SPARTA, Kentucky – Approaching the halfway mark of the 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series season, team owner and driver B.J. McLeod heads to Kentucky Speedway hoping to avoid the blues in Friday night’s Alsco 300.
McLeod treks to the Bluegrass state hoping to bounce back from an unthinkable setback last Friday night at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, where engine failure just two laps into the race sent the driver to the garage and heading home early.
But, with Daytona and restrictor plate racing now done for the season, McLeod and his Mooresville, North Carolina-based team are focused on persevering and setting themselves up for a strong, yet crucial summer stretch.
“Daytona was a disappointment, but I’m not one to dwell on the past,” said McLeod. “We can’t change the past and just need to focus on Kentucky this weekend and the upcoming races on the schedule.”
This week, the XFINITY Series returns to Kentucky Speedway, the 1.5-mile speedway which is boasting a new asphalt surface for Friday night’s race. With plenty of unknowns and questions still left to be answered, McLeod knows his team for the most part is on equal footing and that’s encouraging.
“Like everyone else has said, I don’t know what to really expect,” said McLeod. “It’s a new track with a new surface and that will likely present some challenges, but I think it also puts most of the field on an even level.
“For the most part, I expect the track to be incredibly smooth, but I think once you find that balance, you’ll have to focus on adjusting your race line around the track. I think you’ll see the groove stay one lane for the most part, but the more laps we turn, the track sure has the potential to widen out.”
For the second consecutive week, Safecraft Safety Equipment will adorn the team’s No. 78 entry this weekend in Kentucky.
Safecraft Safety Equipment is used by most of the top professionals in Motorsports, Automotive, Aviation, Marine and other demanding industries. The Concord, California-based company is well known for their innovative designs and the highest quality of components available.
“I felt horrible that we couldn’t give Safecraft the run we hoped or expected to last weekend at Daytona,” added McLeod. “With that being said, I continue to be appreciative for their support and hope we can have a better weekend at Kentucky and bring home a solid finish in our No. 78 Safecraft Safety Equipment Ford Mustang.”
McLeod turned several laps in his car during practice on Thursday and was satisfied with his car and hopes that means a good outcome for the race.
“Our car is pretty good,” McLeod explained. “I’m being a little conservative because I don’t want to tear the car up, but I think if we can stay in the groove and just race the track, we’ll be fine. With a new surface, you just don’t know what to expect or what could happen. Taking care of your car is going to be crucial for getting to the checkered flag on Friday night.”
Veteran industry crew chief George (David) Ingram Jr. will call the shots for the No. 78 Safecraft Safety Equipment Ford Mustang for the 16th race of the 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series season.
For more on B.J. McLeod, please visit his official Facebook page, while also visiting the team’s new website at BJMcLeodMotorsports.com. Additionally, the team is growing their presence on Twitter, with the team’s new account @teamBJMcLeod. McLeod also utilizes his personal twitter too, @BJMcLeod78.
Marketing partnership opportunities are available for the No. 78 Ford Mustang for the remainder of the 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series. Interested inquiries are encouraged to contactpr@bjmcleodmotorsports.com.
The Alsco 300 (200 laps / 300 miles) is the 16th of 33 NASCAR XFINITY Series on the 2016 schedule. Practice begins on Thursday, July 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. A second session is set for 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m., a third from 4:00 – 4:55 p.m. while a final session is set for 7:00 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. Qualifying is set for race day, Friday, July 8 beginning at4:45 p.m. The 40-car field will take the green flag shortly after 8:30 p.m. with live coverage on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90).
