The pressure to qualify on time for a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver can sometimes be more than one can handle; but that didn't prove to be true for Rookie of the Year candidate, Boston Reid. In only their second race together, Reid and newly appointed crew chief, Mark Nelson made vigorous changes to their No. 25 Red Rocks Café truck following their final practice; and it paid off in huge dividends. The last truck to qualify on time, the No. 25 Red Rocks Café Dodge team could breathe a sigh of relief; they not only made the race, but would start in the top-25.
After starting the race from the 24th position, Reid piloted his No. 25 Red Rocks Café Dodge to his second consecutive 16th place finish. Doing what needed to be done by finishing in the top-20 in one piece; the driver/team duo put themselves back in the top-30 in owner's points to guarantee a spot when it comes time to qualify in Mansfield next Friday. Kyle Busch, Terry Cook, Todd Bodine, Ted Musgrave, and Ron Hornaday Jr. made up the top-five at the checkered flag.
It didn't take long to for Reid to work his way into the top-15; by lap 13, Reid found himself in 13th position; radioing to Nelson that the truck was a little tight on long runs. So when the caution flew on lap 46, it was the perfect opportunity for Reid to pit for four fresh tires, fuel and a few minor chassis adjustments.
After a quick stop on pit road, Reid would restart in 15th position and maintain his position in the top-16 until his second stop of the night on lap 87. After taking fuel only along with a track bar and wedge adjustment, Reid was off to restart the race from the 14th position. By lap 93, Reid was in 13th position fighting a truck that was a little free on entry. But the day would end on a positive note, with Reid avoiding several wrecks and bringing home his second 16th place finish in the past two races.
Boston on his second consecutive top-20 NCTS finish:
"I am really proud of my guys, especially the pit crew. They have been doing a great job all year and it feels good to get a good finish for them."
"I can't say enough about Mark (Nelson). This team has come such a long way, and we did what we set out to do tonight. And that's come home with a top-20 finish and move our way into the top-30 in owner's points. I'm really proud of everyone on this team."