Austin Dillon Earns Runner-Up Finish in Loudon

NASCAR XFINITY Series – Lakes Region 200
July 18, 2015 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway – Loudon, NH

Austin Dillon and the No. 33 Rheem team finished second in the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday after leading laps and battling a loose Chevrolet. Dillon started the 200-lap event from the sixth position and missed a wreck in the early stages of the race, improving his track position to third for the ensuing restart on lap 30. The Welcome, N.C., native began to battle a tight-handling condition as long green-flag runs progressed through the afternoon, but remained a fixture within the top 10 of the running order. Crew chief Danny Stockman called Dillon to pit road under green-flag conditions for four tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment to combat his handling issues. The changes proved to be positive as Dillon drove to the lead on lap 175 and led the field for the next seven circuits around the Loudon, N.H.-based track. While racing for the lead on lap 182, Dillon was forced out of the racing groove and slipped to the fourth position. He was able to battle his way back to second before crossing the finish line in the Lakes Region 200. Saturday’s second-place result moves the No. 33 Rheem team to second in the owner’s championship point standings.

First, I’d like to thank Danny (Stockman, crew chief) and the Rheem guys. They worked really hard to get the car back in order after first practice yesterday. We had a real fast Chevrolet tonight and had a chance to bring home the win. I’m proud of what this team has done this year. We’re not done yet, we’ll get another win. – Austin Dillon

Start – 6, Finish – 2, Laps Led – 7, Owner’s Points – 2