Best of the Rest: Daytona and Milwaukee

The race to the playoffs continued this past weekend, as NASCAR’s Cup and Xfinity Series hit Daytona, while the Craftsman Truck Series raced hit Milwaukee. Daytona in particular was a successful weekend for many part-time or smaller teams.

Xfinity Series (Wawa 250 powered by Coca-Cola)

1. Jordan Anderson (#32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet): Driver turned owner Jordan Anderson made a rare Xfinity Series start in Daytona. Wheeling a third entry for the team, Anderson proved he can still drive as he brought his #32 Camaro home in sixth. In only 4 starts this season now, Anderson has one Top 5 and two Top 10’s.

   

2. Kyle Weatherman (#91 DGM Racing Chevrolet): This season, Weatherman entered into a full-time ride with DGM’s #91 entry. While results have been mixed, the team had a strong run at Daytona. Carrying a one race sponsorship from grocery chain Wawa, Weatherman’s #91 placed 10th by race’s end.
3. Joey Gase (#35 Joey Gase Motorsports Ford): Making his second appearance in this series already, owner-driver Gase had another decent showing this past weekend. This time driving a Ford, Gase wheeled his Mustang to a 20th place finish.

   ---

   Cup Series (Coke Zero Sugar 400):

 1. Harrison Burton (#21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford): While race winners are not usually part of this series, Daytona will be an exception. Harrison Burton held off a hard-charging field to score not only his first career win, but scored the legendary Wood Brothers team their 100th series win.

 2. Parker Retzlaff (#62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet): Retzlaff returned to the Cup Series for the Daytona weekend. While not without some controversy at the end of the race, Retzlaff had a strong showing by racing for the win and finishing 7th. This was Retzlaff’s second series start, and Beard Motorsports’ third start this season.

 3. B.J. McLeod (#78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet): Running a part-time Cup series schedule, McLeod had a fantastic weekend in Daytona. Carrying sponsorship from Power Slap, McLeod and his 78 car finished a competitive 19th. This was McLeod’s third start this season only, and using his own equipment.

Craftsman Truck Series (LiUNA! 175-Milwaukee)

1. Layne Riggs (#38 Front Row Motorsports Ford): Rookie contender Layne Riggs also broke through for Ford in Milwaukee, as he scored his first career win. In a season of struggles for Riggs, the win may be what flips the switch on the team’s luck finally.

   

2. Kaden Honeycutt (#45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet): Niece Motorsports driver Kaden Honeycutt had another strong run in his part-time schedule this year. Qualifying his #45 Silverado in 7th, Honeycutt had a solid day and came home 12th.
3. Jack Wood (#91 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet): Continuing the part-time starter upward trend, Wood and his #91 crew had a strong showing in Milwaukee. Strong signs of improvement were shown during the weekend, as Wood finished a strong 15th after starting 25th.