LOUDON, N.H. (July 15, 2012) — Furniture Row Racing driver Regan Smith finished 26th in Sunday’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
After starting 17th, Smith fought handling issues for the majority of the 301-lap event and never could get uncorked at the 1.058-mile oval.
“Despite the struggles today, we all battled hard but could never find the proper grip to make a move,” said Smith. “Once again the over-the-wall crew had fast stops and it was too bad we couldn’t capitalize on their performance. We made adjustments throughout the race and the Furniture Row/Farm American Chevy did get better but by the time it did we were a couple of laps down.”
Though it wasn’t the performance Smith and the Denver-based team were seeking, Smith, who remains 26th in points, feels there’s time to salvage the season.
“Today’s race marked the second half of the season and we have 17 more to go, which is enough time to turn things around,” noted the 28-year-old Smith. “We’re going to work harder to find the rhythm that has escaped us.”
The race winner was Kasey Kahne. Rounding out the top-10 in order were: Denny Hamlin, Clint Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Brad Keselowski, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Greg Biffle and Ryan Newman.
There were three cautions in the race for 15 laps and there were 16 lead changes among eight drivers.
The Sprint Cup Series will have next weekend off before heading to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the July 29th Brickyard 400.
