EARNHARDT 20TH AT CHARLOTTE, READY FOR FIRST VISIT TO MANSFIELD
 

Kerry Earnhardt fell a lap down midway through the Quaker Steak & Lube 200 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte on Friday, but Earnhardt fought back to finish on the lead lap and in 20th place in the No. 13 National Pork Board Chevrolet Silverado.

Earnhardt qualified 11th for the race, his best qualifying effort this season. Earnhardt and the No. 13 crew dealt with sway bar issues early on and made constant adjustments during the race to keep the National Pork Board Chevrolet on track.

“Lance (crew chief Hooper) and the guys kept working hard and making adjustments to try to get the National Pork Board truck dialed-in,” Earnhardt said. “We were able to do what we needed to do to stay out there and compete, and were fortunate to receive the Lucky Dog award and get our lap back there. We just could never get the truck quite to where we wanted it to be, but at the same time we avoided any real trouble and were able to bring the truck home in one piece. With all the concerns before the race about the new tire and the track resurfacing and how it all might play out, I’m happy with the way we finished.”

Earnhardt moved to 21st in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings, and the No. 13 moved from 29th to 26th in the owner’s point standings.

Earnhardt will make his first visit to Mansfield Motorsports Speedway for the City of Mansfield 250 on Saturday. “It’s ThorSport Racing’s home track, and I’m excited to race there,” said Earnhardt. “It’s the kind of track we’ve all driven on over the years, a short track with lots of beatin’ and bangin’ going on. I know the fans are great there. It’s a new track for me, but that can be a positive thing sometimes. I feel like the No. 13 team is headed in the right direction, and I feel like we’ve got a good shot to finish in the top 10 at Mansfield."