11/07/2016
Stenhouse Jr. Finishes 16th in Rain Shortened Race at Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov. 6, 2016) – After a lengthy rain delay pushed the scheduled day race to a night race, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. drove his Fastenal Ford to a 16th-place finish in Sunday’s AAA Texas 500 after rain shortened the scheduled distance by 41 laps.
“Our Fastenal Ford was probably the best it had been all weekend,” Stenhouse said. “We progressively made it better each run. I wish it would have gone back green because we had new tires and I think we could have gained some more positions there at the end. Overall it was a good day for our Fastenal team.”
After advancing to the second round of qualifying on Friday, the Olive Branch, Miss. native started the race in the 20th position and gained a few positions before the competition yellow was displayed on lap 28 due to the afternoon rain.
With rain approaching, crew chief Nick Sandler told Stenhouse to take the wave around after the caution flag waved on lap 255 to get back on the lead lap. A much needed caution came just a mere two laps later giving the two-time NASCAR XFINITY champion the opportunity to bring his Ford to pit road for four fresh tires and a chassis adjustment.
With rain reported just five miles away from the track, Stenhouse took the final green flag in the 16th position, where he maintained until the final yellow flag was displayed for rain, ultimately shortening the race by 41 laps.
Stenhouse and the No. 17 team travel to Phoenix International Raceway next weekend for the Can-Am 500 on Sunday, November 13. Race coverage starts at 2:00 pm EST on NBC.
