Nashville
Fighting a stomach bug, Parker Kligerman rallied after visiting the Nashville Superspeedway infield care center for a couple IVs before the race, to lead 22 laps at the Tennessee Lottery 250.
With the temperature in the low 90s, drivers dealt with even hotter conditions inside the cars. The heat also left the 1.33-mile concrete oval slick, leading to 11 cautions overall, with 15 drivers involved in crashes through the first two stages
Kligerman started P13 and after a series of final scheduled pit stops, he settled in at P1. While the lead cars were making their way back through the field following stops, Kligerman kept his No. 48 out front, with a fuel-saving strategy. But with 11 laps remaining in regulation, AJ Allmendinger passed him for the lead. Parker finished the race in 11th with Allmendiger winning in overtime. Kligerman remains 12th in points with 371.
“My team was great,” said Parker after the race. “They helped me a ton all day. We got to that last run and I felt great. Saving fuel, I thought we could make it, I was clutching and coasting. Hard fought day, cool to lead some laps in Nashville and put on a show for Big Machine and Scott Borchetta.”
After a good night’s sleep, Kligerman starts his Sunday “side hustle” with NBC Sports coverage of the Cup races starting tonight.
The Spiked Light Coolers team is in Chicago next weekend. The road course race starts Saturday at 5:00 p.m. eastern. Watch it on USA Network. Listen on Sirius XM Channel 90 and MRN radio affiliates nationwide. For the station near you, click here.
Overview
Event: Tennessee Lottery 250
Date: June 24, 2023
Time: 2:30 p.m. central
Location: Nashville Superspeedway 4847-F McCrary Road, Lebanon, TN
Layout: 1.33 mile oval concrete
Laps: 188
Miles: 250.04
Stage Lengths: Stage 1 ends on Lap 45, Stage 2 ends on Lap 90, Final Stage ends on Lap 188.
TV: USA Network and the NBC Sports app
Radio: Sirius XM Channel 90 and MRN
Driver Points: 344, ranked # 12
Notes of Interest:
“After a refreshing weekend off, I am ready to tackle what becomes the most important stretch of our season,” says Parker Kligerman. “I think our race team has been an example of slowly but surely working on processes and finding ways to be better every time we hit the track.
With top 5 speed in our last two races, I know we are finding our groove. Our crew chief Patrick Donohue and this whole team have been so good at methodically preparing our race cars, so we can keep ahead of schedule and keep improving.
It’s so cool to race in Nashville for Big Machine Racing as this is the home of Big Machine and Scott Borchetta. Representing him and all of Big Machine here is truly an honor! Our last downforce track we had serious speed, so I hope we can bring that this weekend and put on a show for all of Big Machine.
We also have a new paint scheme this weekend and I love it! Spiked Light Coolers are perfect for the summer and our car represents that so well.”
Parker will be meeting fans Thursday 5p to 6:30p at Total Wine in Brentwood, 330 Franklin Road.