Marcos Ambrose has recovered from an early clash to salvage a respectable result and a solid haul of points in the Kroger 250, Race 32 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, at the Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, Tennessee today.
Ambrose was turned around by series leader Clint Bowyer on lap 27, sending the Australian driver into the pits for repairs. Ambrose returned to the track one lap down on the leaders.
As the race continued Ambrose showed good speed aboard the #59 Kingsford Tailgate Ford Fusion of JTG Daugherty Racing and was able claw his way back up the order throughout the remainder of the race.
Ambrose fought hard to gain as many positions as possible during the final stages to cross the line in 15th spot, enough to remaining in the top 10 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings with only three races remaining.
Today’s result was Ambrose’s 15th straight top 15 finish in the last 21 races and the fifth time this year that he has been classified in the 15th position in the Nationwide Series.
The Kroger 250 was won by Carl Edwards ahead of David Reutimann and Kenny Wallace.
Earlier in the day Ambrose was 29th and 27th fastest in the two Sprint Cup practice sessions held at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton Georgia.
QUOTES - MARCOS AMBROSE
“We just fought hard today and never gave up,” said Ambrose.
“I’m really proud of my JTG Daugherty Racing crew. They gave me a great Kingsford car and they’re working so hard and doing a top job.
“Once we were turned around we had to change plan and just dig for the best result we could manage.
“Another top 15 – we seem to be getting a lot of those – and that keeps the points ticking over.
“The #47 was good in Atlanta earlier today. We’re working on it and Frankie (#47 crew chief Frank Kerr) and I will work at getting the car a little better for the race.
“What we did here in Memphis is what we need to try and do in Atlanta tomorrow. Just never give up and push hard for a good finish to get as many points as we can.”
RESULTS: KROGER 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park
Race 32 in the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series
1. #60 Carl Edwards 253 laps
2. #99 David Reutimann
3. #28 Kenny Wallace
4. #21 Austin Dillon
5. #20 Joey Logano
6. #9 Chase Miller
7. #1 Mike Bliss 252 laps
8. #6 David Ragan 251 laps
9. #66 Steve Wallace
10. #64 David Stremme
15. #59 Marcos Ambrose
RESULTS: NATIONWIDE Qualifying
1. #32 James Buescher 22.961
2. #64 David Stremme 22.984
3. #99 Josh Wise 23.021
4. #18 Marc Davis 23.073
5. #1 Mike Bliss 23.105
6. #66 Steve Wallace 23.105
7. #33 Cale Gale 23.108
8. #5 Landon Cassill 23.111
9. #38 Jason Leffler 23.118
10. #28 Kenny Wallace 23.126
15. #59 Robert Pressley 23.341
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