After earning a career-best starting position, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. drove his Acronis Ford Mustang to a 15th-place finish at Watkins Glen International; a career-best finish at the 2.45 mile track.
“All in all it was a decent weekend,” Stenhouse said. “We usually struggle in qualifying so to advance to the second round was a huge accomplishment for our No. 17 team. I think this downforce package helps me a little bit here because you can be harder on the throttle through the esses. Overall, it was a mistake-free weekend for our No. 17 team which is what we needed.”
The Olive Branch, Miss. native lined up in the 12th position but lost a few positions in the first 20-lap stage due to battling a loose handling machine. With differing pit strategies and a caution free stage one, Stenhouse was able to work his way back up to 13thwhen the first green-checkered flag waved.
When the caution flag waved at lap 38 ultimately ending stage two, crew chief Brian Pattie chose to stay out in hopes to go the 90-lap distance on one more stop. With newer tires lined up behind him, Stenhouse dropped to 21st before bringing his Acronis Ford to pit-road for four tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment.
When the caution flag was displayed two laps later, Stenhouse was scored in the 27th position. The two-time Xfinity champion lined up in the 18th position for the final 25 laps steadily marching his was forward taking the checkered flag in the 15th position; a career-best finish at Watkins Glen International.
Stenhouse and the No. 17 team travel to Michigan International Speedway for the Consumer Energy 400. Race coverage begins Sunday, August 11 at 3 p.m. EST on NBCSN. Coverage can also be heard on MRN and SIRIUS radio channel 90.
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