Blown engine while running second ends Wallace's night in Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas -- The points race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series took a dramatic turn during the WinStar World Casino & Resort 350 on a wild Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway.
After climbing to within 16 points of leader Matt Crafton, Darrell Wallace Jr. lost his engine on Lap 106 of 147 while driving in second place, ending his night. It was a devastating blow to the championship hopes of the 21-year-old driver, who refused media interviews afterward but sent out the following message on social media:
Meanwhile, Crafton, who is attempting to become the first back-to-back champion in the series' history, fought off his own issues to finish fifth and increase his lead from 18 to 23 points over Ryan Blaney. Wallace dropped from 22 points behind to 43 points down with two races to go in the 2014 season.
Like Crafton, Blaney had to work extra hard to end up with a ninth-place finish. He battled electrical problems and lost some track position shortly after the halfway point of the race when he pitted with 79 laps to go -- eight laps earlier than expected -- to get new tires and better grip.
Crafton complained of possible engine issues on Lap 57 but did not end up having them as his truck kept its top speed. That's why it was a cruel bit of irony for Wallace to be running so well, seemingly flawlessly, before his engine blew.
The disappointment was evident as Wallace walked back from the infield care center toward his hauler and took a quick right turn to avoid media. Wallace's crew chief Jerry Baxter spoke in the garage area while the truck was being worked on in the background.
"We don't know what happened to the motor, but these motors run great every week," Baxter said. "He showed a lot of maturity driving, our truck was really right tonight. At least we were able to race Kyle for once instead of him running off."
Busch did end up with the victory, however, his 42nd in the series, but the driver of the No. 51 was mindful of his teammate's misfortune afterward.
"Bubba was really good," Busch said. "I was actually really impressed with how well he was running, and when he was running the top he was making some really good moves and some smart decisions. I enjoyed racing with him. It's a shame to see his engine fail as it did, but those guys at JGR give us some good motors."
Now Wallace is forced into almost a must-win situation for the final two races in order to have any chance at a title, and even if he does that he'll need help in the form of misfortune for the Nos. 88 and 29.
"When we talk points, he doesn't want to hear it because he thinks that's when things are going to go bad," Baxter said. "He has better days ahead."
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