By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
A top-three finish was a day the doctor ordered for Justin Haley at Texas Motor Speedway.
Haley started the race in the 10th position in the PPG 400. The young driver was able to run in the top-10 race for most of the race.
Throughout the season, Haley knew that the No. 24 team was able to run in the top-three in all their races. However, circumstances in the later parts of the races have cost the team the finishes they deserved.
“It’s what we have been needing. We have been running top three and getting wrecked here in the late part of the races. This is a really good showing for the No. 24 GMS team. If we can build more speed in our trucks and be dominate, I think we can win,” Haley said.
During the later parts of the event, Haley was running second to his teammate Johnny Sauter. However, the rookie driver was unable to stay in the draft of his veteran teammate due to lapped trucks.
As the race was winding down, the process of seeing who can save enough fuel to the finish. Haley believed he could have won the race if the caution did not fly with seven laps to go.
“Unfortunately, when we were trying to be close on fuel, he ran away from me. I wish it would have gone green. I think we could have won it on fuel mileage, but nobody likes winning it on fuel mileage. You have to come out here and dominate. I am really proud,” Haley said.
Haley sits eighth in the points standings after his third place run at Texas.