DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2015) – After locking into NASCAR’s biggest race of the year by posting one of four top speeds during Sunday’s qualifying session for the front row, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. started the second Duel in the eighth position and ran consistently in the top 10.The two-time XFINITY champion lined up in the 11th position for the final green-white-checkered finish, but the inside lane stalled out causing Stenhouse to settle with a 16th-place finish in Thursday night’s second Duel race.
“Our Fastenal Ford was good in the draft as long as there was a car behind me,” Stenhouse said. “We still have a few practice sessions to go before Sunday so we will get our Ford dialed in. Sunday is when it counts and the trophy is handed out. I feel with some minor adjustments, our Fastenal Ford will be strong on Sunday and can contend for the win.”
The Olive Branch, Miss. native started the 60-lap shootout in the eighth position and drafted with teammate Greg Biffle for a majority of the race but got shuffled back late in the race.
When the first yellow flag was displayed, crew chief Nick Sandler called Stenhouse to pit-road for two tires and fuel since the 2013 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year was running at the rear of the field due to the pack getting dicey early on.
When the final caution flag was displayed setting up a green-white-checkered finish, Stenhouse restarted in 11th position but the inside lane stalled forcing Stenhouse to lose a few positions in the final laps.
Stenhouse and the No. 17 team will start the Daytona 500 in the 32nd position. The 500 is set for Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. EST, and will be televised live on FOX. The race can also be heard on MRN and SIRIUS radio channel 90.
Roush Fenway Racing is the winningest team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series competition with drivers Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne, Elliott Sadler, Ryan Reed, Chris Buescher and Bubba Wallace. Now in its 28th season, Roush Fenway is a leader in driver development, having launched the careers for many of the top drivers in the sport. Off-track, Roush Fenway is a leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and producing multiple award-winning digital and experiential marketing campaigns. Roush Fenway is co-owned by Jack Roush, the winningest team owner in NASCAR history and Fenway Sports Group, parent company of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C. Visit RoushFenway.com, circle on Google+, become a fan on Facebook and Instagram and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway.
