TALLADEGA, Ala. (May 1, 2016) – After sustaining nose damage in a multi-car accident on lap 160, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. lined up in the 14thposition for the final green-white-checkered finish and was on the outside line working his way forward when an accident occurred near the front of the field coming to the checkered flag. The Fifth Third Bank Ford was collected in the accident but Stenhouse was able to slide across the finish line earning a 16th-place finish.
“Our Fifth Third Bank Ford was really fast all weekend,” Stenhouse said. “The nose damage that we got in that earlier wreck punctured our radiator which is why we had to keep coming to pit-road to add water late in the race. On that last restart, we were on the high side and we were moving forward. It’s unfortunate but it’s just a product of superspeedway racing.”
After advancing to round two of qualifying on Saturday, the Olive Branch, Miss. native started the 188-lap race in the sixth position. Stenhouse fell backwards due to lane choice but was able to march forward when in the correct line.
With less than 30 laps remaining, a multi-car accident occurred causing damage to the nose of the Fifth Third Bank Ford. After the crew worked hastily to repair the mangled machine, the two-time XFINITY champion restarted in the 21st position but gained seven positions in two laps before another yellow flag waved. Due to a puncture in the radiator, Mike Kelley called Stenhouse to pit road so they could add some water to his machine.
When the final green flag waved, Stenhouse was scored in the 14th position and was marching his way forward on the outside line before a wreck collected the Fifth Third Bank machine forcing him to settle with a 16th- place finish.
