The NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series had a rare weekend off, so it was the NASCAR Xfinity Series that headlined the racing action from Iowa. Fortunately there was no rain in the forecast for Father’s Day weekend; however, with temperatures in the upper 90’s, the heat was sure to play a factor in the race.
Spencer Boyd and team unloaded with a lot of speed Saturday during practice. After a few minor tweaks, the team was confident in the Grunt Style Chevy to perform well in the race. Boyd had his best qualifying effort of the year, as he posted a time of 24:66 which was good enough for 26th on the grid. Unfortunately due to a flat left rear tire following qualifying, the team was forced to forfeit their starting position and go to the rear of the field.
Despite facing early adversity the team did not panic, but rather focused on what needed to be done. As the green flag fell, Boyd quickly began picking his way through traffic. The first caution of the day came out early on lap 4 due to the 0 of Garrett Smithley getting into the wall. Boyd managed to work his way up to the 30th position before the end of the first stage. Justin Allgaier captured the stage one victory.
Boyd came in for 4 tires, fuel, and a spring rubber adjustment for the first stop of the day. The Grunt Style Gladiators did a masterful job on the stop as Boyd came in 30th and went out 26th. As the second stage got underway, Boyd began to find his rhythm. Crew chief Jason Miller, cheered Boyd on telling him he was faster than all four cars ahead of him. Stage two would go caution free. Justin Allgaier won the second stage and Boyd made his way up to the 27th position.
The Grunt Gladiators would shine again on pit road. Boyd pitted from 27th and would restart the final stage in the 24th position. As stage three got underway Boyd ran bumper to bumper with the 40 of Chad Finchum. Boyd passed Finchum for 23rd and about 20 laps later caution waved for the 40 in the wall. Boyd radioed and said he didn’t want any adjustments to his No. 76 Camaro. Spotter Hayden Reeves told Boyd he was racing the 52 of David Starr and the 36 of Alex Labbe for position for the remainder of the race. After one last restart Boyd held both challengers off and brought home his Grunt Style Chevrolet in the 22nd position. Justin Allgaier won the race, sweeping every stage. The 22nd place finish was Boyd’s third top 25 finish in the last four races. (22nd Iowa, 22nd Michigan, 28th Pocono, and 21st Charlotte)
After the race Boyd reflected, “I’m just so proud of my team. We have really hit our stride together these last few weeks. My Grunt Style Gladiators were absolutely on fire today and everyone is just pulling the rope in the same direction. We’ve been knocking on the door of that top 20 and I have no doubt in my mind we are going to achieve it very soon.”
Boyd’s solid run in Iowa moves him all the way up to 24th in driver standings heading into the weekend break for the Xfinity Series. During the break, Boyd plans to do a little fishing and spending quality time with family and friends. Boyd will also rest up as Chicago will start the long summer stretch of 15 races in a row.
Spencer Boyd PR
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