Cut Tire Ends Promising Run For Up-and-coming Swindell
Sunday, 25 July 2010 -

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – 21-year old Kevin Swindell had one of the fastest cars in the first half of the Kroger 200 benefitting Riley Hospital for Children on Saturday night before his night came to an early end when a cut tire sent his Curb Records/National FFA Organization Ford Fusion into the frontstretch wall. The damage forced Swindell to the garage for the rest of the race and he ended up with a disappointing 33rd-place finish.

“The Curb Records/National FFA Organization Ford Fusion was really fast the first half of the race, unfortunately I made some contact with the 35 car coming off of Turn 4 and cut a tire that sent us both into the wall,” said Swindell. “I’d like to thank Baker Curb Racing for giving me the opportunity to run the race and show everyone what I am capable of behind the wheel in a very competitive series.”

Making just his third career NASCAR Nationwide Series start, the Germantown, Tenn. native started the race from the 18th position. On an O’Reilly Raceway Park track that is tough to make passes on, Swindell began maneuvering his way in and out of competitors and by lap 45 he was in the top 15. As the race progressed the No. 43 Curb Records/National FFA Organization Ford Fusion twice turned the fastest lap of any car on the track and from lap 50 to lap 75 was consistently turning laps as fast as the cars running in the top five. On lap 71, he made quick work of veteran Carl Edwards to move into 13th.

The first caution of the race occurred on lap 76. Trouble in the pits cost Swindell a few spots and he was scored in the 17th position when he returned to the track. The race restarted on lap 83 and the 2007 winner of the “Night Before the 500” USAC race at ORP once again began to march through the field. He had just made his way back into the top 15 when the second caution of the race occurred on lap 119.

Swindell brought his No. 43 Records/National FFA Organization Ford Fusion down pit road for four fresh tires and a trackbar adjustment. He was scored in the 15th position when the race restarted on lap 126. Two laps after the restart, Swindell and Jason Keller were racing side-by-side off of Turn 4 when the two touched causing the right front tire on the No. 43 to cut. Both drivers were sent into the frontstretch wall and ended up spending the rest of the race in the garage.

Swindell will return to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he ranks 10th in the point standings, for the Pro Series 125 at Lee Speedway USA on Friday. Brad Baker will be back in the No. 43 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway on Saturday.