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[/media-credit]CONCORD, N.C. (June 4, 2012) – John Wes Townley piloted the No. 09 Barberitos Southwestern Grille Toyota Tundra to a 16th-place finish Friday afternoon in the rain-shortened Lucas Oil 200 at Dover International Speedway.
After two successful practice sessions on Thursday, posting speeds fast enough for the 23rd and 17th positions, respectively, Townley drove his Toyota Tundra to a 21st-place starting position in Friday morning’s qualifying session. When the green flag dropped for the start of the race, Townley worked his way steadily through the field, quickly climbing inside of the Top 20.
Due to inclement weather and a bevy of multi-truck incidents, almost a third of the Lucas Oil 200 was run under caution. Townley fell victim to the “Monster Mile” on Lap 25 after begin pinched down and spun by a competitor. Unlike many other drivers, though, Townley was able to maintain control of his No. 09 Toyota Tundra and keep it off the wall. Swift work by crew chief Chris Rice and the RAB Racing crew allowed Townley to reemerge from the unscheduled pit stop without losing many positions.
Townley posted his third consecutive 16th-place finish. Townley and team owner Robby Benton each gained two positions in their respective point standings, with Townley advancing to 19th in the driver points and Benton climbing to 12th in the owner standings.
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway this Friday for race six of the 22-race schedule.
