CONCORD, N.C. (September 24, 2012) – The No. 99 Penserra Securities/ Allegiant Air Toyota Camry, piloted by Alex Bowman, had a strong run in the early going of Saturday’s Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway, but a part failure left the team with a 25th-place finish.
Making the second of two trips to the Sparta track during the 2012 season, Bowman and RAB Racing recorded the sixth and second-fastest times in the two scheduled NASCAR Nationwide Series practices leading up to the Saturday afternoon event. After his qualifying attempt on the 1.5-mile tri-oval, Bowman posted a speed fast enough to slot into the ninth starting position.
Throughout the majority of the 200-lap event, the Phoenix, A.Z. native raced between ninth and sixth, never falling out of the top 10 despite making just his second Nationwide Series start. Following a pit stop on Lap 135, Bowman reported handling issues. Lamentably, a power steering pump faulted as the laps were winding down, relegating the rookie driver to a 25th-place finishing position.
As a result of the less-than-desired result, RAB Racing fell one position, to 21st, in the NASCAR Nationwide Series owner point standings. With 27 of 33 races complete, the No. 99 team trails 20th place by one marker.
“It was definitely a good weekend and I had a lot of fun,” said Bowman. “I have to thank Robby Benton and the RAB Racing team. We had a great car, but that’s racing and stuff happens. Our Penserra Securities/ Allegiant Air Toyota Camry was fast. We should have run top five, but hopefully we’ll have some opportunities to work together again in the future.”
Next week, the NASCAR Nationwide Series heads to Dover International Speedway for round 28 of the 2012 season on Saturday, September 29, 2012.
