Great Run Derailed by Broken Wheel Stud at Dover
October 1st, 2011
Dover, De (9-30-11) The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East made its final stop of the year at the Monster Mile in Dover, DE, and Chad Boat and the Curb Records team hoped to end the season with a great finish and head into 2012. But the bad luck that has plagued the team the second half of the year continued, as a broken wheel stud on a pit stop while running fifth in the race ended the day.
After qualifying in the 12th position in the 36 car field, Chad moved into the top 10 and appeared have one of the best cars he has had all year, running fast lap times and racing in the lead group. After getting fuel early, Chad stayed out on a lap 48 yellow flag while the leaders pitted and lead laps 50-54, and raced in the top five after the green as cars with new tires took the lead. He settled in 5th, and was running a strong race until the lap 71 caution, when the team pitted for final fuel and tires. Unfortunately, the broken stud on the stop required him to come back to pit lane, and NASCAR rules require 5 lug nuts at all times. The 98 was done for the day.
“It is disappointing to have a car that you feel like you can run in the top 5 or better and have a $5.00 part put you out, but that is racing,” Chad said after the race. “We just need to get a change of luck. I feel like our cars have been better, I have been better, and we are racing at the front. All we can do is keep working hard, as I know it will turn around.”