GAFFNEY, S.C. (April 14, 2013) – After battling the track conditions for the majority of the night and then combating a sour motor in the waning laps, Mike Wallace was able to use his veteran experience to finish 21st at Texas Motor Speedway.
The finish, the third consecutive top-25 for the No. 01 G&K Services team, helped push Mike Wallace to 20th in the driver’s standings. The finish also provides the team the status of being “locked in” for the upcoming race at Richmond.
The weekend began with the veteran Wallace pacing the first and second practice sessions in 32nd both times. After the field set qualifying times, Wallace would roll off 28th. Once the green flag dropped, the No. 01 G&K Services Chevy worked toward the front of the field. Never losing a lap during the beginning of the race, the team worked on the car while gaining track position. After the last pit stop with 40 laps to go, the team bolted on fresh Goodyear tires for a run to the finish.
As the field took the green, the No. 01 G&K Services Chevrolet began to smoke. Wallace continued to pilot the car and remained on the lead lap until the white flag flew. Only losing one lap, Wallace took the checkered flag in 21st, and brought the battered race machine down pit road.
Mike Wallace Quotes: “Coming home 21st is a nice run for our team. For the last few laps, I could tell we had a problem brewing, but I didn’t want to give up any spots on the track. The finish ended up well enough to move the team up in points, which takes the pressure off at Richmond. I would like to thank G&K Services for the support again here in Texas. Now we have another weekend off before heading to Richmond!”
