Race 8 of 33: ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond Raceway
Track Details: 0.75-mile oval / 250 laps
No. 08: Gray Gaulding Result: 17th
No. 07: Ray Black Jr. Result: 21st
Team 08 Atlantic Constructors Chevrolet Camaro:
It was a one day show for the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Friday at Richmond Raceway. Unfortunately due to rain, Xfinity Series qualifying was canceled and the field was set by owner points via the NASCAR rule book. Gaulding and his 08 Atlantic Constructors team would roll off from the 17th position for the 250 lap event.
The green flag dropped and Gaulding quickly began moving forward. Gaulding battled his way inside the top 15 until caution was displayed on lap 67. Crew Chief Patrick Donahue called for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment to help free up the 08 Camaro. Gaulding finished stage one in the 12th position.
Gaulding continued to run in the top 15 for the majority of the second stage. A few late cautions in the stage shoveled the 08 back, stunting their long run speed. At the conclusion of stage two Gaulding was in the 21st position. Donahue continued to tweak on the 08 to set his driver up for the final stage of the race. Gaulding drove from 20th up to the 11th position. The 08 was running top five lap times as the race was coming to a conclusion. Much like stage two, a couple late race cautions killed the momentum of the 08’s long run speed. When the checkered flag fell Gaulding brought home the No. 08 Atlantic Constructors Chevy in the 17th position.
Gray Gaulding:
“Man we had such a great car. I just can’t thank all my guys at SS Green Light Racing enough and I can’t thank ACI, Atlantic Constructors enough for tonight. It was a hard night for us. We fought our tails off. I love coming to my home track and we ran so good all night. We had a top ten car and got up there. Our car was so good on the long run and every time a caution came out it just killed us. I just hate those last couple cautions cost us our spot, but I can’t thank all my partners, Johnson Controls, Panini enough for all their support. It feels good to still have a good run and we’re looking forward to Talladega.”
Bobby Dotter Thoughts on the 08 Team:
“The 08 team is consistently getting better each week. I’m proud of all the effort that went into this run. The 08 was so good on the long runs, it’s a shame we had those last couple cautions, but it was still a really solid night for this team. We’re really looking forward to Talladega.”
Team 07 Isokern Fireplaces & Chimneys Chevrolet Camaro:
After a solid 16th place finish last week at Bristol Motor Speedway, Ray Black Jr and his 07 Isokern Fireplaces & Chimneys team were excited for a Friday night shootout in Richmond, Virginia. The 07 team would roll off from the 19th position after rain cancelled Xfinity Series qualifying.
Ray Black Jr. fought the handling early with his 07 Chevy. When the first caution of the race was displayed, Crew Chief Jason Miller elected to take the wave around. At the end of the first stage Black was in the 23rd position.
The 07 was pretty sporty on the short runs, but battled loose off the corner on the long runs. When the 51 blew up the 07 received the free pass to get back on the lead lap. Black managed to wheel his 07 Chevy to a 13th place finish at the end of stage two.
The 07 team continued to fight throughout the final stage, but just didn’t have the speed they needed on the long runs. When it was all said and done Black brought home the 07 in the 21st position.
Ray Black Jr:
“We just didn’t quite have the speed we needed on the long runs tonight. We felt like we were as good as anyone on the short runs. It was fun driving up through those guys at the end of the second stage. Thankful for all the hard work that went into today and looking forward to getting to Talladega.”
Bobby Dotter Thoughts on the 07 Team:
“The 07 team had another solid day. I know they were hoping for a little bit better, but I’m proud of the fight they showed. We’ll enjoy Easter weekend and look forward to Talladega.”
Looking Ahead:
After eight races SS Green Light Racing drivers Gray Gaulding and Ray Black Jr. currently sit 15th and 17th respectively in the NASCAR Xfinity Series points standings. The team will enjoy some down time with Easter next weekend and will return to racing action at Talladega. Coverage of the MoneyLion 300 from Talladega Super Speedway will begin Saturday April 27th at 1:00 PM ET on FS1.
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