Dustin Delaney, driver of the #39 Delaney Infrastructure Chevrolet, rallied to a 12th place finish after an overheating problem had the entire team holding their breathe in the second half of the Full Fender Frenzy at Thompson International Speedway. A series of cautions kept the problem under control and Delaney was able to continue on without pitting. The finish continues a steady race-by-race improvement in the NASCAR Camping World Series East for the young Mayfield, N.Y. native.
“We’re getting better every week and right now we’re running consistently in the top-15 so we’re happy with that. We ran here last year and finished 13th so to come here and finish 12th is an improvement,” he said. “We’re getting closer to the top-10.”
Delaney kicked off the weekend with a qualifying effort of 21.048 seconds (106.899 mph) to start the race in the 25th position. By lap 40, Delaney had already gained 11 spots and was running 14th.
Long green flag runs dominated the first half of the race, but the second 50 laps was another story altogether. A total of six yellows was thrown throughout the race with most of them coming after the 50-lap mark. That paid off for Delaney, whose #39 Delaney Infrastructure Chevrolet, was beginning to overheat.
“I was concerned with the overheating we had in the last 50 laps, but the cautions really helped us out. We were able to get the car cooled down and go back to racing for five or ten laps and cool the car down again,” explained Delaney.
As the laps neared its conclusion, Delaney had a side-by-side battle with Max Dumarey for the 11th spot. Though Dumarey got the position, it was a learning experience in respect for Delaney.
“Max and I ran side-by-side for about 20 laps and we never touched once. It’s fun to find somebody in the series that you can race with side-by-side like that and not worry about them putting you in the wall or putting you down on the apron,” said Delaney.
The NASCAR Camping World Series East and Dustin Delaney make their next appearance on July 19th in Nashville, Tenn. at the Music City Motorplex.
Dustin Delaney (#39) races with the #16 of Max Dumarey at Thompson. (Jamie Williams Photo)
