No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records/Carrier Chevy Experiences Broken Rear Axle After Dominating Practice, Pole and Race; Remains NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Points Leader
Race Recap – UNOH 225
SPARTA, Ky.(July 8, 2011) – Johnny Sauter, driver of the No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records/Carrier Chevy Silverado, dominated the week at Kentucky Speedway – leading practice times and rocketing to the pole position on the grid for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225. After leading early on in the race and running in the top three for the majority of the race, Sauter passed Kye Busch on Lap 103 and held the lead until pitting on Lap 124. Unfortunately, the rear axle in his truck broke on his last pit stop, taking the truck behind the wall and finishing 24th.
In practice, Sauter was the only driver over the 175-mph mark Thursday morning as he led practice for Thursday night’s UNOH 225 Camping World Truck Series race at Kentucky Speedway. Sauter ran a fast lap of 175.553 mph. In qualifying on Friday afternoon, Sauter completed a 1.5 mile lap in 31.015 seconds, hitting 174.109 mph for his second pole of the season and fourth in his 71 career Truck Series. Sauter began in row one last year and finished second.
“It was solid all day in practice and in qualifying,” Sauter said. “I could not be more proud of the guys of how they set this truck up. We were close last year (to) sitting on the pole, so we were confident going into the race. We were super loose from the get go here during the race, and the track was making it worse due to being slimy from Cup practice and all the rubber laid down. I was bouncing like a basketball on the track. Joe and the guys did so much for me to stay up front, and we had a great first pit stop that helped me keep running for a win.”
“The truck was killing it from the flag stand on mid-race, and I really was feeling a lot better. Tight off like the other leaders, but at least I could run with them in the corners where it counted. We had this one won, but luck is everything in racing, and if you don’t have it on your side, it’s just not your night. It wasn’t ours, unfortunately. I just have to thank the guys for working so hard and giving me such a great truck. We’ve just got to focus that energy towards Iowa.”
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series hits the track next Saturday, July 16th for the Coca-Cola 200 presented by Hy-Vee at Iowa Speedway.
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RACE RECAP:
July 7, 2011
Kentucky Speedway
Race: 10 of 25
Started: 1st
Finished: 24th
Driver’s Point Standings: 1st
Up Next On The Truck Series Schedule:
Event Name: Coca-Cola 200 presented by Hy-Vee
Track: Iowa Speedway
Track Length: 0.875-Mile Oval
Length: 200 Laps, 175 Miles
Broadcast: SPEED at 8:00 p.m.
