Ryan Reed Finishes 7th in the First Caution-Filled Round of the XFINITY Chase

By:
On:
In: Xfinity Series News

Ryan Reed and the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association team put together a strong showing in the opening round of the NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase, finishing seventh in Saturday night’s caution-filled race at Kentucky Speedway.

Reed advanced to the second round of Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session, ultimately earning a 16th-place starting position for the Saturday night event.

Early on, Reed battled a car that was too loose, but gained three positions before the competition caution on Lap 25.  Crew chief Phil Gould opted for two tires and a track bar adjustment.  The tire strategy moved Reed further up the running order, restarting eighth.

On the following runs, Reed battled a Mustang that was still too free, but continued to work his way towards the front.  Following a Lap 35 restart, Reed maneuvered his No. 16 Ford into the top-five for the first time of the day.

On Lap 68, Reed radioed to his team that it felt like the right front tire was coming apart.  He was on his way to pit road, when the caution flew on Lap 69.  Reed avoided the green flag pit stop and stayed on track.  Reed instead made his way down pit road under caution on Lap 71 for four tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment.  The No. 16 Ford restarted 12th.

Reed maintained position inside the top-15 as the middle portion of the race was marred by several caution periods.  Reed continued to battle a loose Ford Mustang, but successfully avoided the carnage and persistently to advance through the field.

Gould called Reed down pit road for what would be the last stop of the day during a Lap 178 caution period.  After getting four fresh tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment, Reed returned to the track in 13th.  Reed used the next three restarts to work his way inside the top-10, crossing the finish line in seventh.

With the result, Reed is scored in fourth place in the NASCAR XFINITY Series standings, tied with Roush Fenway teammate Bubba Wallace.  The second round of the XFINITY Series Chase kicks off at Dover International Speedway next Saturday.

RFR PR

Speedway Digest Staff
Follow Me
Latest posts by Speedway Digest Staff (see all)
Post Views: 50