DEARBORN, Mich., August 4, 2016 – Wood Brothers Racing won at Watkins Glen International back in 1965 and look to visit victory lane with the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team this weekend at the Cheez-It 355 at the Glen.
The late Marvin Panch drove the Wood’s historic No. 21 at that ’65 Watkins Glen race. Rookie Ryan Blaney takes the wheel this time around. It is his first NASCAR race of any kind at the scenic New York road course.
The last time the No. 21 competed at Watkins Glen was in 2008 with Marcos Ambrose at the controls. He finished in third place.
“It’ll be a neat experience going to the Glen for the first time. It’s always been a favorite of mine to watch and I’m looking forward to racing there.”
— Ryan Blaney
RYAN BLANEY WATKINS GLEN FAST FACTS:
This is his first start ever at Watkins Glen.
Posted a second-place finish at Elkhart Lake in 2015 XFINITY Series race.
Finished 23rd at Sonoma earlier this season.
WOOD BROTHERS EATKINS GLEN FAST FACTS:
Marvin Panch won there in 1965.
Has 24 starts, four top-five and seven top-10 finishes as Watkins Glen.
Last ran at the Glen in 2008 with Marcos Ambrose behind the wheel and finished third.
CREW CHIEF JEREMY BULLINS’ FAN GUIDE TO CHEEZE-IT 355 AT THE GLEN:
“This will be one of the more interesting road course weekends in recent history. With Watkins Glen being repaved this year, expect to see the typical trend of less tire falloff than you see at other repaves. I expect to see teams being even more aggressive with strategy knowing that passing may be at a premium and fresher tires may not be an advantage near the end of the race. These events always see a reverse pit sequence, where teams begin to pit when they know they will have enough fuel to make it to the end of the race. You have more freedom to make those calls when you’re not concerned with tires being a handling concern at the end of the runs. I also expect to see more teams struggle with brake usage as the speeds will be higher due to the repave and require more brake usage.”
WEEKEND TV SCHEDULE:
Friday August 5, 12:30 a.m. – Practice on NBCSN
August 5, 3 p.m. – Practice on NBCSN
Saturday August 6, 12:15 p.m. – Qualifying on CNBC
Sunday August 7, 2:30 p.m. – Cheez-It 355 at the Glen on USA Network
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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.
