String of finishes continues at delayed Dover

DOVER, DE- Allmendinger and the No. 84 TRB crew continued their string of finishes today at Dover International Raceway, marking six times they have taken the checkers in six qualified races. AJ’s first race on the “Monster Mile” proved to be a little frustrating after having such strong practice sessions.

The 84 started from the 43rd spot and quickly began moving up. The team made little changes during the first two competition yellows on Laps 25 and 65. The Camry was a little tight center-off and was starting to “take too long to turn” into the corners. On Lap 116, the increasing tightness helped force the car down a lap.

The Autism Speaks 400 continued on at a quick pace with very few cautions. The team tried to work on the turning issue while also having to work around sharing a pit box the team of Johnny Sauter. Dover currently only has 42 pit stalls. It wouldn’t be until nearly ¾ quarters of the race were in the bag before the first call fell out and the TRB crew scrambled to the now vacant stall of Dale Jarrett on Lap 269.

By Lap 300, AJ had slipped 3 laps down, joining a large group of cars multiple laps down. The 84 had to make a couple green-flag stops, including one that just missed an immediate yellow. AJ continued to have his hands full and the crew worked to find grip and fight tightness.

“The car wasn't very good today, but the guys fought hard all day to try to find a balance," said AJ. "I think the weather played a part in that because it kept changing from sunny to overcast. The guys did a great job of moving our pit stall and setting everything up! I've never had to change pits like that in the middle of a race before. The best thing to come out of today is that we brought the car home in one piece for the first time this year. I also want to send out our thoughts and prayers to the France family today for their loss. Myself and everyone at Walldinger Racing send our condolences."

Despite a rough day at the office, the team pulled out a 33rd –place finish. AJ turns around and heads out to Infineon for a two-day test in an ARCA before then heading straight to Pocono for the next Nextel Cup round.