Race 29 of 33: Use Your Melon Drive Sober 200 at Dover International Speedway
Track Details: 1-mile concrete oval / 200 laps
No. 08: Gray Gaulding Result: 18th
No. 07: Ray Black Jr. Result: 17th

Team 08 Cedar Creek Marina/YAMAHA Chevrolet Camaro: 

The weekend started off a bit shaky for the 08 team when problems occurred in the opening practice session of the weekend. After sitting out the entire first practice, the team was able to diagnose their issues and post the twenty-first quickest time in final practice. Gaulding went on to qualify in the twenty-fifth position for the 200 lap race.

It didn’t take long for the action to begin. A multi-car pile up took place lap 2 on the backstretch, ending several competitors days early. Gaulding was able to sneak by without incident. The second caution of the day would wave about 20 laps later after the 23 turned the 74 car. On lap 45 the green and white checkered flag signaled the conclusion of the first stage with Gaulding in the 17th position. Gaulding radioed to crew chief Patrick Donahue that he felt too loose on his corner entry.

The 08 pitted for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to tighten up Gaulding. Unfortunately the 08 crew was busted for an uncontrolled tire during the pit stop, which forced Gaulding to restart from the tail end of the longest line. The entire second stage went caution free. On lap 90 after two stages, Gaulding remained in the 17th position.

As the final stage got underway, the 08 team began steadily making their way forward. On lap 178 the caution waved once again after the 90 car spun around. The caution came at a poor time for the 08 team as they ran out of fuel during the caution laps. Despite all the challenges of the ‘Monster Mile’, Gaulding and his No. 08 team were still able to solidify an 18th place finish. With just four races remaining in the 2019 season, Gaulding moves back into the 13th position, passing the 51 of Jeremy Clements in the NASCAR Xfinity Series point standings.

Gray Gaulding: 
“P18 finish after grinding through several issues this weekend! Thanks to Cedar Creek Marina, Yamaha Outboards, and my guys at SS Green Light Racing for helping me escape the Monster! Ready for a week off to prep for Kanas Speedway!

Bobby Dotter Thoughts on the 08 Team:
“Any time you can go into Dover and come out in one piece, I consider that a good day! Glad to see we were able to move back to 13th in points as well. We have four more races to finish out this year strong!” 

Team 07 Isokern Fireplaces & Chimneys Chevrolet Camaro: 

Ray Black Jr. started off his weekend posting the twenty-third quickest time in both practice sessions on Friday afternoon. Black was really happy with the handling of his race car and the team was confident they would have something to work with on race day. Black would roll off from the 28th position for the 200 lap race at Dover International Speedway.

On lap 2, the first caution of the day waved after the 18 car spun, triggering a multi-car pile up. Black was able to escape the early attrition without incident. As the remainder of the stage played out, Black quickly made his way up through the running order. On lap 45 stage one was complete and Black found himself up to the 13th position. Crew Chief Jason Miller made some minor adjustments to keep up with the race track; otherwise, Black was very happy with the handling of his No. 07 Chevy.

The second stage flashed by without any incidents. At the end of 90 laps, Black remained in the 13th position. As the final stage got underway Black was looking to make his way inside the top ten. On lap 178 the caution waved, setting up a twenty lap dash to the finish. With 11 laps remaining Black’s No. 07 Chevy broke loose causing the car to spin and back into the outside wall. Despite the damage to the rear of the car, Black was able to salvage a 17th place finish. Black remains 16th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series point standings and trails the No. 86 of Brandon Brown by 27 points with only four races remaining in the 2019 season.

Ray Black Jr: 
“What a day! I am so proud of the speed our team brought to the track this weekend. We had an absolute rocket ship today. Unfortunately we had a little incident at the end there, but it was still a great day. Can’t wait for Kansas!” 

Bobby Dotter Thoughts on the 07 Team: 
“The 07 team unloaded with a lot of speed this weekend. It was great to see them running inside the top 15 for the majority of the race. I hated to see Ray get some damage late, but the team still recovered for a solid day!” 

Looking Ahead:
Despite some late adversity, both SS Green Light drivers were able to escape ‘the Monster Mile’ with respectable finishes inside the top twenty. Gray Gaulding and Ray Black Jr. are positioned 13th and 16th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series point standings. With only four races remaining in the 2019 season, the teams will have an ‘off week’ before returning to racing action at Kansas Speedway. Coverage of the ‘Kansas Lottery 300’ from Kansas Speedway will begin Saturday October 19th at 3:00 PM ET on NBC.