Wallace 22nd in Phoenix

Kenny Wallace

With only three races remaining on the 2004 NASCAR Busch Series schedule, Kenny Wallace and the Stacker 2®/YJ Stinger ® team knew that time was running out for them to capture their first victory of the season. Victory did appear possible based on Wallace’s performance in practice. The No. 23 was among the fastest cars in both pre-race practice sessions, leaving the team optimistic about Saturday’s Bashas’ Supermarkets 200.

When the green flag waved on Saturday, Wallace told the crew the car’s handling was too loose. When the second caution flag of the day waved on lap 33, crew chief Chris Rice elected to bring Wallace to pit road for new tires and adjustments.

Although the team did what it could to improve the car, it still was too loose. Wallace battled the car for nearly 20 laps until another caution period on lap 54. Rice again called Wallace to pit road for further adjustments and fresh tires.

The fifth caution flag of the day waved on lap 99, and Wallace pitted for two fresh tires. NASCAR Busch Series rules limit the number of new tires a team can use per race, and the Stacker 2®/YJ Stinger® team had reached its limit. The race was only at its halfway point, and with no fresh tires available, Wallace and the team were forced to hang on for the ride.

Another caution flag on lap 148 brought the field to pit road. While the frontrunners took on tires, Wallace could only pit for a splash of fuel. That quick stop propelled Wallace into the lead. He led for four circuits before being overtaken by cars with new tires.

As the race wore on, the handling continued to worsen on the No. 23 Chevy. Wallace held on to post a 22nd-place finish.

NEXT EVENT: Wallace and the Stacker 2®/YJ Stinger® team will head to the Palmetto State for the Nov. 13 Bi-Lo 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.