Leighton Finishes 18th At NHMS
Leighton Finishes 18th At NHMS
Loudon, N.H. (June 27, 2009): Brad Leighton has won at New Hampshire Motor Speedway more than any other driver in the NASCAR Camping World Series East, but during Friday evenings Heluva Good! Summer 125, Leighton experienced something he never has at the 1.058-mile oval – a struggle with the set up in the No. 55 Irving Oil Chevrolet. Leighton finished the day with an 18th place finish.
“We missed it. It’s the first time in a while and it’s humbling. We thought we had a better car than that. I didn’t know if we had a car to win, but there was nothing there. I had to hang on and keep it in one piece,” he said. “We were just trying to showcase Irving. We’ve always done well here for them at the speedway with all the exposure the place gets, but it just didn’t work out today.”
Leighton’s season debut in the NASCAR Camping World Series East kicked off with a qualifying effort of 122.813 mph (31.013 seconds) to earn a starting position in row seven. At the drop of the green, Leighton dropped back to 19th and realized that an adjustment would have to be made. A long green flag run that lasted the first 39 laps of the race threatened to put the four-time track champion a lap down.
“We were pretty close there,” admitted Leighton. “We really needed that caution and it came just in time for us. We were able to stay on the lead lap at that point and come in and try to adjust on the car a little bit.”
The teams effort didn’t make much difference on the track. Leighton continued to struggle, but was able to gain position nevertheless. Leighton made it up to 13th before coming back down pit road for a fresh set of tires. He returned to the track in the 20th position.
Leighton had his work cut out for him, but his determination prevailed and the Center Harbor, N.H. native was able to get into 18th before the checkers dropped. Leighton stayed out of trouble the entire race long and was able to bring the car home in one piece.
“The fortunate thing is that we have a car we can work on,” said Leighton. “The guys don’t have to go back and worry about fixing body and frame damage. They can concentrate on making this car better for the September race.”
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