With top-10 finishes in two out of his three NASCAR Sprint Cup starts at Talladaga Superspeedway, this weekend’s Alabama 500 could be the race when Motorcraft/Quick Lane team driver Ryan Blaney breaks through for his first premiere series victory.
DEARBORN, Mich., October 19, 2016 – With top-10 finishes in two out of his three NASCAR Sprint Cup starts at Talladaga Superspeedway, this weekend’s Alabama 500 could be the race when Motorcraft/Quick Lane team driver Ryan Blaney breaks through for his first premiere series victory.
In May, Blaney started 19th, avoided major damage from wrecks and charged his way to ninth by the time the checkered flag flew. A year earlier, he qualified third and finished fourth. In the 2015 fall race at Talladega, Blaney had engine trouble and finished last.
If he makes it to victory circle at Talladega, the rookie driver will give the Wood Brothers their sixth win there to go with their 18 top five and 31 top-10 finishes in 87 attempts.
“Talladega is unpredictable but we have always had fast cars there. It’s all about picking your spots and taking advantage when an opportunity presents itself. We will go there and try to win.”
— Ryan Blaney
RYAN BLANEY TALLADEGA FAST FACTS:
Started 19th and finished ninth in May race.
Started third and finished fourth in May 2015 race.
Had engine trouble in October 2015 race and finished 43rd.
WOOD BROTHERS TALLADEGA FAST FACTS:
Has 87 starts at Talladega.
Been to victory lane five times (Donnie Allison, David Pearson (3) and Neil Bonnett).
18 top-five finishes.
31 top-10 results.
CREW CHIEF JEREMY BULLINS ON THE ALABAMA 500:
“First, you have a fast car, and work on making it faster. If you can be fast enough to pass cars with less help you can get to the front and stay there. Qualifying well obviously puts you on track to do that. Second, you plan a pit strategy to try to keep your track position and be ahead of the wreck. Try not to make pit road mistakes that would bring you back down pit road and give up that track position. Outside of that you’re a spectator like everyone else in the stands.”
WEEKEND TV SCHEDULE:
Friday October 21, 2-2:55 p.m. (ET) – Practice on NBCSN
October 21, 4:30-5:25 p.m. (ET) – Practice on NBCSN
Saturday October 22, 4 p.m. (ET) – Qualifying on NBCSN
Sunday October 23, 2 p.m. (ET) – Alabama 500 on NBCSN
About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under-hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln dealers, independent distributors and automotive parts retailers are backed by Ford Motor Company’s two-year, unlimited-miles Service Parts Limited Warranty. Ask for Motorcraft by name when you visit your local auto parts store or your favorite service facility. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers
Ford’s Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, light repair services including brake repair, and tire replacements on all vehicle makes and models. With nearly 800 locations and growing, customers can visit www.quicklane.com to find a center that is closest to them, print savings coupons and review maintenance tips to keep their vehicles running at peak efficiency. This site includes information on how to spot tire wear, how to jump-start a battery and even a series of tips to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy.
Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 98 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 117 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion driven by Ryan Blaney in the famous number 21 racecar.
