When Jon Wood and his Wood Brothers/JTG Racing team arrived at the O'Reilly Raceway Park for Friday's Craftsman Truck Series race, they had some questions about their No. 21 Bush's Baked Beans Ford. What they found didn't make them happy.
The team built a new Ford F-150 for the Power Stroke Diesel 200 presented by Ford and International. It incorporated several tried and true ideas, as well as some progressive changes to the setup. Despite finishing on the lead lap, Wood was a disappointing 28th.
While the team was frustrated by their finish, Wood said it also shows his race team is willing to think outside the box. In a sport that changes with every race, that kind of aggressive thinking helps Wood Brothers/JTG Racing maintain its position as a leader in the truck series.
The next race for the No. 21 Bush's Baked Beans Ford will be Aug. 11 at the Nashville Superspeedway.
Jon Wood, Driver No. 21 Bush's Baked Beans Ford F-150:
"This wasn't the kind of night I want to remember," Wood said. "This team has a lot of momentum and we brought a new truck, one that we haven't run that much, if at all. We weren't sure if we wanted to keep it in the racing fleet and after tonight I think we were able to get an answer. I don't think we'll race that truck any time soon. It wasn't a great night, but it is better to be in the race than stay at home and watch the race.
"I'm very proud of the job everyone on this team did to get ready for this race. We tried something and it didn't work. That's racing. Sometimes you learn as much about being successful, if not more, when you go in the wrong direction. We know what we won't do in the future. But one thing we'll continue to do is push the envelope. I'd much rather set the trend than follow it."
Race News
- Jon Wood earned $8,125. He now has $1,414,030 in career earnings in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
- Jon Wood started 21st Friday night.
- The No. 21 Bubba Burgers Ford is ranked 20th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series car owner standings.
- Ron Hornaday Jr. won the Power Stroke Diesel 200 presented by Ford and International.