From ThorSport Racing PR –
Team Info/Stats:
Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis
Driver Point Standings: 7th
Owner Point Standings: 7th
Spotter: Lloyd Garner
News and Notes:
This Week’s No. 41 Ford F-150… The No. 41 Alpha Energy Solutions Ford F-150 team will unveil chassis No. 62, “Jasmine,” for Saturday’s NCWTS Active Pest Control 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS). “Jasmine” is the same chassis Rhodes piloted to a fourth-place finish at Atlanta, eighth at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a pole and second-place finish at Pocono Raceway, and sixth at Chicagoland Speedway, in 2017.
Birthday Boy… Heading into this weekend’s race, Rhodes is not only one more year experienced in the NCWTS, he’s also one year older. Rhodes turns 21 today (Wednesday, Feb. 21), accomplishing quite a bit in his career that includes one win (Las Vegas), 10 top-five and 21 top-10 finishes, in addition to two pole awards and 258 laps led.
Catch Rhodes at Daytona… Rhodes will join fellow ThorSport Racing teammates for the NCWTS autograph session in the Midway at AMS’ Kid Zone from 9-9:45 a.m. ET Saturday, Feb. 24.
Chatting with Ben Rhodes…
What particular goals do you have for this weekend’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, especially after Daytona’s strong performance?
“What I’m looking forward to working on in Atlanta this weekend is redemption, in a way. I had a good finish last year, but it wasn’t the finish I thought we should have. Our truck, “Jasmine,” is fast, and I feel our truck is good enough for the win. At the same time, we have to be conscious of our program and what trucks we have in our pockets, back in Sandusky. Last year, things outside of my control didn’t go quite the way I had hoped, and I feel they played a big factor in our race. I’m looking to have a strong enough run that those factors don’t make a difference this weekend.”
Talk about the late-race push in Daytona from your teammate, Grant Enfinger. How did the plan develop?
“The plan developed over the radio, and it all kind of fell into place. It was a bit of luck with Grant behind me, with him having rear and right-side damage, it kind of worked out just right for us both in that moment. I know we were both looking at each other thinking of the plan, of pulling out and going. We came together, talked to our spotters, letting them know when I wanted to pull out of the draft and get a push from him. I wanted to go the lap before but didn’t feel we had the momentum built that we both would need. As soon as Grant got to my bumper that next lap, we got together for a good push, but unfortunately, we stalled out a little bit too soon. Still, coming home where we both did is a testament to the team and to Ford.”
Catch the Action (Eastern Standard Times)
Saturday, Feb. 24 | 4:30 p.m. ET | FOX Sports 1
Active Pest Control 200 benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta