’s been all day”.

 

Experiencing difficulties getting into the corners with five laps to go, Bliss was not able to advance within the closing laps and went on to finish the event in 23rd position. 

  

Mike Bliss’ post race remarks:

 

 “Our car was loose the whole race.  We tried making adjustments that would subdue the loose condition for a handful of laps, but as the tires wore down it would come back.  I really appreciate the effort of my crew, they worked really hard to try and find a balance in the car.” – Mike Bliss

 

 

 

 

Speedway Digest Staff
Follow Me
Latest posts by Speedway Digest Staff (see all)
Post Views: 46