Ty Majeski did practically everything right in Saturday’s Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway — except win the race.
Majeski gobbled up 15 stage points through the first two stages and appeared to be in prime position for a potential victory.
With a split strategy across the board, Majeski and his ThorSport Racing team elected for the safer route of pitting an extra time to ensure his No. 98 Ford would make it to the checkered flag on fuel.
It nearly paid off as Majeski climbed the leaderboard in the closing laps. After fellow playoff driver Nick Sanchez ran out on the backstretch on the final lap, it lifted Majeski to the runner-up position.
Grant Enfinger, however, saved just enough to win back-to-back races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Majeski was hopeful that his competition would all run out of gas, “but we ended up one spot short.”
“I am really proud of the effort,” Majeski said. “Honestly, I kind of wanted to pit but Joe (Shear Jr., crew chief) made the safer call to stay out because we couldn’t afford to give up points like the 2 (Sanchez) did and some of the others. It was a great call, the safe call. One spot short.
“I wish we could be in victory lane. I feel like we made our truck better throughout the race and the 11 and I were the best trucks on our strategy. The 9 was very good today too and he was on the opposite strategy and ended up winning. All in all it was a good race. I think we finished top five in all three stages, which was a goal coming here.”
The second-place finish allowed Majeski (fourth in playoff points) to stretch his gap to 22 markers above the cutline.
One race remains in the Round of 8 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
“I think we have a decent buffer going into Martinsville,” Majeski said. “Hopefully we don’t have to use it, but I am happy to have it.”