Gray Gaulding and his No. 08 team rolled into Kentucky Speedway off of the heels of a solid 8th place finish last weekend at Daytona International Speedway. The team was determined to carry the momentum into Kentucky Speedway with the push for playoffs heating up.
Gaulding would start from the 16th position for the 300 mile race after another solid qualifying effort. The green flag waved and the 08 took off. Gaulding quickly settled into the top 15, staying there for the entirety of the first stage. At the end of stage one Gaulding was in the 15th position. The only complaint from the driver of the 08 was that he needed to be a little tighter getting into turn three. Donahue called for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to secure Gaulding’s entry into turn three.
Three cautions waved throughout the second stage. (2 Cautions for wrecks & 1 for stage break.) Gaulding would be scored as high as the 12th position during stage two. At the end of the second stage, the 08 was in the 14th position.
The final stage went entirely caution free. When it was all said and done, Gray Gaulding brought home his No. 08 Panini Chevrolet in the 15th position. The result marked the team’s eighth top 15 finish of the season. With only 9 races remaining until the playoffs, Gaulding remains (13th) the first car below the cut line. Gaulding trails 12th place Brandon Jones by 95 points after Kentucky.
Gray Gaulding:
“Can’t say enough about my guys and SS Green Light Racing. We started off the race pretty loose, but after the first pit stop got it better. As the track cooled down, we just got a little too tight at the end to get any more spots. Overall it was another solid points day and we were able to make up some ground on the 19. Thanks to Panini. I appreciate them coming on board and everything they do for our race team.”
Bobby Dotter Thoughts on the 08 Team:
“It was another solid night for the 08 team. The team continues to bring fast race cars to the track and Gray continues to perform. We’ll take another top 15 finish and move on to New Hampshire.”
Ray Black Jr. and the 07 team started off the weekend at Kentucky Speedway extremely optimistic after finishing 16th in final practice. Ray Black Jr. confirmed the car’s speed once again after he posted the 15th fastest lap, out qualifying many fast cars including his teammate.
The green flag dropped and Ray Black Jr went to work. On lap 5 the first caution of the day waved after the 99 car made contact with the wall. Ray Black Jr. radioed he was happy with the car. Everything was going just as planned until on lap 39 Black radioed to his Crew Chief Jason Miller there was a problem.
Black brought his No. 07 Isokern Fireplaces & Chimneys Chevy to the attention to his crew with only six laps remaining in the opening stage. After further diagnosis, the team confirmed a part within the clutch failed. The mechanical failure ended a very promising night prematurely for Black and the 07 team, finishing in the 35th position.
Ray Black Jr:
“We had a really strong showing last night at Kentucky Speedway. We just need some good luck to come our way. I am really proud of my guys for bringing me such a fast Isokern Fireplaces & Chimneys Chevrolet.”
Bobby Dotter Thoughts on the 07 Team:
“The 07 team showed really great speed from the moment they unloaded in practice this weekend. I hate they did not get the finish they deserved, but we will move on to New Hampshire.”
Looking Ahead:
SS Green Light Racing drivers Gray Gaulding and Ray Black Jr. are currently 13th and 18th respectively in the NASCAR Xfinity Series points standings. The teams will shift their attention to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Coverage of the ROXOR 200 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway will begin Saturday July 20th at 4:00 PM ET on NBCSN.
SS Green Light Racing PR
