02.12
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – After a strong performance in the 150-mile qualifying races Thursday, Ford will put three of its new FR9 engines instead of just one into competition for the Daytona 500.
The original plan was only for Wood Brothers Racing’s Bill Elliott to use the new engine, but after Richard Petty Motorsports’ Kasey Kahne won with a new engine in one of the Gatorade Duel races Thursday, Roush Yates Engines personnel, including CEO Doug Yates, tore down engines and examined the pieces for wear and tear to determine whether more engines should be used for the 500.
Richard Petty Motorsports competition director Robbie Loomis confirmed Friday afternoon Elliott Sadler will use use the FR9 in the 500, and Roush Fenway Racing’s Matt Kenseth also will have one in his car, Ford officials said. Kahne will not use the FR9 in the 500, Loomis said.
“We’re pleased that we’ll be able to put the FR9 in a couple extra cars for the Daytona 500,” said Dave Simon, a Ford Racing engineer who worked with Yates on the development of the FR9. “Based on completing the mileage on one of the engines, looking at wear condition on some of the others, and based on the performance of the engine during the qualifying races, we felt that providing additional FR9 engines will help give us additional boost for the 500. “
Typically, teams can use only one engine on a race weekend but the unique format of the Daytona 500 week allows for teams to change engines after the 150-mile qualifying races. In addition to Elliott, the Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports drivers all had the new engine for time trials and the 150-mile races. With rain at the track having canceled practice Friday, that gave Ford teams extra time to consider making the change.
“We’re very encouraged by it,” Loomis said.
So what happen to Bill’s engine in the 150 to make it loose power? Cindy you have any knowledge? Thanks for all your updates…..they are very much appreciated by all Bill fans…
I’m really looking forward to this 500. Cindy you are one of a kind! Just hope to meet you guys up at Michigan in june!!! GO BILL!!!!!
So is Chase going to return the favor and spot for Bill this weekend?
He would love nothing better, but no, he will be on the box with Hyder and listening.
We will be there a couple of times I think. With Bill and then also with Chase. Check out their schedules.
Not yet, they will probably break it down next week and let Hyder know then.
Bill did a great job in the 150. He ran up front and realized the car wasn’t handling, so he dropped back and protected his piece of equipment. Hopefully, he will get it handling and run good on Sunday. Hey, they made great improvemets on the offseason with the pit crew. Don’t be suprised if he stays back in the back till 50 to go. We definitely need Bill heathly and ready for the rest of the season. We certainly don’t need a rerun when he flipped and broke his leg. My prediction, he will continue to get the handling right duringthe race and after a few BIG ONES, he will make a run and at least finish 15 or better. Go Bill!!!!!
Bill we need this man! Save your stuff and get aggressive at the end. You can race with these guys! A top 5 run would blow peoples minds……………
Was listening to Ray E. after todays race and couldn’t agree with him more about the rule changes. I mean why make it easier for multicar teams.. I also agree with staying in back until the end. That is unless you can stay in the lead or lead draft.. Still remember it like yesterday. Bill racing to the end of the ’97 Daytona against the 3 Hendick cars. Just ain’t right.. Restrictor races that is. Hope to see a big smile on Bills face tomorrow afterwards. – Later
All of us Bill Elliott fans are interested in tomorrows race, it is a gift and pleasure to know Bill will be racing!