07/06/2018

Stenhouse Looking For Another Victory At Daytona

Concord, N.C. (July 6, 2018) – Ricky Stenhouse Jr., defending winner of the Coke Zero Sugar 400, is back behind the wheel of the No. 17 Fifth Third Bank Ford this weekend ready to reclaim his spot in victory lane at Daytona.

Stenhouse spent some time in the media center Thursday for a press conference where he described his admiration for this track.

“Anytime you can win or be a part of a race here at Daytona, that’s something that you dream about doing, and then obviously pulling into that victory lane is unlike any other,” Stenhouse said. “That’s something we all strive for.”

Regardless of whether this race falls on our nation’s Independence Day, Stenhouse consistently uses one word to describe Daytona– special.

“I think this race weekend is always special,” Stenhouse said.  “It’s kind of weird with the Fourth of July being [during the week] versus on the weekend of Daytona, but it’s still that patriotic weekend that you feel the atmosphere around this race track and people all throughout Daytona. For a racer, Daytona is special no matter what.”

Understanding the unpredictability of this weekend’s outcome, Stenhouse expects an intense finish for Saturday’s race.

“We all go as hard as we can here on these last few laps at the speedways, and generally, there’s a reason for why there are always wrecks at the end, because we know it’s a good opportunity for us to win.”

Looking forward to defending his win and his 16th standing in the Monster Energy Series, Stenhouse is determined to secure his spot in the Playoffs.

“They’ve made a few changes to the package, but I still feel like our Fifth Third Ford will be strong enough to do what we need to do and hopefully get it back into victory lane here and defend this race win in July,” Stenhouse said. “It’s a great opportunity for us.”

The green flag waves in Daytona on Saturday, July 7 at 7 p.m. EST on NBC.