The sputtering end to Glen Reen’s race at Iowa Speedway in the #53 car marked a rare occurrence in modern NASCAR: a carburetor-related DNF. While NASCAR initially cited fuel pressure as the issue for Reen’s exit, the official results later confirmed the culprit was the carburetor. This begs the question: when was the last time a carburetor caused a last-place finish in a NASCAR Xfinity Series race?
A Blast from the Past: Carburetors in NASCAR
Carburetors, once the standard fuel delivery system in stock car racing, have long been replaced by fuel injection. This technological shift offers improved performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Reen’s last-place finish due to a carburetor issue is a stark reminder of a bygone era in NASCAR. It highlights the advancements in automotive technology and the ongoing pursuit of performance in motorsports.
The Demise of the #53 and a Historic Last-Place Finish
Reen’s #53 wasn’t the only car to meet an untimely end at Iowa. Shane van Gisbergen, driving the backup #97 car, triggered a multi-car crash that also took out Blaine Perkins (#29) and Kyle Weatherman (#91). Brandon Jones (#9) suffered engine issues, while A.J. Allmendinger (#16) was also involved in a crash. These incidents contributed to a chaotic race and further underscored Reen’s unusual carburetor-related DNF.
This DNF for the #53 was the first since October 14, 2023, when Patrick Emerling’s #53 Chevrolet suffered an oil line failure and crashed in Las Vegas. Interestingly, that incident was initially attributed to engine failure.
More significantly, Reen’s carburetor issue marked the first time a Xfinity Series driver finished last due to carburetor problems since April 28, 1984. On that day, Darrell Waltrip’s #17 Pontiac succumbed to carburetor woes after just nine laps at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. This was notably Waltrip’s first last-place finish in what is now the Xfinity Series.
Strong Performances Amidst the Carnage
Despite the numerous wrecks and mechanical failures, several drivers delivered impressive performances at Iowa. Joey Gase (#35) rallied from 36th to finish a season-best 16th. Corey Heim (#26) achieved a career-best 3rd place finish. Matt DiBenedetto (#38) secured 7th place after a thrilling four-wide battle. Daniel Dye (#10) climbed from 37th to finish 10th. Leland Honeyman Jr. (#42) ran in the top 10 late in the race and finished 13th. Ryan Ellis (#43) capitalized on an early pit strategy to finish 14th. Finally, David Starr (#14) achieved his best finish of the season with a 17th place.
The End of an Era: Reen’s Carburetor Woes
Glen Reen’s last-place finish at Iowa Speedway due to a carburetor malfunction serves as a unique footnote in NASCAR history. It’s a reminder of how far racing technology has advanced and a testament to the enduring legacy of the carburetor in motorsports. While fuel injection dominates modern racing, Reen’s experience offers a glimpse into the past and the challenges faced by teams even in the early days of NASCAR. The incident also highlights the importance of reliability and the ever-present risk of mechanical failure in the demanding world of stock car racing.
