Reed Finishes 31st in Bristol After a Late-Race Accident

The NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) took to the half-mile bullring of Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday afternoon.  Roush Fenway Racing (RFR) rookie, Ryan Reed ran in the top-15 for most of the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 presented by Lilly Diabetes, before a late-race accident relegated the team to 31^st.

“We had a top-15, and it was a solid top-15, said Reed.  “I don’t know what to do to catch a break.  I’m definitely getting beat up out there, so I’ve got to figure something out.”

Reed qualified his American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes^SM presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang in 21^st.  When the first caution flew on Lap 4, Reed came over the radio and told the crew that the car was decent.

The driver of the No. 16 continued to march forward, advancing to 13^th by the next caution period.  Reed informed Crew Chief Seth Barbour that the handling of his Ford Mustang felt pretty good.  Barbour called his driver down pit road for four tires, fuel and no adjustments.

Reed held strong in the top-15 as the laps continued to wind down.  On Lap 146, the team took advantage of the lead lap cars pitting under caution, in order to take the wave around and get back on the lead lap.

When the team visited pit road for the second time of the day on Lap 216, Reed was still happy with the handling of the car.  After four fresh tires and fuel, he returned to the track in 14^th.

Reed maintained his 14^th-place running position until tight racing led to a race-ending accident for the No. 16 team on Lap 258.  The team was credited with 31^st.

RFR PR