Larry Carter wins Crew Chief of the Race award

Planning for the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, the second restrictor plate race of the season, had crew chiefs preparing for drafting, fuel strategies and how to avoid “the big one." For the No. 26 Roush / Fenway Ford Crew Chief Larry Carter, it was also essential to rekindle the momentum they had seen in previous races in hopes of projecting driver Jamie McMurray further up the leader board. And that he did, by keeping his driver on the track at the right times and calling for a pit stop at the most appropriate moments, giving the team a solid top-5 finish for the race. For his strategic decision-making and calculated race strategy, Carter won the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race.

Throughout the race, Carter managed to keep the No. 26 team focused on steady pit stops while keeping McMurray out of harms way. Starting from the 25th position, McMurray was quick to move closer to front of the pack. When the caution flag waved with only 30 laps remaining of the 191-lap marathon, Carter opted to keep McMurray on the track, locking him into the lead group for the final sprint to the finish line. The decision to stay on the track enabled McMurray to edge to the front, leading several laps to gain those coveted bonus points. In the end, McMurray ran solid with the veterans, finishing the race with a much needed and well-deserved top-5 finish, which also gained him five positions in the overall drivers standings.

At the conclusion of the race, Carter emphasized the importance of their finish and what it meant to his team. “We are continually striving to make this team better," said Carter on his No. 26 Team. “I really do work with a great crew. Jamie was out there racing hard with some veterans today and did very well. It is always great to bring your car home in one piece after a race like this." Carter also added on winning the WYPALL* Wiper Crew Chief of the Race, “It is a honor to win this award."