SPARTA, Ky – When Brett Moffitt was named the driver of the No. 11 Red Horse Racing Toyota Tundra for the recovering Matt Tifft earlier this week, the consensus feeling from the NASCAR community was insanely positive.
Unfortunately, an engine failure just 26 laps into Wednesday’s night race sent Moffitt to the garage and 31st overall on the final rundown.
Certainly though, Moffitt’s efforts in just his third truck race will be far from forgotten.
“About two laps before (Lap 26), I had a small vibration and it kinda went away, so I figured it was something in the transmission or the clutch that happens a lot,” said Moffitt. “We had a really good Surface Sunscreen Toyota Tundra and this was just kinda a bummer.”
Despite some uncertainty about what to expect from the newly repaved surface, Moffitt gave a good evaluation.
“Through (Turns) 1 and 2 it stuck pretty good, by the time we got up to speed through (Turns) 3 and 4 there was a little less grip out there, I kinda let Daniel (Suarez) go,” Moffitt added. “I didn’t push the issue too much early on, we were a little too tight to start that run anyway, we needed to make some adjustments to the truck. Other than that, the Red Horse group brought a great truck and I can’t thank them enough.”
Moffitt, the Grimes, Iowa native hasn’t sat in a NASCAR vehicle since the season-finale at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway last November competing for Front Row Motorsports.
Hard to imagine, right?
Seven months later though, he was back behind the wheel of a truck, hoping to prove that he still belongs in the highest levels of NASCAR.
His first laps at Kentucky Speedway Wednesday not only showed that Moffitt hasn’t missed a beat, but likely would be a contender for the sixth annual Buckle Up In Your Truck 225.
From his first laps on the track, Moffitt was near the top of the charts. Quickly gelling with crew chief Scott Zipadelli, the duo pounced on the competition in final practice when the 23- year-old soared to the fastest time overall.
In qualifying, Moffitt didn’t disappoint either, wheeling his truck around the 1.5-mile speedway to a career-best second.
The last thing that Moffitt or his team had on their mind, however, was a mechanical failure would spoil their party and send them packing less than a half-hour into the 10th race of the season.
Rightfully dejected, Moffitt tweeted to his fans and supporters shortly after the race:
Bummed to say the least. @RedHorseRacing gave me a fast truck Lady Luck just wasn't on our side tonight. Proud of the effort though!
— Brett Moffitt (@Brett_Moffitt) July 8, 2016
For now, Moffitt’s ride for Kentucky was a one-race deal, but don’t be surprised if truck owner Tom DeLoach comes calling for Moffitt services again. DeLoach, one of the most respected owners in the garage has a knack for second chances. If that opportunity ever gets gas, it likely be bad news for the rest of the competition.
Most important of all though, the nine-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series East winner left Kentucky Speedway Thursday night without a trophy, but with the confidence that with the right equipment, he can perform.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
