Kasey Kahne overcame a low qualifying position and a mid-race collision with the wall to finish second in the Coke Zero 400 Sprint Cup event at Daytona International Speedway. Following the race, Kahne’s crew chief, Kenny Francis, collected his second NASCAR® MOOG® “Problem Solver of the Race” Award for his role in the No. 9 Budweiser Armed Forces Ford team’s fifth top-five finish of 2010.
The MOOG Problem Solver of the Race Award, sponsored by global vehicle components manufacturer Federal-Mogul Corporation, 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.
Kahne started the race in 20th position but improved by 11 spots within the first six laps. The No. 9 Ford was firmly established within the top 10 at mid-race when Kahne lost control and hit the wall in turn three. Remarkably, the car’s MOOG-equipped chassis absorbed the blow with minimal effect, enabling Francis and crew to restore the car’s precise steering and suspension setup over the course of three brief pit stops.
The No. 9 car took the green flag in 31st position on lap 121 but was back in the top 10 within just 20 laps. Kevin Harvick, whose No. 29 Chevrolet also is equipped with MOOG chassis parts, beat Kahne to the checkered flag by a single car length in a thrilling two-lap green-white-checkered finish.
“The No. 9 team faced a little bit of everything from start to finish. It is amazing that Kasey and Kenny were able to continue their charge toward the front after making contact with the wall,” says Federal-Mogul Motorsports Director Tim Nelson. “The Federal-Mogul chassis team is very proud of the fact that MOOG components once again delivered race-winning steering response in spite of one of the most punishing races of the year.”
For additional information, visit www.moogproblemsolver.com.
