Reed Sorenson and the Target team appeared to have gotten somewhat of a handle on the No. 41 Target Dodge after major changes to the chassis during the eighth caution on lap 240. Prior to the stop Sorenson had been battling a loose race car entering the corners and an extremely tight condition in the center, forcing him to have to wait before picking the throttle up for corner exit. After multiple adjustments throughout the race, however, Crew Chief Jimmy Elledge finally put a finger on what changes were needed. Sorenson began overtaking positions immediately after the green flag waved again on lap 250, but he was swept up in an accident on lap 258, bringing his charge to an immediate halt.
The No. 38 car dropped off the pace considerably as the field was exiting Turn 2. Directly behind him and with the throttle matted, Sorenson had no where to go and made heavy contact with the rear end of the No. 38. Additionally, the No. 12 hit the Target Dodge from behind, sending Sorenson spinning. After pitting for some considerable repair to the front end, Sorenson returned to competition in the 36th position, four laps down to the leaders. Sorenson’s spotter relayed a message sent from the No. 38 that his engine just shut off with no warning. Whatever the case, the Target team’s chances for a top 20 diminished instantly. By returning to competition and the attrition rate during the race, Sorenson and team were able to gain a few positions to finish 32nd.
Sorenson and the Target team are currently 25th in the overall driver point standings. The team is just 55 points out of 23rd and 192 out of the top 20.
Reed Sorenson Quotes:
“The car was really good today, but we just couldn’t get down the straighaways. We’re not sure what the problem was, but the car lacked a lot of power all day. I could pass guys pretty easily in the corners and then they would just pull me down the straights. They’ll take it back to the shop and figure out what the problem was. We had a good car, we just couldn’t capitalize on it. That’s kind of how our luck has been this year.”
