No. 34 Colortech Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
Michael McDowell entered Sunday in a must-win situation for the Southern 500. At the beginning of the race, he reported that the car fired off good and after cycling through green flag pitstops, finished Stage 1 in 25th place. In Stage 2, McDowell reported the No. 34 Colortech Mustang was tight and several pit stops tried to free up the car. McDowell finished Stage 2 in the 27th position, and being 2 laps down, McDowell elected to take the waive around during the stage caution. In the final stage, after several green flag stops for tires and adjustments, the No. 34 reported that the steering rack was loose. McDowell was able to nurse the car home to finish 28th.
Start: 31st
Stage One: 25th
Stage Two: 27th
Race Result: 28th
DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:
"It stings, not being able to race for a championship this year. But I'm so proud of the men and women at Front Row Motorsports, we've brought some fast cars to the track, taken poles, led laps - just unfortunately couldn't get the win we were hoping for to lock us in. Our No. 34 Colortech Ford Mustang Dark Horse was tight most of the race and the strategy didn't quite go our way. We have some important races for us coming up, we'll keep looking forward to see if we can get this 34 car into victory lane."
No. 38 Long John Silver's Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
Todd Gilliland made his third Southern 500 appearance this past Sunday at the historic Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.
Qualifying 33rd in the No. 38 Long John Silver's Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Gilliland buckled in for 500 miles. +8 spots from the green flag, Gilliland and the team stayed out under the first caution of the race. Gilliland made two green flag stops in Stage 1, then raced his way into the Top-15 to finish the stage in the 12th position. Crew Chief Ryan Bergenty called for tires and fuel under the stage-break caution, restarting Gilliland in the 15th position. Gilliland made two scheduled stops to pit road, both for four tires and fuel. He finished Stage 2 in the 14th position. Starting the final stage with fresh rubber and topped off on fuel, Gilliland continued to fight for track position, making one green flag stop before the caution flew while Gilliland was running in the Top-10. Pitting under caution, Gilliland restarted in the Top-15. While racing for position, Gilliland was involved in an incident with 46 laps remaining in the race. The team made the necessary repairs to keep the car on track and finished the race in the 17th position
Start: 33rd
Stage One: 12th
Stage Two: 14th
Race Result: 17th
DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:
"The Southern 500 is probably the toughest race all year. FRM brought a fast Long John Silver's Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the pit crew executed all night, but the damage just ruined our night. We have ten weeks left to go and compete for a win with Atlanta being one of them. I think if we bring what we had tonight the rest of the year, we will get ourselves one."
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