05/29/2016
Biffle Finishes 11th in Coca-Cola 600
CONCORD, N.C. (May 29, 2016) – Greg Biffle started the Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season, in the sixth position in his patriotic No. 16 Cheez-It Ford. Biffle lost a little track position while searching for grip over long green flag runs. As the race transitioned from evening to night, Biffle was able to run top-five lap times but ultimately had to settle for an 11th-place finish.
“It was a hard-fought battle and I think we’re gaining on it,” said Biffle. “It’s frustrating that we didn’t get up to the top-five, but at times we could run top-five lap times. It’s a huge amount of progress from where we’ve been, but we clearly have a little ways to go. Everybody is working hard and hopefully we’ll get there soon.”
The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest race of the season and a challenge for the field since it starts in the day and ends at night. Biffle had a fast car in practice and was able to earn a sixth-place starting position at a place where track position is crucial.
Biffle lost a little track position on the first run of the 400-lap race as the handling on his Cheez-It Ford continued to free up. The condition continued and left Biffle searching for front grip.
Air pressure and wedge adjustments helped but never could be exactly what Biffle needed. Biffle cracked the top 10 three times over the course of the race, but due to the handling could not maintain the track position, despite running top-five lap times at different points during the race.
With 56 laps remaining, Biffle took the final green flag restart of the race in the 10th position and while searching for grip was able to hold his ground to earn an 11th-place finish.
