Catchfence

CHINA GROVE, N.C. (November 20, 2011) – Robert Richardson, Jr. and No. 23 Tia Rosa Tortilla / Takis Chevrolet of R3 Motorsports finished out the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series with a commendable lead-lap finish of 22nd place at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday.

After qualifying 37th for the 200-lap race, Richardson didn’t waste too much time making his move when the initial green flag flew. Within 10 laps, he was already up into the 20s looking for more on the scoring pylon.

When the first caution waved on lap four, the Greg Conners-led team remained out and waited until the competition caution waved on lap 35 to make their first start for adjustments, fuel and tires. From there, Richardson would do his best to remain on the lead lap for the middle segments of the race.

It would be 100 laps more before the Tia Rosa Tortilla/Takis Chevrolet could take advantage of a caution to their liking. When the No. 41 of Stanton Barrett made contact with the outside wall in Turn 2, Richardson was in the Lucky Dog position to get back on the lead lap.

Now back on the lead lap, the team’s strategy switched from trying to stay on the lead lap to “go man go!” for the remainder of the race. Aside from the great work by the R3 Motorsports crew on pit road, Richardson and team were aided by four of the nine cautions taking place from lap 140 to 200.

This not only slowed the pace of the race, but allowed Richardson to gain more positions than where he was running. Needing just one more stop for fuel, tires and an adjustment; the Pilot Point, Texas resident did what was needed to stay on the lead lap right to the finish.

And, that’s exactly what he did when the checkered flag flew on lap 200 as Richardson came across the stripe in 22nd place. As a reward for all of their hard work this year, Richardson treated the team to a deep sea fishing expedition off the Florida Keys on Sunday.

Robert Richardson, Jr. Quotes: “Now that’s what I call a good race for our R3 Motorsports team. We had the great folks from Bimbo Bakeries USA and Barcel on the car again and it was nice to get a lead lap finish for them while they were here with the team this weekend.

“This team has really been coming on the last few races and I hate to see it end right now. We raced right where we needed all day long to take advantage of the Lucky Dog when it came our way. And, that’s exactly what happened there and we raced the rest of the way on the lead lap.

“It’s nice the season is over and everyone can take a little bit of a breather. For all of their hard work, we’re keeping the crew over for another day of fun in the sun and I’m taking them all deep sea fishing on Sunday as a way of saying “thanks” for their efforts.

“I’d like to thank everyone who’s supported R3 Motorsports this year and hope you all have a great holiday season. See you in Daytona.”

- R3 Motorsports Press Release