Mid-Race Spin Halts Strong Run for Biffle

Cub Cadet Ford Finishes 17th

 

 

Date:                July 22, 2006

Event:               Goody’s 250

Location:           Martinsville Speedway

Start:                7th  

Finish:              17th

Martinsville, VA (July 24, 2006) - The return of the NASCAR Busch Series to Martinsville Speedway proved eventful for Brewco Motorsports and the No. 66 Cub Cadet Racing team. 

With Greg Biffle slated to drive and the NEXTEL Cup Series at Pocono Raceway, Jason Keller again stepped in to help ready the car for Biffle’s arrival.  Being the first Busch Series race at Martinsville Speedway in a dozen years, teams were given an open test day Thursday to get a feel for the track.  Biffle and Keller both got seat time during the test and both felt the Cub Cadet Ford would be one of the cars to beat come Saturday. 

Keller practiced the Cub Cadet Ford on Friday while Biffle was in Pocono.  Keller was 10th fastest in final practice and told the team “that’s not even the same car I was driving earlier today – it’s so much better.” 

Keller was slated to qualify the Cub Cadet Ford as Biffle was scheduled to be en route from Pocono following final NEXTEL Cup practice.  When rain washed out all on track activities in Pocono, it looked like Biffle might make qualifying in Martinsville.  With luck and a 41st qualifying order draw on his side, Biffle arrived in Martinsville with 10 minutes to spare and qualified the Cub Cadet Ford in 7th place. 

When the race began, Biffle reported that the Cub Cadet Ford was “really good, just a little loose.”  Biffle never lost ground and was running 5th when he spun in turn two on lap 80.  The Cub Cadet Ford suffered rear end damage that took three trips down pit road to repair.

After repairs Biffle was seen 34th, one lap down.  He received the Lucky Dog pass on lap 102 and despite the aerodynamic disadvantage, began moving up through the field.  The Cub Cadet Ford was a handful for Biffle, “so loose I can’t go anywhere,” he reported.  Biffle held on to the car and finished the Goody’s 250 in 17th.  

“That’s really disappointing,” said Biffle.  “The Cub Cadet Ford was so good starting off.  We got loose there about 30 laps in but the car still felt pretty good.  We had a top-five car for sure.  I hate it for Newt Moore and all the guys at Brewco Motorsports.  I know they had a long weekend and I really wanted to give them a good finish.  We’ll be back in a couple of weeks.  This team has a good road course program and we’re going to get a top finish at Watkins Glen.”