REED FINISHES SECOND BEHIND DEFENDING CHAMP AT DOVER
The Discount Tire Co. team tested the one-mile Dover International Speedway two weeks ago so they could ready themselves for a solid run in the MBNA RacePoints 200.
The quick studying paid off as driver Reed Sorenson and crew chief Brian Pattie led the team on Saturday to a successful runner-up effort.
With high momentum off of their fifth place run last weekend at the Lowe's Motor Speedway, the Dover trip began on Thursday on the “Monster Mile” with two practice runs. Qualifying was tapped for Friday but rain loomed throughout the day and forced the Busch Series field to be set by points for Saturday’s 200-lapper.
Based on the 2005 owner’s standings, Sorenson’s No. 41 Dodge Charger was lined up sixth on the grid for the start.
Once the flag dropped and racing broke out, Sorenson sailed around the one-mile concrete “Monster” and maintained a steady top five effort. By lap 35 the Discount Tire machine was easily running fourth.
Crew chief Pattie was given the opportunity to show his hand at pit strategy when the third caution flag of the day fell. At the time of the yellow, Sorenson was charging forward in the second spot, making up serious ground on then leader Kevin Harvick.
With Harvick and other lead lap cars dropping down pitroad, Pattie and team decided to stay on track and inherit the lead.
After a dozen laps, the fourth yellow fell enabling Sorenson to take his turn and drop down pitroad for fresh tires. Sorenson’s stellar 41 machine was then able to showcase its strength by climbing back up through the field following the stop.
As pitstops continued to cycle through as more cautions blanketed the MBNA RacePoints 200 field, the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates pit crew did their job by clicking off fast stops all day and maintaining position for their speedy pilot.
Reed leads the pack at Dover. (Getty Images Photos)
The #41 team springs into action at Dover.
“The pit crew did a great job all day. The Discount Tire Dodge was looking pretty good,” Sorenson said.
After all 200 laps Sorenson contently settled into second behind winner Martin Truex, Jr.
“I had a lot of fun out there. It was a lot easier to pass than what I thought. I was able to rotate in the center and get under cars pretty easy,” driver No. 41 said of his charge to the front.
Next week the Discount Tire gang heads back to familiar ground with the Nashville Superspeedway on tap. The team is gunning for two straight wins on the Tennessee track after Sorenson dominated the March event earlier this year.
