Photo Credit: Noel Lanier/OnPitRoad.com
Driver of the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevy will be required to start at the rear of the field for Sunday’s Gander RV 400 at Pocono Raceway.
The issue with Wallace’s engine was discovered by his crew while making adjustments after the first practice session in preparation for second practice. The crew discovered a leak during the process and were forced to change engines. The engine swap also caused Wallace to completely miss second practice.
Fortunately, for Wallace he felt the team had made improvements for qualifying. “We had to switch motors, so we didn’t get a second practice in. But the car drove decent in qualifying, said Wallace. “For the adjustments I needed to make the car better, I felt like we stepped in the right direction on that. It’s unfortunate we start in the back, but I like restarts.”
Wallace also discussed the fact that not many drivers were utilizing the PJ1 traction compound here at Pocono. Indicating he feels it will not have much effect on the race. “No, to me, it just pointless here. It’s way out of the groove, said Wallace. “Maybe in the Tunnel Turn on restarts, you will have a little bit of saving grace so it won’t be as sketchy. But Turn 1, I haven’t even seen it yet. I don’t think it will be a factor in the race though, but my opinion doesn’t matter.”
Wallace has struggled this season. The Mobile, AL driver has yet to score a top-ten finish this year and currently sits 28th in series points.
