Fresh off a solid top-20 finish last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) regular B.J. McLeod hopes for a similar performance in Saturday afternoon’s Lilly Diabetes 250 at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).
While the Wauchula, Florida native knows that a powerhouse track like IMS provides a different element of competition at its flat 2.5-mile surface, the XFINITY driver / owner is proud to just have the chance to race at the Brickyard.
“It’s Indianapolis, this is really, really cool,” said McLeod. “I’ve watched races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the past, but now I have the opportunity to race there. That’s like a bucket list item for sure. I really hope we can have a solid weekend.”
Despite his lack of experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. McLeod hasn’t set any expectations for the weekend, other than to go out there and do what he’s hoped to do all year long.
Finish.
“We have two relatively short practices on Friday and then qualifying and the heat races followed by the race, so we’ll have some time to try things before the race,” added McLeod. “It’s been a while since we had a heat race in the XFINITY Series and those have all been on short track, so I’m curious to see what it will be like on a bigger track.”
Known in the garage for his honest and straight-forward approach, McLeod says while he knows the odds his team will be one of the two XFINITY Dash4Cash transfer recipient winners Saturday afternoon, he’s still embracing the format as he thinks it will help his team dial in his No. 78 Ford Mustang.
“We’re not afraid to say that we’re still building this team,” McLeod added. “I think everyone can see the gains that we are making this season. Working on a shoestring budget and all, we don’t have the luxury of going out there and running in the top-10 on a weekly basis or contend for the Dash4Cash bonuses. However, we have used these Dash4Cash heat races as additional practice sessions to get our car dialed in for the race and that’s what we plan to do at Indy this week too.
“Looking at the race, it’s incredibly short race. Not a lot of time to get things done. I expect the intensity to be up a little bit and that could make it an interesting race. For us, we just plan to race the track and do what we can to leave with another top-20 finish. I would definitely be happy with that in my Brickyard debut.”
For the fourth consecutive race, Safecraft Safety Equipment will adorn the team’s No. 78 entry this weekend in Indianapolis as a partner. Additionally, the team welcomes support from Momo, Simpson Race Products and NexGen Fuels.
Safecraft Safety Equipment is used by most of the top professionals in Motorsports, Automotive, Aviation, Marine and other demanding industries. The Concord, California-based company is well known for their innovative designs and the highest quality of components available.
“We’ve been able to make it to the races from the help we’ve received from Safecraft, Momo, Simpson Racing Products, NextGen Fuels and other,” said McLeod. “We don’t forget that. We are always working hard to bring new and unique partners to the table to be a part of our XFINITY program. In the meantime, I’m appreciative for what do have and we’re looking forward to having a successful race at Indy on Saturday night.”
For the Lilly Diabetes 250 at IMS, McLeod will again work with close friend Todd Peck. Peck will make his ninth start of 2016 and the 10th of his XFINITY career. Peck will also make his Indianapolis debut alongside McLeod.
“I’m excited for Todd too,” offered McLeod. “He’s done a good job for Rick and I this season and I know his goal on Saturday is to have an equally good run as us.”
Veteran industry crew chief George (David) Ingram Jr. will call the shots for the No. 78 Safecraft Safety Equipment Ford Mustang for the 18th race of the 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series season.
BJ McLeod PR
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