Ken Butler III came into Homestead-Miami Speedway hoping to bring home a solid finish in his final race with long-time sponsor Aaron’s. After posting the 28th-fastest time out of the more than 50 drivers who participated in qualifying Saturday morning, the entire Aaron’s team was poised for a solid run.
“The car felt pretty good,” said Butler. “The guys worked hard on the car after practice last night and we were able to pick up some speed this morning. I am happy with that lap; I think we have a great car for the race.”
From the onset of racing action, Butler reported to his Aaron’s team that the car was free getting into the corners and tight center off. The team used an early caution to bring the Aaron’s Dream Machine down pit road on lap 24 for four tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment and rejoined the field in 27th position.
The Aaron’s Outdoors Mossy Oak team used the next series of cautions during the first half of the Ford 300 to help adjust the tight condition Butler was fighting in his No. 23 Chevrolet. By the midpoint of the race he was running 27th, one lap down to the leaders.
As the sun began to set, the handling on the Aaron’s Dream Machine began to improve as track conditions changed. Butler had to make a green-flag pit stop on lap 147 for four tires and fuel and returned to the to the track in 27th position, running lap times as fast as the top ten, but plagued two laps behind the leaders.
Butler remained fast for the final 53 laps of the race but could never get the track position to make up a lap to the leaders. When the checkered flag waved to mark the close of the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series season, Butler crossed the finish line with his Aaron’s Dream Machine in 27th position.
“We didn’t get the finish I was hoping for today but 2009 has been a great year for me,” said Butler. “I have gained some great experience and learned a lot as a driver. I now know that I can compete with the top drivers in the world. It’s just a matter of getting the right car to compete in each week.
“I want to thank everyone at R3 Motorsports for everything they have done this season,” continued Butler. “The team kept getting better all year long. I also want to give major thanks to Aaron’s for all their support throughout the years. They have been a great sponsor. As we look for a new team and sponsor this off-season I can only hope to find another company as great to work with as Aaron’s has been.”
Kyle Busch clinched his first career NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship with a victory in the Ford 300. Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton, Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top five.
Now that he’s completed his rookie season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Butler will get a well-deserved break before turning his attention to finding a new ride for 2010. With Aaron’s not returning as a sponsor, Butler is currently seeking sponsorship to continue his climb through the NASCAR ranks.
- Butler Bros Racing. Press Release