Michael Ritch, driver of the No. 28s Racing For Veterans Ford, was the man to beat during the first half of the Sears Auto Center 200 at USA Int値 Speedway.
Ritch, the defending Southern Division champion, led the first 65 laps and was marching back to the front after his pit stop when his car slowed. Ritch retired from the event on Lap 131 and finished 28th.
Ritch is in new colors and a new sponsor this year.
He had been in yellow and blue colors for years.
