Flat Tire Dooms Darnell's Texas Evening

Erik Darnell and the No. 99 Northern Tool + Equipment team had high expectations coming into Friday night's Sam's Town 400. Even though Darnell began the day in the 22nd spot, he would soon find himself in the top 10. Unfortunately, a flat tire midway through the race followed by a black flag penalty would put the No. 99 Ford F-150 four laps down and finishing 24th.

Darnell and his NT+E Ford F-150 began the evening in the 11th row after qualifying 22nd the day before. Only one lap into the race, the No. 99 quickly made its way up through the field taking over the 16th position. By lap 30 Darnell was putting up solid lap times and it showed with the truck breaking into the top 10 in the ninth position.