03/15/2015
Another Top-15 Finish For Wallace In Phoenix
AVONDALE, Ariz. (March 15, 2015) – Roush Fenway Racing’s Bubba Wallace earned a 15th-place finish in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, after three-wide racing with 50 laps remaining dropped him back and left his Ford EcoBoost Mustang with damage.
Wallace started Saturday afternoon’s race in 16th after qualifying earlier that morning. During the opening run of the 200-Lap race, Wallace informed crew chief Chad Norris that the handling of his Mustang was pretty neutral, as the rookie of the year contender battled for position inside the top-15.
As the run progressed, the handling of Wallace’s Mustang moved from neutral to tight. When he visited pit road for the first time of the day on Lap 50, the team opted for four fresh Goodyear tires, Sunoco fuel and a right rear wedge adjustment.
The adjustment helped the tight handling condition, as Wallace was too free on the following green flag run. The young driver moved up to 12th, and held his position there until visiting pit road on Lap 97 for four tires and fuel, and to take out half of the previous adjustment.
Wallace exited pit road in 12th and maintained that position until visiting pit road just a few laps later on Lap 125. While several cars took two tires under the caution flag, Norris opted for four tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment to try and help Wallace’s Mustang, which was too free on entry.
After restarting 15th on Lap 133, Wallace used his four fresh tires to gain two spots by the time the caution flag flew again on Lap 138. While racing three and four wide for position inside the top-12, Wallace’s No. 6 Ford Mustang sustained damage, dropping him back to 17th. In the closing laps, Wallace gained two positions to cross the finish line 15th.
With the finish, Wallace is fifth in the NASCAR XFINITY Series point standings as the series heads to Auto Club Speedway.
NEXT UP:
Drive4Clots.com 300
Two-mile Auto Club Speedway
Fontana, Calif.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
4:00 p.m. ET on FOXSPORTS1 and MRN
RACE SUMMARY
Bubba Wallace
Started: 16
Finished: 15
Complete Race Results:
POINTS SUMMARY
Bubba Wallace
2015 Season Total: Fifth with 132 points
