Catchfence

Given the unique weekend schedule, Crew Chief David Hyder and driver David Gilliland had only one day to figure out how they could make the #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion as competitive as possible. After a couple of practices and a 17th place qualifying effort on Saturday, the duo appeared to be off to a good start.

On Sunday, Gilliland took the green flag for the first Atlanta night race and the #21 quickly raced into the top 10. As the race wore on, the car became loose – a condition the team fought the entire night. Crew Chief Hyder worked hard to correct the loose condition and eventually found answers – at times giving Gilliland a car that was the fastest on the track. Gilliland navigated the #21 through a long race with 8 cautions. The team’s persistence paid off, resulting in a 19th place finish.

Co-owner Eddie Wood stated, “Hyder and David (Gilliland) did a heck of a job tonight. I can’t thank them both enough. They were put in a tough spot. Getting these cars to perform well with a crew chief and driver who have worked together is hard enough. To do it with guys that have never worked together is near impossible. But they kept at it and put together a heck of a performance.”

The team’s next race is October 4, 2009 at Kansas where Bill Elliott is expected to be back behind the wheel.

- Wood Brothers Racing, Press Release