Ricky Stenhouse Jr. held off Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski to win Sunday’s NASCAR Nationwide series (NNS) John Deere Dealers 250 race at Iowa Speedway.
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[/media-credit]Stenhouse Jr. took the lead from Roush Fenway teammate Edwards on the restart with 18 laps to go and never looked back. Stenhouse Jr. drove his No. 6 Blackwell Angus Ford Mustang to his first career NASCAR victory in 51 starts and is also the first NNS series regular to pick up a victory this season.
Stenhouse Jr. led 41 laps and Edwards led 33 laps in the 250 lap event.
“That last caution I was doing some real praying for a good restart. Iowa was not my favorite place but it is now. We crashed three cars last year here and to come back this strong with these same No. 6 guys means a lot. We had Blackwell Angus on the car and that’s awesome. I just can’t thank Nationwide and this series and all the fans that came out here today enough for this opportunity.” Stenhouse Jr. said.
“The Ford Mustangs were fast today. I asked for an adjustment late that I should not have and I got really loose. Ricky was loose to, but he just did a really good job.” Edwards said.
The win also gave Roush Fenway a one-two finish.
“Just awesome! Ricky Stenhouse is going to be a factor in this stock car racing for many years to come; certainly long after I’m gone and I’m glad to be here for day one for him.” said team owner Jack Roush.
Brad Keselowski finished third, Reed Sorenson fourth and series points leader Elliott Sadler finished fifth.
“A solid effort by the Discount Tire Dodge team today. This is a great facility and a fun track to drive. The fans here are amazing and it creates a great atmosphere for racing. Our car was good, but not great. The two Fords were really fast today and we just didn’t have enough at the end to make a run at them. A strong day for our race team and I’m happy for Ricky to get the win. He’s a class act and has worked his tail off to enjoy this win.” Keselowski said.
Sunday also marked the first time three women ran the same NNS race. Jennifer Jo Cobb along with the Cope twins, Angela and Amber were making their first starts at Iowa. Cobb finished 26th, Angela finished 28th and Amber was 32nd.
The series heads to Charlotte Motor Speedway next week for the Top Gear 300.
Unofficial Race Results
John Deere Dealers 250 presented by Pioneer, Iowa Speedway
May 22, 2011 – Race 12 of 35
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Pos. Driver
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1 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
2 Carl Edwards
3 Brad Keselowski
4 Reed Sorenson
5 Elliott Sadler
6 Kenny Wallace
7 Michael McDowell
8 Justin Allgaier
9 James Buescher
10 Austin Dillon
11 Steve Wallace
12 Drew Herring
13 Michael Annett
14 Jeremy Clements
15 Scott Wimmer
16 Joe Nemechek
17 Aric Almirola
18 Mike Bliss
19 Mike Wallace
20 Morgan Shepherd
21 Blake Koch *
22 Robert Richardson Jr.
23 Eric McClure
24 Daryl Harr
25 Dennis Setzer
26 Jennifer Jo Cobb *
27 Brian Scott
28 Angela Cope
29 Josh Wise
30 Timmy Hill *
31 Luis Martinez Jr.
32 Amber Cope
33 Jason Leffler
34 Ryan Truex *
35 Carl Long
36 Johnny Chapman
37 Mike Harmon
38 Brad Teague
39 Tim Andrews
40 Chase Miller
41 Charles Lewandoski *
42 Tim Schendel
43 Brett Rowe
