Back-to-Back Top 20s to Start the 2024 Season for DGM Racing
RAPTOR 250 Results:
P17 Kyle Weatherman
P26 Nick Leitz
Kyle Weatherman - DriveSmart Warranty No. 91
Weatherman started and ended the day 17th after making his way from the rear of the field many times. Early on in the race, Weatherman received minor left front damage that was repaired during the first pit stop. Happy with the handling of his car, he raced his way into the Top 15. During the second stage, Weatherman admittedly bumped and spun a competitor on the frontstretch. Although he apologized, an altercation with the competitor’s crew took place after the race.
Several laps later, Weatherman was involved in another on track incident and acquired significant left rear damage which essentially turned his quarter panel into a parachute – killing his speed and the hope of a decent finish. However, his night turned around when the caution flew with less than three laps to go. Knowing we were tight on fuel, Crew Chief Mario Gosselin immediately called Weatherman to pit road for fuel and damage repair. The 91 was forced to restart at the tail end for pitting early, but several cars ran out of fuel under caution on the restart, and the final laps of the race allowed Weatherman to race his way back up to 17th at the checkered flag.
Nick Leitz - Precision Measurements Inc. No. 92
Leitz turned his first laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway during Friday’s qualifying session, which was only his second time driving in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Leitz found his way to the Top 20 just before the end of Stage Two. With a long green flag run, fuel strategy came into play and the lead pack caught up to us putting Leitz a lap down.
When the final caution of the race came out, the No. 92 team was instructed over the radio that they were going to be the Lucky Dog recipient and earn our lap back. However, NASCAR rescinded that decision and while discussing the situation with NASCAR Officials, Leitz ran out of fuel as he was entering pit road. Loss of power from running out of gas forced us another lap down, but Leitz still managed a 26th place finish. Leitz ran a smooth, clean race bringing home his Precision Measurements, Inc. Chevrolet home in one piece without a single scratch. A feat that one of our crew members determined earned him “MVP of the Week.”
Next Race
Kyle Weatherman and Nick Leitz both return to the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kyle Weatherman will pilot the No. 91 alongside teammate, Nick Leitz, in the 92 for the second weekend in a row. Weatherman has two prior starts at Las Vegas with DGM Racing while Leitz will make his first Las Vegas Xfinity start. In his last appearance at Las Vegas, Weatherman qualified 12th.