Event: Black’s Tire 200 (200 laps / 105.2 miles)
Round: 24 of 25 (The Chase)
Track: Martinsville Speedway
Location: Ridgeway, VA
Date & Time: Friday, October 30 | 6:00 PM ET
No. 42 Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Tyler Reif | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski
Start: 16th | Stage 1: 17th | Stage 2: 19th
Finish: 27th | Driver Points: 30th | Owner Points: 24th
- Key Takeaway: Tyler Reif and the Utilitra team experienced a roller coaster of a night in Martinsville. After qualifying 16th, Reif held serve in stage one and found his footing in stage one. Things took a turn at the conclusion of the second stage when Reif spun off the nose of another competitor in turn four. The No. 42 team pressed on and was able to rally back inside the top-10 after dodging a couple of crashes. With less than 20 laps to go, however, Reif found himself facing the wrong direction on the backstretch with significant damage. NASCAR officials then dealt Reif a reckless driving penalty for the contact, which relegated him to a 27th-place finish.
- Tyler Reif’s Post-Race Thoughts:
Interviewer: First off, do you think that penalty was necessary, or do you think that you didn’t deserve that?
“Well, I think from mine and the team’s perspective, we’re always going to say no, right? I think we’re all in over our head and that’s what 25 to go at Martinsville produces - especially when you’re running really good. I think we were right up to ninth there before that last caution and had a good shot at a top-10, maybe top-eight. I don’t know, we had a good night and nobody gave us room there. It’s not like I tried to wreck him, but the No. 25 (Carson Ferguson) drove in there five car lengths, maybe six car lengths too deep and completely missed the corner and put us both in the asphalt. I got it to turn before he did, and I got into him, but he just didn’t save it. I probably picked him up a little too aggressive, but nothing they didn’t do different the 30 laps prior.”
Interviewer: Did you guys talk afterwards, or no?
“Me and Ty Norris talked a little bit. Like you said, it’s just racing at Martinsville and it is what it is. Frustrations and tempers are high.”
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.
Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).
About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.
