No. 34 Love's Travel Stops / Fleetguard Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
Michael McDowell wasted no time getting his No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse to the top-10 in Stage 1, being one of the early, big-movers of the race from his 13th starting position. McDowell was able to get valuable stage points, finishing Stage 1 in 8th-place and showed great pace with the leaders. After a caution on lap 138, the No. 34 elected to stay out to get track position and potential Stage 2 points. Unfortunately, McDowell's day came to an end when his Ford Mustang Dark Horse spun and hit the wall at the exit of Turn 4, fighting Ross Chastain for the lead on lap 144.
Start: 13th
Stage One: 8th
Stage Two: 35th
Race Result: 35th
DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:
"I just got in those bumps and the car got loose and took off. Track position was really important today and I had the opportunity to take the lead and take control of the race. I just didn’t make it stick. Unfortunate, but we had a really fast car. It is super disappointing but at the same time you have to go for it. We had a car fast enough to run up front and you have to take the chance. It didn’t stick. I am bumbed out, but I would be bumbed out if I didn’t try."
No. 38 Long John Silver's Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
Todd Gilliland flew the famed Long John Silver's colors this past weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway. Qualifying 28th, Gilliland and Crew Chief Ryan Bergenty played the long game and stayed out during the first cycle of pit stops, putting Gilliland all the way up to 2nd place. Gilliland finished Stage 1 in the 8th position. Coming to pit road for tires and fuel, the No. 38 team was forced to the rear for equipment interference after Gilliland's right front tire went off the nose of Gilliland's Ford Mustang Dark Horse and into the pit stall of fellow competitor, Brad Keselowski. Gilliland was able to make up for lost ground, competing up front with teammate Michael McDowell throughout Stage 2, leading three laps in the process. Unfortunately, Gilliland wasn't able to stay upfront till the end due to a caution filled race and the handling of his race car. He finished 31st.
Start: 28th
Stage One: 13th
Stage Two: 30th
Race Result: 31st
DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:
"It was a frustrating day, for sure. We had speed and played the strategy game all race, but it just didn't play out in our favor. Just another tough race with too many mistakes. We'll bounce back at Talladega next week."