The BeasleyAllen.com ARCA crew arrived at Chicagoland Speedway before dawn Friday and changed the race engine, carburetor, fuel cell, fuel pump and all fuel lines. Grant had noticed, during Thursday afternoon’s practice, that something was not right with the engine and a gas delivery problem was suspected. After the fuel issue was addressed, an inspection of the engine oil revealed small metal shavings, indicating possible engine problems. “Our crew was incredible. Howard, Jim, Don, Darin, Jeremy, Zac, Josh and George worked as fast anyone could to change out the engine and other components. We started work at 6 a.m. and I was on the track for a few minutes of practice at 8:45. I’ll take this volunteer crew over the hired help of any other ARCA team.”

Grant posted a decent qualifying time, gaining a starting position of 8th among 39 racers. The race was eventful early with a big lap 7 wreck just ahead of Grant. Casey Roderick, who started 3rd, hit the outside wall on the back stretch. His careened across the track, hitting Mikey Kile’s car which then hit 7th place starter Chad McCumbee. “I can’t believe we missed the wreck and I thought I had flat spotted the tires, because I had to stomp on the brakes.” Grant weaved his way throught he spinning cars, emerging unscathed in 4th place.

Grant was in 3rd place with 20 laps to go and was closing on the leaders and thought he might pull off the big win. He had pulled to the bumper of 2nd place Steve Arpin’s car when a late caution flag flew, restarting the race with only 10 laps to go. “My car tightened up and while I could catch Arpin, I could not pass him. The car was aero-tight around the Arpin car and we had to settle for 3rd place.” Grant was more than 25 laps ahead of 8 time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel when the checkered flag flew.