Peter Sospenzo, crew chief for David Gilliland and the No. 34
Taco Bell Ford Fusion, won Federal-Mogul's MOOG® 'Problem
Solver of the Race' Award and Gilliland posted the most
impressive finish of his Sprint Cup racing career at the
Daytona 500 International Speedway.
The prestigious MOOG Problem Solver award is presented to the
crew chief whose car delivers the largest increase in average
lap speed during the second half of each Sprint Cup event
while finishing on the lead lap. Gilliland's Front Row
Motorsports-owned Ford improved by a race-best 0.400-second
per lap to finish third on Daytona's famed 2.5-mile tri-
oval.
"The No. 34 team had a great day both on the track and in the
pits. There's certainly no better way to kick off the season
than with a top-five finish," said Federal-Mogul Motorsports
Director Tim Nelson. "We're very proud that when it came to
selecting steering and suspension parts for all of their
racecars, they chose the best name and the best technology in
the business - MOOG."
Gilliland and Sospenzo were relatively quiet throughout
practice and the #34 car encountered mechanical issues in
Thursday's first Duel 125 qualifier. But the driver was able
to avoid the wrecks that collected nearly 20 cars throughout
the day and had the power and precise steering and handling
needed to make a run toward the front in the closing laps. In
fact, Gilliland, who started 39th, helped push Carl Edwards
(#99 Aflac Ford) into second place on the final trip around
Daytona's newly paved track.
"Peter gave David a very competitive car today," Nelson said.
"Plus the team was very patient in waiting for their opening
and then seizing the opportunity in the closing laps."
MOOG steering and suspension components are the leading choice
of crew chiefs and automotive repair professionals and have
helped drive an unprecedented 45 consecutive NASCAR Cup
champions to victory. The unique benefits of MOOG components
and other Federal-Mogul products are highlighted in the
company's innovative "Smart Choice" campaign, which reinforces
the message that longer lasting, better performing replacement
parts are today's best option for technicians and
consumers.
For additional information regarding MOOG chassis parts,
please visit the brand's technician-focused
www.moogproblemsolver.com.
