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[/media-credit]CONCORD, N.C. (May 7, 2012) – Kenny Wallace continued his string of top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series by staying out of trouble in Saturday’s Aaron’s 312 at Talladega Superspeedway and piloting the No. 99 American Ethanol Toyota Camry to a ninth-place finish.
As heavy showers fell on Thursday, wreaking havoc with the weekend’s schedule, NASCAR was forced to cancel qualifying for the first time in 2012, setting the starting lineup according to the rule book and placing the American Ethanol Toyota Camry 20th on the starting grid. Fortunately, the skies cleared on Friday morning, allowing for a single two hour practice session, where Wallace recorded the eighth-best lap.
From the drop of the green flag on Saturday afternoon, Wallace expertly navigated through a string of multi-car incidents, keeping the No. 99 American Ethanol Toyota Camry unscathed and running inside the Top 10. Partnering with brother Mike Wallace, the pair utilized the two-car tandem to drive to the front of the pack, placing the No. 99 at the top of the leaderboard at lap 71. Even more impressive, Wallace’s American Ethanol Toyota Camry was one of only 19 cars to remain on the lead lap at the conclusion of the 122-lap event. The ninth-place finishing position marks Wallace’s best finish at the famed Alabama speedway since 2004, and RAB Racing’s best finish at Talladega.
Team owner Robby Benton gained one position in the owner point standings, moving into 20th position.
“What a great finish for this American Ethanol Toyota Camry,” said Wallace. “It was an exciting race, that’s for sure. We were able to avoid the major wrecks and bring home a ninth-place finish. I’m extremely proud of the effort that Scott Zipadelli and everyone at RAB Racing put forth. They gave me a strong car, and had it not been for some of those late-race cautions, I honestly believe I could have had a shot at the win.”
Toyota celebrated a landmark victory in Saturday’s Nationwide Series race after Joey Logano garnered the automaker their 200th victory in NASCAR’s top three divisions.
The next stop for the NASCAR Nationwide Series will be Darlington Raceway on Friday, May 11th, 2012.
