NNS: Braun Hopes To Return To Roush

Nationwide

NNS: Braun Hopes To Return To Roush

Colin Braun has made progress in the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series...

Bob Pockrass | http://www.scenedaily.com | Posted October 12, 2010 Charlotte, NC

Colin Braun has had a tough year in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He wrecked at Watkins Glen. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Roush Fenway Racing driver Colin Braun has had a tough Nationwide Series season but he isn’t giving up on finishing strong and even returning to Roush Fenway next year.

Braun had planned on running the full season in 2010 and challenging for top rookie honors but he has competed in only 21 of the 30 Nationwide races this year after some early struggles resulted in him being pulled from the seat for select events.

The 22-year-old driver, speaking before a 13th-place finish Saturday in the Nationwide race at Auto Club Speedway, said he hopes to perform well in his three remaining races this year.

“The biggest thing is just trying to have some good runs,” Braun said. “That’s the whole goal and learn as much as we can. Hopefully that helps us put something together for next year.”

Roush Fenway has several development drivers – Braun, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Erik Darnell, Brian Ickler and Trevor Bayne – who have seen time in the Nationwide Series. Braun said he “absolutely” hopes he will race for the team next year.

Braun has four top-10 finishes and no top-fives in 21 starts.

“As it sits right now, Roush Fenway is looking for sponsors for the Nationwide programs and working on stuff for next year,” said Braun, who won a truck race last year at Michigan. “I know if we can have some good runs at the end of this year, it would definitely help.”

While no driver likes to sit out, Braun said when Matt Kenseth filled his seat, he was able to learn more about the Nationwide car.

“He’s been helpful – to be able to sit there and help me with what we’re working with and how things should feel,” Braun said. “That’s been a really big help for me.”

In addition to adjusting to a part-time role, Braun also has had to adjust to working with different crew chiefs and crews. He has had five crew chiefs during the season – Mike Beam, Ben Leslie, Eddie Pardue, Rick Viers and Chad Norris.

“One of the coolest things and one of the hardest things for me to adjust to is all the different crew chiefs I’ve had this year,” Braun said. “On the one hand, it’s great to work with a bunch of different guys and get some different levels of the way they work, the way they do things.

“On the other hand, it’s tough because sometimes it’s nice to have that continuity. That’s been a good and bad thing for me. For me, it’s progress ... but we kind of have had to start from zero every couple of weeks.”

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