It was Smith’s third top-13 finish in the last four races. Three weeks ago he finished 12th in Fontana, Calif. and came back the following week with a 13th-place result in Charlotte, N.C. The only blemish during this four-race span was last week in Martinsville, Va., when Smith’s car got hit and crashed into the concrete wall while running in the top 20.
“Yes, it feels good to come away with another respectable finish, but we’re never satisfied — we want more,” said Smith in post-race interviews. “We’re on a nice streak, but when we get a top 10, I will be happier.”
Smith, who started the race from the 39th position due to a mechanical issue in Saturday’s qualifying session, patiently marched his No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet to the front. The methodical driver, who started his racing career at a young age in central New York, was steady throughout the event as he was positioned in the top-five, top-10 and top-15 during the 188-lap race on the 2.66-mile oval.
“We knew if we could stay away from accidents we could run with any car out there,” stated Smith. “This was our first superspeedway race we finished since last year’s July race in Daytona. “Our strategy was sound and the pit crew did a great job. I wish we could have snuck in a few more positions and get that top-10. But overall another great team effort from the Furniture Row Racing team.”
Smith made a nifty late-race charge in his No. 78 Chevrolet as he diced his way through traffic. He was positioned in 26th-place on Lap 178 and gained 14 positions in the closing 10 laps.
“Regan drove a great spot race,” said crew chief Pete Rondeau. “He kept the car out of harms way and made some nice moves to get to where he needed to be. We just need to be calm about our recent accomplishments. We are on the right track, but still not where we want to be. The entire team gave it an outstanding effort this weekend.”
The race winner was Clint Bowyer. Rounding out the top-five in order were: Kevin Harvick, Juan Pablo Montoya, David Reutimann and Joey Logano.
The next Sprint Cup race is Sunday (Nov. 7) at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
- DMF Communications for Furniture Row Racing, Press Release
