06/14/2015
Stenhouse Jr. Finishes 25th After Rain Shortened Race At Michigan
BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 14, 2015)– In the backyard of Ford Motor Company and Roush Industries, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. drove his Fastenal Ford to a 25th-place finish in a rain shortened Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
“Our Fastenal Ford was a tad off this weekend,” Stenhouse Jr. said. “I wish we could have continued on because I think our Fastenal Ford was getting better but for the safety of the fans it was best for them to go ahead and call the race. We have an off-week next weekend which will give our team time to re-group and get ready for Sonoma and the second half of the season.”
The Olive Branch, Miss. native started the 200-lap race in the 33rd position and was able to gain a few positions before the first of four red flags was displayed on lap 13. After a short delay, the engines refired and crew chief Nick Sandler told Stenhouse to stay out in hopes to gain some track position.
Due to rain overnight and on raceday, there was competition yellow on lap 41 in which Stenhouse brought his Fastenal Ford to pit-road for two tires and a wedge adjustment to help his tight machine. As Stenhouse went to leave his pit-box he had to back up because he was blocked in by the No. 48 machine which Sandler quickly radioed to go ahead and change the left side tires as well.
After the second red flag was lifted, the two-time XFINITY champion restarted in the 38th position but bullied his way through the field gaining nine positions in one lap on the restart before the yellow waved for debris.
With different pit strategies among the competitors, Stenhouse Jr. maneuvered his Ford up to 25th before a thunderstorm drenched the speedway and ended the race with only 136 laps complete.
Next up for Stenhouse and the No. 17 team is the Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 28. Race coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. Coverage can also be heard on MRN and SIRIUS radio channel 90.
