Getting up to speed wasn't difficult for Clanton and his No. 09 Zaxby's Ford. Getting it to slow down was the problem. Despite struggling with brake problems at the Nashville Superspeedway, Clanton still posted a 10th-place finish for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing.

Clanton posted the second-fastest lap during pre-race practice. He also qualified 10th. But there were signs in both that brakes may become an issue during the 150-lap main event. Clanton said his Zaxby's Ford was as fast as the leaders, but he needed clean air on the front bumper to keep the brakes cooled.

Clanton is sharing the driving duties with Stacy Compton. Clanton will stay behind the wheel in the No. 09 Zaxby's Ford F-150 for the O'Reilly 200 at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 22 and at the Ram Tough 200 at Gateway International Raceway on Sept. 1. Compton's next race is the New Hampshire 200 on Sept. 15.

Joey Clanton, No. 09 Zaxby's Ford F-150:
"We fought the same thing we fought in practice, brake problems and having no brakes," Clanton said. "We needed to get rolling and our Zaxby's Ford F-150 was doing great. Once we got running, I think we were running just as fast as the leaders. We just needed time to get rolling, get out of traffic and get a little air on the nose. It was good. I could pick the gas up and just drive it up off the corner and it was just as good.

"The sun kind of changed the line. I think some of the guys had dark shields and I had a clear shield and couldn't see off of turn four. I think I brushed it once. All in all, pretty good. A Top-10 and top-rookie finish; it's what we need.

"It was good to get back in the truck, and it's going to be great to run three races in a row. That's going to give us a chance to build on our momentum. Stacy and I have gone back and forth, trying to make the truck a little bit better when we turn it over to the other guy. It's a healthy, fun competition between the two of us."