Sorenson Finishes 35th at Martinsville

After two solid practice sessions on Saturday, The No. 41 team went into Sunday’s TUMS QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway with a positive outlook. However, the Target team’s day was ruined when Reed Sorenson experienced brake issues late in the race which forced the Target Dodge to settle for a 35th-place finish.

Jimmie Johnson led the field to the green flag, after qualifying was rained out on Friday for the 10th time this season.  Sorenson started the 500-lap event in the 29th position and raced within the top 25 for the first 125 laps of the race.  The first caution flag on lap 28 would allow the team an opportunity to work on the handling of the Target Dodge. Fighting a tight off condition, crew chief Donnie Wingo called for an air pressure adjustment and four tires. With a handful of competitors staying out, Sorenson restarted 29th.  

The team continued to work on the car throughout a series of cautions.  By lap 229, Sorenson reentered the top 20 by moving up seven positions in just 30 laps.  Before long, Sorenson raced his Dodge into the 14th-place on lap 279.  The 22-year-old racer held that position for over 100 laps. 

Unfortunately, their impressive run came to a screeching halt on lap 257.  The Target Dodge lost brakes, forcing Sorenson into the wall.  The No. 41 team worked feverishly to repair the car and Sorenson returned to the track 30 laps later in 35th.

 

The Target team dropped back to 30th in the overall Sprint Cup Series owner standings.  The team now stands 371 points outside of the top 25 with four events remaining.  

The Sprint Cup Series heads to Sorenson’s hometown track—Atlanta Motor Speedway—next for the running of the Pep Boys Auto 500. ABC is scheduled to provide live television coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET. Radio coverage will be broadcast by the Performance Racing Network (PRN).

Reed at speed at Martinsville.  (Ganassi Racing Photo)