Kenny Wallace and RAB Racing overcame handling issues in the first half of Friday night’s Feed the Children 300 at Kentucky Speedway to post an 11th-place finishing position.
Making the first of two trips to the Bluegrass State during the 2012 season, Wallace and RAB Racing recorded the 19th and 21st-fastest times, respectively, in the two scheduled NASCAR Nationwide Series practices leading up to the Friday night event. After his qualifying attempt on the 1.5-mile tri-oval, Wallace posted a speed fast enough to slot into the 26th starting position.
Upon taking the green flag, Wallace reported a loose-handling condition with the No. 99 American Ethanol from Family Farmers Toyota Camry. The RAB Racing crew, led by crew chief Scott Zipadelli, worked tirelessly throughout the night to make the right adjustments that kept their machine in tune with the changing track conditions, allotting Wallace the ability to gain positions when it counted. Breaking into the Top 20 by Lap 140, The St. Louis native would continue to wage battle with the front-runners in the closing stages of the race, continuing to improve positions as the laps wound down, helping them secure a solid 11th-place finish.
Team owner Robby Benton gained one position in the owner point standings, moving into 20th position.
“We’re happy with that finish,” said Wallace. “Our American Ethanol from Family Farmers Toyota Camry wasn’t the best all night, but Scott Zipadelli and the guys kept adjusting on it all night and got it dialed in at the end. I thought we’d have a shot to get a few more position at the end, I knew some of the guys up front were tight on fuel. Regardless, I’m happy with the finish and have to thank everyone at RAB Racing for their hard work.”
RAB Racing
