Preview: Eric McClure/ No. 24 Hefty® brand Chevrolet
Venue: Phoenix International Raceway
Circuit: NASCAR Nationwide Series (Race 8 of 35)
Event: Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 (200 laps; 200 miles)
Primary Sponsor: Hefty® Brand—Lake Forest, IL
Associate Sponsors: OGIO®--Bluffdale, UT; Courtyard by Marriott—Scottsdale, AZ
Eric McClure/Hefty® brand Chevrolet Notes of Interest:
Ups and Downs of Texas
For the fourth time this season, qualifying was canceled due to inclement weather; Eric McClure started the event in the 32nd position
Losing a cylinder in the engine on the opening lap and a persistent rear end vibration, forced McClure to make laps and gain as many positions as possible; he finished 36th
McClure still maintains a points position that will guarantee him a starting position in the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 in Phoenix.
Racing in the Valley of the Sun
The 29-year-old driver will compete in his 49th career NASCAR Nationwide Series event this weekend under the lights at the one-mile raceway.
For the first time in his career at Phoenix, McClure will not have to qualify on time as he is locked in to the field via NASCAR Owners Standings.
His best start at PIR was 39th (April-2005) and his best finish was 30th (April-2007).
Up to Speed
Catch all of the action live from PIR on Friday, April 11th beginning at 6:00pm (PT) on ESPN2. MRN and Sirius Satellite Radio will also broadcast the event live.
Eric McClure, driver of the No. 24 Hefty® brand Chevrolet quotes:
(On returning to PIR)
“I’m really looking forward to coming to Phoenix after our performance in Texas. I had a decent run there in 2005 when I was running for Jimmy Means but we had an engine failure shortly after halfway. Last year we only made the April race so it’s been a year since I have run on this track, so practice will be essential for us to continue to make gains.”
“Phoenix is a unique track with the layout it provides. We didn’t run well at Texas so hopefully we can carry the improvements we made in Nashville over to Phoenix. Our finishes this season haven’t been anything to write home about, but we are trying to turn things around and Phoenix would be a great place to restart our season.”
