DEARBORN, Mich., June 22, 2016 – In many ways, this weekend’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway is a drive into the unknown for rookie driver Ryan Blaney and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team.
Several times in his first full season behind the wheel of the Wood Brothers’ iconic No. 21 Ford, the 22-year-old rookie has run his first Sprint Cup laps on various tracks on the NASCAR circuit. Blaney, however, usually has some XFINITY Series or Camping World Truck Series track experience on which to build. Not so at Sonoma. He’s never even been to the track before this weekend.
In his most recent road course venture, Blaney qualified third and finished second in the 2015 XFINITY Series race at Elkhart Lake. He won the Camping World Truck Series race at Motorsport Park in Canada in 2014.
“I’m really looking forward to Sonoma. I love road course racing. I’ve never been there, even to watch my dad race. So this will be my very first time there for any reason.”
— Ryan Blaney
RYAN BLANEY SONOMA FAST FACTS:
He has never raced at Sonoma Raceway.
Qualified third and finished second in XFINITY Series race at Elkhart Lake in 2015.
Won the Camping World Truck Series race at Motorsport Park in Canada in 2014.
WOOD BROTHERS SONOMA FAST FACTS:
Wood Brothers Racing has made 20 starts at Sonoma.
Team has four top-10 finishes.
Best finish was a second place in 2005 with Ricky Rudd behind the wheel.
CREW CHIEF JEREMY BULLINS’ FAN GUIDE TO TOYOTA-SAVE MART 350:
“Sonoma will be a test of mechanical grip and strategy. Having traction off the slow, flat corners is always a big deal there, so having a car that still turns well but has good drive off on throttle will be key. And being a road course a good pit strategy is key as well. A well-timed pit stop can net you several spots if the caution comes out at a favorable time.”
WEEKEND TV SCHEDULE:
Friday June 24, 3 p.m. (EDT) – Practice on FS1
June 24, 6 p.m. (EDT) – Practice on FS1
Saturday June 25, 2 p.m. (EDT) – Qualifying on FS1
Sunday June 26, 3 p.m. (EDT) – Toyota/Save Mart 350 on FS1
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.
