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Pit Road Mishap Proves Costly for Biffle and Brewco

 

WATKINS, GLEN (August 13)- For the first time since 2001, the NASCAR Busch Series headed north to Watkins Glen International.  The second road course race of the season had its share of ups and downs, as inclement weather plagued much of the weekend.  Nevertheless, Greg Biffle, driver of the #66 Dial® / Renuzit® Ford started 12^th and finished 12^th in the Zippo 200.  As a result of the finish, Team Brewco #66 fell from eighth to ninth in NASCAR Busch Series owner's standings.

 

Having tested at the 2.45-mile facility one week ago, Greg Biffle and his Brewco Motorsports teammates held high expectations upon entering this weekend's events.  "We had a great test here last week.  It's definitely an advantage to shake the rust off and get acclimated to the track.  Really, we just wanted to get familiar with the track and shake down the car," Biffle added after participating in a one-day test session at Watkins Glen International.

 

Keeping a close eye on the weather radar, crew chief Newt Moore knew that practice time would be at a premium as storm clouds grew increasingly dark.  Despite the inclement weather, Biffle managed to make several laps and prepare the #66 Ford for Saturday-s 82-lap race.  "I'm really glad we tested here last week.  A lot of guys are going to be out in left field, but we feel pretty confident with our set-up," Biffle said after Saturday's second practice session was cancelled.

 

Weather was once again a factor on Saturday morning, as light showers loomed over Watkins Glen International for much of the day.  Fortunately, a small break in the clouds allowed enough time for Busch Pole qualifying.  Ultimately, Biffle's one lap around the 2.45-mile track would be good enough for a 12^th place starting spot.  With qualifying behind them and the skies opening up, Team Brewco #66 patiently awaited the start of the Zippo 200.

 

After a lengthy two hour delay, NASCAR called the competitors to their cars.  With the track 80% dry, the decision was made to show the green and yellow flags simultaneously.  After running 17 laps under green/yellow, competitors finally got the chance to shift up and take the green on lap 18.  Greg Biffle wasted little time moving to the front of the field.  With weather still a major factor, strategy would be increasingly important in the early stages of the race.  By lap 22, Biffle had raced his way in to the top-ten.  Following several other leaders, the decision was made to pit on lap 23. "We really think that it's going to rain again.  If that's the case, then we want to have already made our stop.  No one can make it to half way on fuel, so when they pit we will regain our track position," crew chief Newt Moore added.

 

On lap 27, while running in 24^th place, Biffle radioed, "The car is handling really well.  I'm driving the wheels off this thing, so it's getting a little loose from time to time, but nothing to worry about."  As the weather radar cleared, strategies were adjusted.  Teams had to plan to race the full 82 laps.  Planning on making it on one more stop, Greg Biffle charged his way to the front of the field before making a second and final stop on lap 52.  With many of the leaders having pitted several laps earlier, Biffle headed to pit road in third place.  A routine four tire stop proved disastrous as a lung nut was left off on the right front wheel.  Fortunately, the mistake was caught before it was too late.  Biffle was able to reverse the #66 Ford before being handed any penalty.  Nevertheless, the loss of track position proved too much to overcome.

 

Down but not out, Biffle dug deep and raced his way back into the top-fifteen with only a handful of laps remaining.  Ultimately, the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series champion took the checkered flag in 12^th place.

 

"Not really the finish we were hoping for.  This car was a rocket late in the race.  Had we had the track position, we definitely would have had a shot.  I think the only other car in our league was Robby Gordon's, but that's what happens sometimes.  We'll bounce back," Biffle added.

 

Next up, Team Brewco #66 heads to Michigan International Speedway for the Domino's Pizza 250 on Saturday, August 20^th.  TNT and MRN will provide live coverage of the event beginning at 3:00pm ET.