Fuel Fouls Finale for Almirola in Milwaukee

June 21, 2009
Filed under: News — admin @ 7:25 PM

Aric Almirola in the No. 15 Zaxby’s NASCAR Camping World Truck took to the Milwaukee Mile Saturday, June 20, 2009 for the rain delayed Copart 200.  Due to inclement weather in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area qualifying was canceled setting the field by 2009 Owner Points placing Almirola in the 18th-place position for the 200 lap race.

Almirola, who was fastest in Friday’s final practice continued as he moved through the field picking up positions advancing to the ninth place by lap 13 of the 200 lap race.

Almirola reported in to the crew that the truck was just a little free in, and off the corners and tight in the center of the corners calling for adjustments on the first pit stop.  The caution flag flew on lap 37 with Almirola in the seventh position coming down pit road on lap 40 and returning for fuel on lap 41.  When Almirola was leaving his pit stall another truck pulled out causing an accordion effect damaging the front and rear of the No. 15 Zaxby’s Toyota.  Almirola stayed out on the track restarting in the 13th-place position.

A long green flag run in the Copart 200 started the cycle of green-flag pit stops.  The team planned on bringing the No. 15 Zaxby’s Camping World Truck down pit road on lap 129.  Unfortunately, Almirola’s truck ran out of fuel a few laps short, losing two laps waiting for a push back to pit road for fuel service, ending the thoughts of victory at the Milwaukee Mile.

Despite the adversity Almirola was still one of the fastest trucks on the race track running times as fast as the leader but was relegated to a 20th-place finish.

Almirola will return to the No. 15 Billy Ballew Motorsports entry at Memphis Motorsports Park for the running of the O’Reilly 200 Saturday, June 27, 2009.