Gaughan Continues Top-Five Streak at Texas Motor Speedway
Brendan Gaughan and Richard Childress Racing’s No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino team earned their fifth-consecutive top-five finish of the season with a fifth-place result at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday night.
Gaughan started the event fourth and reported a tight-handling condition to the Shane Wilson-led crew during the early laps. Wilson called for chassis adjustments during routine four-tire pit stops throughout the 167-lap affair to aid in the handling issues Gaughan was battling. The Las Vegas native maneuvered around his RCR teammate, Ty Dillon, on lap 79 to take over the lead and continued out front for the next 44 circuits around the 1.5-mile track. As Gaughan was rounding the track on lap 133, he brushed the outside retaining wall and forfeited the top spot. The incident caused the black and gold machine to become free for the remainder of the race and prevented Gaughan from getting back to the front of the field. The veteran driver slipped to the fifth spot, where he took the checkered flag.
Start – 4 Finish – 5 Laps Led – 44 Points – 3rd
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTE:
“The No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet team put in a great effort. We were fast all night long. Our ECR engine stayed strong throughout the race. Our engine builders are one of a kind. Not only do they build speed, but they build durability. We’ll get the win we’re searching for soon, we’re headed in the right direction.”