Matt Kenseth fought through a variety of early handling problems and a poor starting position to finish third in the Autism Speaks 400 at the “Monster Mile” of Dover (Del.) International Speedway. Following the race, Kenseth’s crew chief, Todd Parrott, received the NASCAR® MOOG® “Problem Solver of the Race” Award in recognition of the pit strategy and multiple adjustments that helped Kenseth earn his fourth top-five finish of the year.
Sponsored by global automotive components manufacturer Federal-Mogul Corporation, the MOOG award is presented following each Sprint Cup event to the crew chief whose car posts the largest increase in average lap speed from the first half to the second half of the race while finishing on the lead lap.
Kenseth’s No. 17 Crown Royal Black Ford, which started the day in 21st position, picked up a race-best 0.049-second per lap over the final 200 laps at Dover.
Kenseth, who had experienced tight handling during Friday’s practice session, reported that the No.17 Ford was loose and lacking grip on entry into the corners early in Sunday’s race. Parrott and the Roush Fenway Racing crew responded with track bar and air pressure adjustments and the addition of a shim in the right front corner of the car during the first pit stop. These changes, combined with subsequent track bar and air pressure adjustments later in the day, seemed to unlock the precise steering and handling response of the car’s MOOG-equipped chassis.
Kenseth also benefited from Parrott’s willingness to gamble at key moments, including his decision to keep the No.17 car on the track during a caution on lap 245. That move catapulted Kenseth from seventh place into the lead and helped convince him that he had a competitive car.
“Todd and Matt didn’t have a top-five car at the start, but they certainly did by the end of the day,” says Federal-Mogul Motorsports Director Tim Nelson. “The process of finding the right setup to address changing conditions – and then rolling the dice on track position – is what the MOOG Problem Solver award is all about. Todd and his crew fought all day long to get the very best from the No.17 Ford.”
For more information, visit www.FMSmartChoice.com.
