Kligerman Finishes 25th at Homestead-Miami Speedway
November 22, 2009
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (November 21, 2009) – Parker Kligerman, driver of the Penske Racing No. 22 Penske Truck Rental Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, finished 25th in the Ford 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday.
During qualifying on Saturday morning, Kligerman brushed the wall and, as a result, he did not make the field for the series season-finale race in the No. 22 Dodge. In order to capitalize on the opportunity to gain valuable experience, Kligerman was able to assume driving duties for the No. 42 Dodge for the race. Due to the driver change, Kligerman was forced to start the 200-lap race from the rear of the field.
From the onset of racing action, Kligerman reported that the car was tight-handling on the exit of the turns. The Penske Racing team used a series of cautions during the first half of the race to adjust the car and improve its performance on track. Kligerman methodically worked his way through the field and by the midpoint of the race, he was running in the 26th spot, positioned one lap down to the leaders.
As the sun began to set, Kligerman relayed to the team that the car was still tight and it needed to be adjusted as track conditions began to change. On lap 125, Kligerman was forced to pit under green flag conditions when the car ran out of fuel. Pitting for four tires and fuel, he rejoined the race in 33rd place, three laps down to the leaders.
Making the most of the opportunity to gain valuable seat time at the South Florida track, Kligerman raced hard until the checkered flag waved to mark the conclusion of the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. He crossed the start/finish line in 25th place, two laps down to race winner and series champion Kyle Busch.
Penske Racing teammate Justin Allgaier finished the race in 20th place and secured the 2009 Nationwide Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year title.
“There is certainly a lot of room for improvement for me at Homestead-Miami Speedway,” said Kligerman. “This entire team put forth a great effort today and everyone really pulled together so that I could have the opportunity to gain experience at the track. I definitely want another shot here at Homestead, but I am proud of what we were able to do today.”