The NASCAR Nationwide Series headed west this weekend to compete in the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. Kenny Wallace proved that RAB Racing’s No. 09 Toyota Camry was fast in qualifying, but a blown tire midrace spoiled the team’s chance to prove it in finishing position.
In Friday’s dual practice sessions, Wallace posted the ninth and 11th-fastest times, respectively. He found even more speed when he took to the track for qualifying, posting a third-place starting position, only .094 mph off the pole winner and the best result for Wallace since 2006.
From the drop of the green flag, Wallace reported being loose on the throttle. Just two laps into the event, Wallace slid out of the racing groove and fell to 16th. The nine-time race winner adjusted his driving style to compensate for his handling woes, and the RAB Racing team made sound adjustments on pit road that allowed Wallace to advance through the field. However, on Lap 102, Wallace’s hopes for a strong finish ended when a tire failure sent him into the outside retaining wall, ending the team’s day prematurely.
“I don’t know really what happened and why,” said Wallace. “The right front tire blew out like a bomb. It started pushing as I was trying to get underneath Sam Hornish Jr. and when I went down into turn three, it shocked me. It blew out so big it blew the hood off and went right in the wall.” The incident cut the day short for the RAB Racing team and Wallace finished 36th.
RAB Racing PR
