Roulette Recap follows a randomly-selected NASCAR Xfinity Series driver throughout a race and recaps their efforts. The driver could face calamity on lap one or start from the rear and win the race – there is no telling ahead of time. With that, may the odds be ever in the driver’s favor.
Shriners Children’s 200
Darlington Raceway always entertains, starting weeks before race day with all the throwback paint schemes. With his Monster Energy No. 98 Ford Mustang, Riley Herbst paid tribute to rally driver, Ken Block.
Despite being sixth fastest in practice, Herbst qualified P18 for the Shriners Children’s 200. In his six previous starts at The Lady in Black, Herbst has collected two top-five finishes and compiled an average finish of 20.8.
Stage 1
Coming to the green flag, crew chief Richard Boswell told his driver and team, “It’s a great day to turn it all around.”
In the opening laps, Herbst gained four spots and was encouraged by Boswell and veteran spotter, Tim Fedewa, “It’ll take a few laps for them (tires) to come in.”
Lap 4 brought the first caution as the No. 18 of Sammy Smith got loose to the inside of Herbst. He used the opportunity to update his team on how his car was handling. Fedewa also took advantage of the early break in the action to coach Herbst on where he could gain more time on track.
Herbst would restart P13 on Lap 8. There was a great deal of shuffling on the laps following the restart, but on lap 11, calamity struck the No. 98 team as he felt a tire blow and he scraped the wall.
Herbst noted, “It was hit the wall or the 11 (Daniel Hemric).” And just then, the broadcast showed the significant Darlington Stripe along the side of his car.
Herbst came to the attention of his team for fresh tires and a quick fender pull on the right side of his Monster Energy machine.
As Herbst hit the track, Fedewa encouraged his driver, “We can overcome this. We have fresher tires than all of them now. We’re two (laps) down. Pass them and get us back to one.”
More Trouble
With 20 to go in the opening stage, Herbst had a goal of simply making up time and hoping for a couple of cautions.
Four laps later, Herbst was able to gain a lap back. But as he went three-wide, he blew another tire.
With significant damage, Herbst took his car to the garage, and the team was done for the day.
Sponsor Shoutout
As NASCAR fans know, sponsors make the sport go ’round. We want to give a shoutout to one that was a huge part of the weekend for Riley Herbst and the No. 98 team:
