Montgomery Exceeds Expectations at MIS

BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 15, 2002) - Considering how the weekend was going, Chase Montgomery did not expect to turn in a top-ten finish during the Flagstar 200 at Michigan International Speedway this afternoon. 

 

The #27 Montgomery Motorsports team overcame several setbacks throughout the weekend. Due to rain, there wasn't much practice time at a track they had never been to, they swapped their motor for one with more horsepower on Thursday night and they turned less-than-exceptional lap times and qualified 20th.

 

"After the weekend we had, we ran better than we expected," Montgomery said.  "We are very happy to come home with a 10th place finish."

 

In a 200-mile race that only saw three short cautions, Montgomery maneuvered his way to the front by demonstrating patience and turning consistent lap times.

 

While all of the leaders came into the pits on the last caution, the Montgomery Motorsports team took a gamble on the amount of fuel and elected to stay out. When the green flag dropped the final time, Montgomery was in the third position. 

 

They were able to go the distance on fuel, but the cars on the fresher tires were able to get around the #27, dropping Montgomery back to 10th. 

 

Although Montgomery wasn't able to put the #27 car in Victory Lane, he was happy that fellow rookie-of-the-year contender, Chad Blount, got his first ARCA RE/MAX Series win.

 

"Congratulations to Chad (Blount) and the entire Braun Racing team," Montgomery said.  "They have been strong all season and they really deserved this win."

 

Due to his Top-10 finish, Montgomery is now in the top five for overall driver points. He is still in second place for rookie of the year honors.