No. 34 Long John Silver's Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
Michael McDowell started in 35th position for Sunday's 500-mile contest. The No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse was able to keep pace with the field through the first two stages. A two-tire stop in Stage 3 helped McDowell get track position for the final green flag run and overtime. McDowell was one of the best movers of the afternoon, gaining 14 spots over the course of the 500-mile race to finish 21st position.
Start: 35th
Stage One: 30th
Stage Two: 28th
Race Result: 21st
DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:
"We were looking to build momentum and be consistent today with our Long John Silver's Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Martinsville is a tough track, but Travis (Peterson) had a good strategy that helped us stay out of trouble and gain spots each stage. I think today was a good first step in getting us back on track to where we need to be moving forward."
No. 38 Carson-Newman University Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
Todd Gilliland qualified 16th in the Carson-Newman Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Gilliland and the team held strong throughout the first stage, competing within the top-20 before finishing Stage 1 in 16th. Under the stage break caution, Gilliland was penalized after the crew left the wedge wrench in place. Making up for lost ground, Gilliland drove his way back into the top-20 and finished Stage 2 in the 19th position. Gilliland carried his momentum into the final stage, getting up to 8th place. On the final restart, Gilliland was shuffled back to the 13th position where he crossed the start/finish line. This was Gilliland's first top-15 finish of the 2024 season.
Start: 16th
Stage One: 16th
Stage Two: 19th
Race Result: 13th
DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:
"Ryan (Bergenty) and the team brought me a fast Ford Mustang Dark Horse. We competed in the top-15 for most of the race, but just had too many mistakes to get a top-10. We're a team, so we win and lose together, we just need to minimize the mistake when we can and keep bringing fast cars each weekend."