Meet Mark McFarland

Mark McFarland

Mark McFarland, the 2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series national champion, has been hand-picked by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to be the first NASCAR Busch Series driver for his Mooresville, NC-based company, JR Motorsports. McFarland will pilot the No. 88 NAVY Chevrolet in his quest for the 2006 Busch Series title and Rookie of the Year award.

McFarland spent the 2005 season competing in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series for JR Motorsports. A quick study in anything with a steering wheel, McFarland compiled one win, 10 top-fives, 13 top-tens and a series-leading seven pole awards in the uber-competitive series. That success spring-boarded the team into the Busch Series for 2006.

While McFarland will have a yellow stripe on his bumper next season, he does have 10 Busch Series starts under his belt. The most recent came in the 2005 Ford 300 season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, his first race in the No. 88 NAVY Chevrolet that he will pilot in 2006. He qualified 18th and brought the car home in a respectable 20th place. McFarland’s highest Busch Series finish came at Richmond International Raceway in the fall of 2004 where he finished 16th.

This will be Earnhardt, Jr.’s first solely-owned Busch team and it signifies another step in his evolutionary career.

“I’m proud to be entering a relationship with an organization like the U.S. Navy,” Earnhardt, stated.

“When you consider the history and the accomplishment the Navy has it’s overwhelming. The opportunities the Navy can provide for people are virtually limitless. They’ve given us an opportunity with this sponsorship and I’m proud to represent them. They’re giving Mark an opportunity as well and I’m confident he will make the most of it.”

McFarland oozes excitement when he talks of the opportunity the NAVY has given him.

“This great sponsorship from the NAVY has given me the chance to fulfill what would be any young racecar driver’s dream and that is to compete with the best,” sounded McFarland.

“It is an honor to be selected to represent the integrity and fortitude that the NAVY stands for.”