DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2014) – Roush Fenway Racing rookie Ryan Reed earned his career-best NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) finish Friday night under the lights at Daytona International Speedway (DIS). Reed ran a strong race and avoided multiple late-race accidents, piloting his No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSM presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang into fourth at the checkered flag.
“That was what we needed right there,” said Reed. “Man it felt good to get our first top-five. The guys told me that Ricky [Stenhouse Jr.] really turned his rookie season around a couple years ago at Daytona, by coming away with a top-five. I am hoping to do the same thing. I am really proud of everyone, and I want to thank Lilly Diabetes, Ford and the American Diabetes Association.”
The NNS returned to DIS for the second time this year to race under the lights on the Fourth of July. The No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes team unloaded a patriotic Ford Mustang for the occasion. With rain showers putting an early end to qualifying, Reed wound up with a fourth-place starting position for the 100-lap, 250-mile race.
Green-flag racing was delayed a little over an hour, due to the afternoon’s lingering rain showers. When the field of 40 finally took the green, Reed settled into the top-15 running order.
Reed remained quiet over the radio during the opening run. Crew Chief Seth Barbour called his rookie driver to pit road for the first time of the day under the green flag on Lap 37. The team opted for four tires and fuel, with no adjustments.
On the following run, Reed began to march his way forward, climbing up to seventh by the time the first caution on Lap 51. Barbour called the No. 16 down pit road again for a fuel only stop, informing his driver he was good to go on fuel for the remainder of the race.
Reed remained patient and out of trouble, as the close of the race was halted by multiple caution flags for on-track accidents. He took the final restart from third, ultimately crossing the finish line in fourth.
“That was some fun racing,” said Reed. “I had a great time. Everyone just raced so hard. I am so proud of the team for putting ourselves in a good position to capitalize. That is what we have needed to do all season long and to finally do it, I am just so proud.”
The finish is Reed’s highest NNS finish, besting his previous highest finish of ninth last season at Richmond International Raceway. With the finish, Reed now ranks 10th in the NNS point standings.
NEXT UP:
Sta-Green 200
1.06-mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Loudon, N.H.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and PRN
RACE SUMMARY
Ryan Reed
Started: 4
Finished: 4
Complete Race Results:
www.roushfenway.com
POINTS SUMMARY
Ryan Reed
2014 Season Total: 10th with 423 points
