29th :/

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#21 Warriors in Pink Powered by Ford Finishes 29th at Charlotte
October 19, 2009


The Wood Brothers were proud to support the “Warriors in Pink Powered by Ford” effort, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and “Susan G. Komen for the Cure” this weekend in Charlotte. The #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion sported the “Warriors in Pink Powered by Ford” logo and paint scheme and driver Bill Elliott and the team wore “Warriors in Pink” logos.

In addition to raising awareness for the breast cancer programs, the Wood Brothers hosted Motorcraft / Quick Lane NHRA Funny Car driver Bob Tasca, III. It was his first experience at a NASCAR event and Len and Eddie Wood enjoyed showing him around the track.

As for racing, the team overcame a number of hurdles and brought home a 29th place finish. Instead of resting on the recent improvements in the Wood Brother’s race program, Crew Chief David Hyder and the 21 Team were looking for more this weekend. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t cooperate. Planning on a full hour and a half for practice on Thursday before qualifying, more than enough time to try a new set-up and revert to the old set-up if the new one didn’t work, the rainy weather shortened the first practice to forty minutes. When the car didn’t respond the way the team hoped, they were forced to implement a known set-up for qualifying. Driver Bill Elliott qualified the car 36th.

On Saturday, the #21 Ford Fusion took the green flag under brisk conditions before a crowd of over 100,000 people. After a few laps, Bill radioed that the car felt loose. Crew Chief David Hyder responded that the car would perform better on longer runs. Unfortunately, there were numerous cautions early in the race and the 21 went a lap down on lap 96.

On lap 119 the caution flag flew again and the team made the decision not to pit - instead taking a “wave-around” in the hopes of pitting under another caution. Unfortunately, the plan did not work out and the leaders passed the #21 again putting the team two laps down. From that point, Bill maintained his position and finished the race in 29th place.

Co-owner Eddie Wood noted, “We were happy to support the ‘Warriors in Pink Powered by Ford’ effort and it was great having Bob [Tasca] at the track with us – he’s a great guy. We got a little behind this weekend trying to improve our car. The guys put forth a great effort and I really appreciate their never-quit attitude.”

tough week. they were behind the entire weekend & couldn't get their car right, though thursday practice was cut short. they still managed a 29th place finish, but they have been much better than that in the past. on top of that they changed the tranny because of a vibration & by default had to start in the rear. way to fight bill & the team, good to see they never give up!