Thanks to the Nexteer Road To Daytona program, the path designed by NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and Nexteer Automotive to bring European drivers to race in the US, Anthony Kumpen joined Precision Performance Motorsports for a second time this weekend to compete in the NASCAR XFINITY Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kumpen, the 2014 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Champion, was looking to build upon the oval-track racing experience he gained at Phoenix International Raceway. The Ford EcoBoost 300 would mark the first-ever 1.5-mile track for the Belgium native.

The weekend started strong with Kumpen piloting his No. 55 Nexteer Chevrolet Camaro to 25th fastest in Friday’s only scheduled practice session. This confidence carried over into qualifying and Kumpen was able to easily secure a starting spot in the EcoBoost 300, qualifying in the 30th position.

As the race got underway, Kumpen reported his Camaro was loose through the turns. The Precision Performance Motorsports crew jumped into action under the competition caution on Lap 25, giving Kumpen four fresh Goodyears, fuel, and a track bar adjustment. Unfortunately, Kumpen was forced to serve a pass-through penalty for speeding on pit road. That, coupled with a long green-flag run, saw Kumpen fall a few laps to the leaders.

But crew chief Mark Setzer used pit strategy to turn the afternoon around. Setzer made the call for Kumpen to remain on track under multiple cautions and take advantage of the wave around. Kumpen was able to capitalize on the strategy and finished the EcoBoost 300 in the 27th position.

Anthony Kumpen Quotes:
“It was a tough race, probably one of the toughest races so far. There were a lot of things that happened during the race that took away from our aerodynamics, but overall I am happy with a 27th-place finish. The team did a great job and I think that the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and Nexteer Automotive joining forces with Precision Performance Motorsports provides a great opportunity for European drivers to come race in NASCAR in the U.S. because they teach you so much. Now it is time to step up the game for next season. I am looking forward to racing at Daytona and hopefully some road courses and I will definitely be back for a full NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season as well.”