Daytona – Drive for COPD 300 Post Race Report
JD Motorsports runs well, but finishes poorly at Daytona.
Mike Wallace and Danny Efland both involved in multicar wrecks at Daytona.
GAFFNEY, S.C. (February 23, 2013) – After the checkered flag flew at Daytona International Speedway, Mike Wallace and Danny Efland finished 34th and 25th respectively. Both cars ran well throughout the race, but were ultimately caught up in wrecks relegating them to poor finishes.
On Friday, the No. 01 G&K Services Chevrolet qualified 23rd and the No. 4 FLEX SEAL Chevrolet ended up 38th. Both cars decided to not focus on qualifying due to their status as locked in, and chose to limit their practice time to avoid any possible issues. Mike Wallace focused mainly on single car runs, but did participate in one ‘two car tandem’ with Joe Nemechek during second practice, and posted the 10th fastest time of the session. Danny Efland ended up 40th.
As the race started, the No. 01 G&K Services Chevrolet piloted by Mike Wallace immediately moved into the top 10, racing amongst the leaders. Using his skill at restrictor plate tracks, coupled with a great car and new motor, the veteran remained with the leaders for the first part of the race. Meanwhile, Danny Efland also quietly moved his No. 4 FLEX SEAL Chevy into the top 20 early in the race. While sticking to their strategy of racing conservatively, he was able to work the draft and maintain touch with the leaders.
As the race neared the halfway mark of 60 laps, Wallace was involved in a multicar crash on the front stretch while running in the top 15. Although the car appeared able to continue, after visiting the pits, it was noted that electrical wiring was in need of repair. Wallace was unable to restart the car, and the team was forced to push the No. 01 to the garage for repairs.
As the activity on the track increased, Danny began to make his move to the front. After cycling through the lead during a period of pit stops, he was running in the lead pack and was involved in the second big crash of the day. The No. 4 FLEX SEAL Chevrolet had heavy damage on the right side, and was forced to the garage as well.
Although the race did not end up as planned, the team ran strong throughout the day, flexing their muscle and running towards the front.
Mike Wallace Quotes: “We had a very strong car, that was capable of getting to the front quickly. Once we got started, we raced in the top 15 until the wreck.”
“I am not sure what happened up there. Everybody was racing so close to each other and bouncing around. We ended up spinning and collecting a few other cars. Then I thought we would be able to continue, but I guess the electrical system failed. I want to thank Johnny, and G&K Services for providing me a great car for Daytona. One day we will finish one of these and be celebrating in Victory Lane.”
Danny Efland Quotes: “Wow, what a race we had at Daytona. Before the race I spoke with Johnny, and Dave (crew chief) and we worked out a strategy for the race. We wanted to be conservative early, but still allow ourselves a chance to mix it up at the end.”
“As the race got going, we moved up well and the car was very capable of racing strong. I had a lot of fun drafting in the top 20, but then we got caught up in the big one. My spotter was trying to clear me through the wreck, but we ended up with heavy right side damage. The hood was crumpled up but we got back to the pits before the red flag. The damage ended up pretty bad, but I really want to thank FLEX SEAL for coming on board. They are an awesome brand, with a great product, and I hope all the race fans notice the product at the races this year. I will take the 25th and look forward to racing at Bristol.”
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The NASCAR Nationwide Series will be in Phoenix next weekend