Despite engine problems all day Friday and a black flag early in Saturday’s Channel 5-205, Brad Smith and the No. 26 team pulled together a 16th-place finish, tying their season-best finish last month at Nashville.

Co-crew chiefs Jeff Smith and Phil Silardi hustled to get the car ready in time for Saturday’s race, even taking some work home with them to the hotel Friday night after the garage closed. Their hard work paid off when the race began and it was obvious that Brad was quick. Brad narrowly avoided going down a lap early on when points leader Frank Kimmel spun out and damaged the rear end of his car.

Team 26 did end up going a couple laps down, however, when ARCA called them in to check on the car, which had been smoking a little. No harm, no foul, and Brad returned to the track to finish the event. Attrition was high, and with a little help from his spotter, Brad was able to stay out of trouble for the remainder of the race.

Next up, Team 26 heads back to the short track as the ARCA RE/MAX Series visits Toledo Speedway on May 16.