CONCORD, N.C. (October 22, 2012) – Kenny Wallace had a strong run going in most of Saturday’s Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway, contending for a top-10 finish. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, as a late-race a fuel strategy scenario played against the American Ethanol team, leaving Wallace 18th when the checkered flag waved.
Making the only trip to the Kansas City track during the 2012 Nationwide Series season, Wallace and RAB Racing recorded the 15th and third-fastest times in the two scheduled NASCAR Nationwide Series practices leading up to the Saturday afternoon event. After his qualifying attempt on the 1.5-mile tri-oval, Wallace posted a speed fast enough to slot into the fourth starting position.
Throughout the majority of the extended 206-lap event, the St. Louis native raced between fourth and 10th, rarely falling out of the top 10. In a record-setting, caution-filled race, Wallace kept his American Ethanol Toyota Camry unscathed and near the front of the field. As the laps were winding down, the team gambled on fuel strategy, hoping the rest of the race would conclude caution free. Unfortunately for the No. 99 team, a green-white-checker scenario extended the race beyond the fuel window, forcing Wallace to pit and relinquish his top-10 position. Wallace emerged from pit road to complete the race in the 18th position.
Despite the less-than-desired result, RAB Racing gained one position, moving to 20th in the NASCAR Nationwide Series owner point standings. With 30 of 33 races complete, the No. 99 team trails 19th place by six markers.
“It was a good day for us,” said Wallace. “We ran strong and within the top five the majority of the race. We just fell victim to a fuel mileage scenario. A lot of us were under those same circumstances at the end of the day and it’s unfortunate. But I’m proud of my RAB Racing team for their effort today.”
In two weeks, the NASCAR Nationwide Series heads Texas Motor Speedway for round 31 of the 2012 season on Saturday, November 3, 2012.
