Buescher claims 2nd consecutive top-10 in Nationwide Series

[NickHolt]

JAMES BUESCHER CLAIMS HIS SECOND CONSECUTIVE TOP-10 FINISH IN NATIONWIDE SERIES COMPETITION

 

NEWTON, Iowa (May 23, 2011) – The NASCAR Nationwide Series made their first of two visits to Iowa Speedway this weekend for the John Deere Dealers 250. Returning for the second week in a row to the seat of the No. 30 machine, James Buescher capped off a wild weekend of double-duty racing with a ninth-place finish in his fifth Nationwide Series start of the season.

 

Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event on Friday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Buescher boarded a plane directly following the race to head to Newton, Iowa. Since on-track activity was cancelled due to rain on Friday afternoon, he did not miss any practice time in the No. 30 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) Impala. As rain continued to soak the area on Saturday, NASCAR made the decision to cancel qualifying and hold a two-hour practice session in its place. The Sunday event would be set per the NASCAR rule book by the owner’s point standings.

 

The weather held out on Sunday morning and Buescher prepared to battle with the stars of the Nationwide Series in one of the season’s most anticipated standalone events. Rolling off from the 12th position, he immediately came over the radio to report that his FOE Chevrolet was rotating better through the center but was a tic snug all over. Veteran crew chief Stewart Cooper coached his young driver through the first segment of racing, keeping him positive as he raced for positions inside the top-15.

 

When the mandatory competition caution was displayed on lap 50, Cooper called Buescher to pit road for four tires, fuel, and wedge and air pressure adjustments. The FOE Chevy returned to the track in the 13th spot. Several laps later, Buescher reported the changes made on the last pit stop were positive, but said he was beginning feel a tight on the throttle condition. When the caution was displayed for the second time on lap 109, Cooper brought Buescher to pit road to work on the reported condition. The FOE crew changed four tires, packed the Chevrolet with fuel and made another wedge adjustment. Their quick work got Buescher back on the track inside the top-10 in the ninth position.

 

Over the remaining segment of the event, Buescher showed his racing chops, battling for position inside the top-10. Weathering several more caution periods, he only fell outside the top-10 when the caution flag was displayed while green-flag pit stops were cycling through. With the yellow flag catching the No. 30 one lap down, the team stayed out to benefit from the wave-around rule. Over the few remaining laps Buescher stormed his way back inside the top-10, claiming the ninth position when the checkered flag fell on lap 250.

 

“This was a great day for the Fraternal Order of Eagles team. We were able to bring home a solid top-10, and if that last caution had not come out, I think it could have been a top-five. The FOE Chevy was strong right off the truck and communication was great with the team all day to get it even stronger. I am proud I was able to have a good showing for all the FOE members across the United States and Canada,” Buescher commented after the race.

 

Next Stop: The NASCAR Nationwide Series teams are heading home this weekend for the Top Gear 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Saturday afternoon race will be broadcast LIVE on ABC and on PRN Radio affiliates. LIVE coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. EST with the green flag scheduled to drop at 3:00 p.m.