A combination of excellent fuel strategy by crew chief Cole Pearn and a masterful driving job in conserving fuel by Martin Truex Jr. propelled the No 78 Furniture Row Racing team to a drama-filled victory in Sunday’s road race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.
Truex’s No. 78 Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Toyota Camry led a race high of 24 laps, but gave up the lead late in the race just to save fuel. The strategy paid off as Truex retook the lead with three laps remaining in the 90-lap I Love New York 355 at the Glen.
It was a series-leading fourth win of the season for Truex, who increased his driver standing to 116 points over second-place Kyle Busch. Truex also leads in playoff bonus points at 34. There are four regular-season races remaining before the 10-race playoff commences.
It was the 11th career win for Truex (nine with Furniture Row) and the 10th ever win for Furniture Row Racing.
It was another Top-10 day for Furniture Row Racing with rookie Erik Jones finishing 10th in his No. 77 5-hour ENERGY Extra Strength Toyota. Jones is 18th in driver points.