A pair of NASCAR races in two states linked by a late-night plane ride proved to be no problem for John Wes Townley.
On Friday night, the 25-year-old Townley narrowly missed scoring his third career top finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series after he was edged at the line by former Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski as they battled for fifth in the N.C. Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
On Sunday afternoon, Townley piloted the Zaxby’s Chevrolet to a 13-place finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Iowa Speedway. His effort matched a career-best finish in NASCAR’s junior circuit for Townley. He also finished 13th at Talladega, Ala. in 2014.
“Overall, it was a solid weekend for Athenian Motorsports,” said Townley, who is now fifth in driver points in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. “We came within a few inches of finishing fifth in the truck race at Charlotte Friday night.
“Then we had to fly through the night out to Iowa to get ready for practice in the car Saturday morning at 9 a.m. To be able to run in the top 15 on Sunday and finish 13th with that level of competition, that’s not too bad.
“Of course, our goal is to always be in the top 10. We’re getting closer.”
Townley will return to action on Memorial Day weekend when he returns to Charlotte to participate in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Hisense 300.
“I’m confident that running the truck race last Friday night is going to end up paying off for us in the Xfinity race this week,” Townley said. “Our truck team was already telling me late Friday night about some things they learned that they are going to share with the guys on our No. 25 car.
“There are at least four Sprint Cup drivers on the entry list for Saturday’s race. But I really think we can go there and surprise some folks and run in the top 10. I’m excited about it.”
Athenian Motorsports PR
