LAS VEGAS, NV - Morgan Shepherd will be the first to tell you that Saturday's performance in the Sam's Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway wasn't one of his best showings. But, as wreck after wreck unfolded in front him, he will be quick to point out how thankful he is for the 13th place result when the checkered flag finally fell.
"We were tight all day and just couldn't get the car to loosen up no matter what we tried," Shepherd said. "We lost some ground in the pits and we couldn't hold in the throttle because we were so tight, but the outcome wasn't too bad."
In fact, Shepherd's 13th place run mirrored last year's best finish at Talledega Superspeedway, and provided the bookend for back-to-back Top 20 runs in consecutive weeks, the first in quite a while.
"It just seemed like we were able to get by the wrecks every time," he said. "We had about a 13th place car and I am pleased to have been able to get it home in one piece."
The team now has a two week break before tackling the high-banked Bristol Motor Speedway on March 21. Saturday's 13th place run vaulted the team to 21st in owner points and Shepherd to 19th in the driver standings, both solidly in the Top 30 after the first three races.
"We want to to locked in good after the fifth race so we can breath a little easier," Shepherd said. "We know we are still better than what we have been able to show so far, but we are aware that we continue to improve and that is good."
Shepherd qualified 24th for Saturday's Sam's Town 300 and ran as high as 4th at one point during the contest. The team pitted off-sequence with many of the leaders in an effort to help it's track position.
"Most of these teams have a special crew just for pit stops and some even use their Cup crews to pit the car," Shepherd said. "We do a great job with what we have to work with and we will make up time where we have to and where we can. Our guys work in the shop, drive the truck, paint the car, whatever they need to do to get the job done. They do a great job."
Shepherd said he was thankful for corporate support from Lagina Plumbing, Eldora Speedway and Findlay Chevrolet, all of whom served as associate sponsors for the race.
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