Richard Childress Racing

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July 30, 2012

Late-Race Issue Relegates Jeff Burton to 32nd-Place Finish in the 2012 Brickyard 400

RCR/HHP Photo RCR/HHP Photo

Start-21                       

Finish-32                       

Laps Led-0                  

Points-20

After running in the top 20 for most of the afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Jeff Burton's No. 31 Rain-X Chevrolet suffered a broken brake rotor and relegated  the Richard Childress Racing driver to a 32nd-place finish in the 2012 Brickyard 400. Starting from the 21st position, the South Boston, Va., native worked his way into the top 20 where he remained for the majority of the 19th annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at the historic 2.5-mile track. Working with crew chief Drew Blickensderfer and the No. 31 Rain-X Chevrolet pit crew to improve the handling of the car, Burton entered the top 15 after the halfway mark of the 160-lap affair. On lap 126, the 21-time Sprint Cup Series race winner radioed to the team there was a problem with left-front wheel of the RCR machine. The left-front tire blew as Burton brought the car to pit road for service. After analyzing the wheel, Blickensderfer diagnosed the issue as a broken brake rotor and Burton drove the car to the garage area where the Rain-X crew fixed it promptly, returning the No. 31 Chevrolet to the track in less than eight laps listed in the 35th position. Burton spent the final 20 laps running consistent top-15 lap times and the 45-year-old driver gained three positions scoring a 32nd-place result with the Rain-X Chevrolet. Burton sits 20th in Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings.

JEFF BURTON QUOTE:
"It was a tough day for the No. 31 Rain-X Chevrolet team. We were hanging around the top 15 when the brake rotor broke and sent us to the garage area for repairs. I'm not sure what happened, but proud of the team for getting me back out there to gain some spots in the end. This team never gives up. We showed some speed once again during the race and had very productive practice sessions all weekend. We just need to stay positive and look forward to Pocono Raceway next weekend."

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