CONCORD, N.C. (May 24, 2014) – Roush Fenway Racing (RFR) Ryan Reed earned his fourth top-15 finish of the season on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Team and driver patiently adjusted on the No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSM presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang all afternoon. The car was the strongest at the end of the race, propelling Reed to 14th at the checkered flag.
“I learned a lot that last run,” said Reed. “We were able to pick up quite a bit. We were in 20th all day and ended up coming home 14th. Seth [Barbour] made a great call to take the wave around and got us track position. I think we’re making progress. I know sometimes it doesn’t look like that, but I really believe that Seth and I are learning each week.”
The NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) started Saturday morning with a three-round qualifying session. Reed, after advancing to round two, would ultimately start the afternoon’s race in 23rd.
On the opening run of the race, Reed maintained his starting position, radioing to Crew Chief Seth Barbour that his Mustang was too tight. A Lap 23 caution allowed Barbour to call his rookie driver down pit road for four tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment. A speedy pit stop by the No. 16 crew gained Reed three positions, restarting 20th.
Reed ran in the top-20, fighting a car that was too loose on entry and too tight in the center for the majority of the race. Barbour called Reed down pit road for the final time on Lap 144. The team opted for four tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment to help the handling.
Barbour decided to take the wave around after a Lap 169 caution, instead of visiting pit road. Reed gained one lap back, restarting 16th. The strategy call paid off, ultimately netting the team a 14th-place finish.
