Reed Finishes 15th at Texas

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In: Xfinity Series News

Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed and the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association team finished 15th on Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway in the 30th race of the NASCAR XFINITY Series season.

“Today was a frustrating day, but I’m proud of team’s hard work throughout the race to make the car better,” said Reed. “I felt like we were headed in the right direction, but just ran out of time to make the last adjustment that would have really made the difference. We will move on to Phoenix and hope to record top-10 finishes in the final two races of the season.” 

Reed started the 200-lap event from the 17th position on Saturday after qualifying was canceled due to wet track conditions. The field lined up for the start by final practice speeds from Friday’s sole practice session and were told by NASCAR they would have the chance to make adjustments during a competition caution on Lap 25.

Within the first five laps of the race, Reed reported that the car was really loose. Crew chief Chad Norris told him to hold on to it until the competition caution on Lap 25.

Under the caution period, the team pitted from the 16th position for four tires, fuel, a track bar adjustment and a spring rubber adjustment. The team’s quick work on pit road put Reed in the 13th position for the restart on Lap 31.

By Lap 50, Reed said that the car was still loose and reported that if they could get it tightened up on entry to the turns the car would be really fast. A few laps later, Reed reported that it felt like he had no rear tires left as the grip had gone away. Twenty-five laps later, Reed ran in the 15th position and said the car really needed rear grip.

The second caution of the race came on Lap 77 while Reed ran 15th. He said he needed the most help with grip on entry to the turns. Norris brought his driver down pit road under caution on Lap 79 for four tires, fuel and a spring rubber adjustment. Following the stop, Norris told Reed the wear on his right-front tire was severe. He restarted 12th on Lap 83.

Ten laps after the restart, Reed said he specifically needed help on his entry into Turn 3 and was really loose. By the halfway point in the race, Reed was scored in the 16th position.

The third caution flag of the afternoon flew on Lap 114 while Reed was running 16th. The team pitted on Lap 117 for a track bar and spring rubber adjustment. Reed restarted 16th on Lap 121.

The team made their only green-flag pit stop of the race on Lap 164 for tires and fuel. At the time, Reed reported the car was still free on entry.

The final caution flag of the race flew with 25 laps to go. Reed ran 14th and pitted under caution for four fresh tires, wedge and air pressure adjustments. He restarted 13th with 16 laps to go.

In the remaining laps of the race, Reed settled into the 14th position and crossed the finish line while battling for that position with Kyle Busch. Reed and the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association American Diabetes Month Ford Mustang were scored 15th once the checkered flag dropped.

Reed remains 10th in the NASCAR XFINITY Series championship standings after his top-15 finish at Texas Motor Speedway. Reed and the rest of the NASCAR XFINITY Series will return to the track on Saturday, November 14th at Phoenix International Raceway.

RFR PR

Speedway Digest Staff
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