Sorenson's Hometown Visit Overshadowed by Late-Race Accident

Reed Sorenson returned home this weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) visited Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Pep Boys Auto 500.  Sorenson maintained a clean run until a late-race incident on lap 303 sent the No.41 Target Dodge behind pit road for repairs.  The team repaired the damage and returned to the track for a 39th-place finish.

Rain cancelled qualifying again this week, forcing NASCAR to line up the cars by NSCS owners points.  Sorenson rolled off 30th for the 325-lap event.  Within laps, Sorenson reported needing more rear grip.  The team made a slight air pressure adjustment to assist Sorenson with the handling of the car. 

Sorenson went a lap down to then-leader and eventual race winner Carl Edwards on lap 104 during the first green-flag pit stops.  Crew Chief Donnie Wingo and the Target Team continued to work on the red and white Dodge throughout several cautions and green-flag stops.  

While marked in the 30th position, the 22-year-old was collected in a multi-car accident on lap 303.  The incident caused extensive damage to the front of the Target Dodge.  Sorenson brought his machine behind pit wall for repairs.  The No.41 crew worked hard and was able to return the car to the track to cross the finish line 39th, nine laps down.  

The No.41 entry dropped one position, to 31st in the series' owner standings with 2,652 points.  The team is four points out of 30th and 414 points away from teammate Juan Pablo Montoya in 25th. 

Sorenson and team head to Texas Motor Speedway next weekend.  Racing action will be live on ABC on Sunday, November 2, at 3 p.m. EDT and on PRN Radio beginning at 3:30 p.m. EDT.

Reed waves to his hometown fans in Atlanta.  (ChipGanassiRacing.com Photo)