10/26/2015
Fuel Gamble Almost Results in Victory for Biffle at Talladega
TALLADEGA, Ala. (October 25, 2015) – Greg Biffle once again flexed his fuel saving muscles and almost left Talladega Superspeedway with the win Sunday afternoon. Biffle stayed out while others pitted and had saved enough fuel to make it to the end when a caution came out and an extended cleanup period ensued. Biffle had to relinquish the lead and come down pit road for fuel due to the extra cleanup time. Biffle was able to make up a few positions on the race ending green-white-checkered finish to cross the finish line 20th in the No. 16 Cheez-It Ford.
“We had a great strategy and had a great car,” said Biffle. “We were really close to winning it. It’s unfortunate that one of those cars blew up and brought the caution out. There’s nothing we can do about that.”
Biffle kicked off the Talladega race weekend by posting the fastest time in the first practice on Friday. Qualifying for Talladega Superspeedway consisted of single car runs and Biffle posted the 19th fastest lap.
In true restrictor plate racing fashion one minute you are towards the front and the next you are shuffled back, depending on which lane has the momentum. Biffle started 19th and spent a majority of the race towards the rear of the field to hopefully avoid any accidents that could unfold throughout the race.
As the race continued Biffle attempted to stretch his fuel mileage to make it to the end. The plan was coming together and Biffle led for a total of 18 laps until the caution was displayed for another competitor’s engine expiring. Biffle could have made it to the end under a normal clean up, but the track took longer to get back to race conditions and Biffle was forced to pit for fuel. The stop cost the team track position, but Biffle rebounded and crossed the finish line 20th for the final green-white-checkered finish.
