Gilliland 15th and McDowell 20th in Pocono

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The NASCAR Cup Series made their annual trip to Long Pond, Pennsylvania to take on the Pocono Raceway on Sunday.

After spinning in qualifying, Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang team were going to have to begin their battle with the “Tricky Triangle” from the back. The team relied on speed and strategy to gain position. The team ran long on their fuel run in the final stage and was running third when the caution came out. Gilliland restarted just outside the top-10 in the closing laps and finished 15th.

Qualifying 15th for his 450th NASCAR Cup Series start, Michael McDowell and the No. 34 Benebone Ford Mustang finished sixth in Stage 1 and proved they had a top-10 car. McDowell was again inside the top-10 at the end of Stage 2, but came down pit road with the leaders before the end of the stage. This was going to allow McDowell to only pit once for fuel in the final stage and leap back into the top-10. However, the caution that aided Gilliland hurt McDowell. The team had to come through the rear of the field to finish 20th.

McDowell remains 16th in points and inside the playoff cut line by 17 markers

Todd Gilliland, Driver No. 38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang:

“After qualifying, I had us in a hole. The whole team just worked hard, we had strategy play out on our side and had a chance at a top-10. The Speedy Cash Mustang was fast at the end. We were close to a top-10, but it's another solid finish for us."

Michael McDowell, Driver No. 34 Benebone Ford Mustang:

"Big picture, it's good to gain some points. But, we had a top-10 car today and finished 20th. The final stage, it just didn't fall our way. I'm happy that we had another fast Ford Mustang and have to thank Benebone for supporting us today."

The team next races Sunday at the Richmond Raceway. The Cup Series race is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET on the USA Network.