LOUDON, N.H. – Martin Truex Jr. has run aggressive Cup Series races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway however by no means quick sufficient to win.
Truex will look to eradicate that gap in his resume when he climbs contained in the No. 19 Interstate Batteries Toyota for Sunday’s (3) operating of the Ambetter 301 on the Magic Mile.
Truex, who competes for Joe Gibbs Racing, made a big inroad in direction of his purpose by capturing the pole place throughout Saturday’s qualifying rounds. It was the primary pole on Truex’ profession however the 133rd for the Joe Gibbs Racing staff. Truex accomplished his qualifying lap in 29.964 seconds, with a prime velocity of 127.133 mph.
“You always want to be the fastest guy whether it is practice, qualifying or the race,” stated Truex. “We got a small victory today and victories are all good and hopefully we can make it work for us Sunday which is a lot more important.”
Truex, the 2017 Cup Series Champion, shall be making his thirty third Cup Series begin at NHMS and has 9 finishes within the prime 5 and 18 and the highest 10. He has led 1,001 laps with a mean end on 11.8. Truex’s greatest displaying was a 3rd on July 1, 2007, whereas racing for Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Truex is at present sixth within the driver standings with 566 factors, however has but to win a race that will assure a spot within the playoffs. Truex may finish the hex and improve his place within the playoffs with a victory within the Ambetter 301.
“To win here would be bigger than to worry about the playoffs,” stated Truex. “I’ve had a lot of chances and a lot of close ones here.”
Cup Series factors chief Chase Elliott, who was coming off a victory final weekend at Atlanta, pushed the No. 9 Napa Auto Parts Chevrolet to the second quickest qualifying time (30.009) and velocity (126.922). He will begin the race in row one exterior Truex.
Elliott shall be making his ninth run at New Hampshire and he loved good observe place within the final two Cup Series races. He started in third place in each occasions and completed ninth in 2020 and 18th final 12 months.
“It’s not a short track in my opinion,” stated Elliott. “It is just a mile but very flat and it has been a not so good place for us really since I started coming up here. Looking forward to another opportunity to try and get a little better up here.”
Defending champion Aric Almirola guided the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang to the seventh spot on row 4 inside Kyle Larson. Almirola posted a qualifying time 30.219 with a prime velocity of 126. 040.
Almirola was one of the best automobile on the observe after a 1:42:32 rain delay final summer season and he took the checkered flag at 8:11 p.m. after 292 laps.
“When we came to Loudon last year our car was perfect, we made minimal adjustments throughout the entire race,” stated Almirola, who’s rumored to be retiring on the finish of this season.
“It was just one of those days where everything goes right and we steadily worked our way through the field. We got to race with the leaders and led a lot of laps.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com