HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Nov. 22, 2015) – After getting into the wall early on and sustaining damage from a multi-car accident, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. overcame adversity, driving his Fastenal Ford to a 22nd-place finish.
“We got in a hole early on due to that early accident but my guys were able to repair our Fastenal Ford and keep us on the lead lap,” Stenhouse said. “I definitely think our team has improved the past two months so I’m looking forward to the 2016 season.”
After leading the Roush Fenway Racing efforts on Friday evening, the two-time NASCAR XFINITY champion was working his way up through the field before making contact with the outside wall due to oil on the track from the No. 11 machine.
Shortly after going back green, the Olive Branch, Miss. native gained 14 positions before the competition yellow was displayed 13 laps later.
After repairing the right side damage to the No. 17 Fastenal Ford, Stenhouse restarted 41st and was working his way back up through the field when a multi-car accident occurred in the middle of the pack. Stenhouse sustained right and left side damage as he maneuvered his Ford through the melee.
With the race staying green for a majority of the 267-lap race, the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Rookie of the Year fell two laps to the leaders.
When the final caution was displayed on laps 257, Stenhouse took the wave around to get back one of his laps back. With older tires, Stenhouse drove his Fastenal Ford to a 22nd-place finish; ending the season 25th in the NSCS owner point standings.