Max Gresham Looks Ahead to Sunday’s Race at Rockingham Speedway

The moment Max Gresham pulled away from the Martinsville Speedway last Saturday, his attention was focused on Sunday’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at the Rockingham Speedway.

“You don’t race by looking in the rearview mirror,” the 19-year old Gresham said. “You’re always looking ahead.”


Gresham recently tested with the No. 8 Made In USA Brand (MIUSA) Chevrolet at the track affectionately known as “The Rock.” The Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR) team compiled copious notes for Sunday’s 200-lap race, including strategies for tire management.

 

“When you’re at Rockingham managing your tires well is always an issue,” crew chief Chris Showalter said.

 

“From a racer’s standpoint, it’s a great track. You spend so much time up in the corners; if you aren’t careful you’ll wear out your tires, or your truck. You have to manage everything well there.”

 

Gresham finished 18th there a year ago in just his sixth career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) start. He considers an additional year of experience as well as the recent test session will give him a new perspective for Sunday’s race.

 

“You really have to hit your marks and be smooth,” he said. “The more laps you get there, the more you realize that. I know we’ve got a good package for the race. We have great trucks at Eddie Sharp Racing. I know Showy (Showalter) has a good strategy. And I know I have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful there.

 

“After the test session, I had a new respect for the track and became more comfortable with it.”

 

Gresham qualified 18th for the race at Martinsville, a career best starting position at the historic track before brake issues relegated him to a 30th-place finish.

 

“What I like most about racing is each week is a chance to forget about a bad race and create a better memory,” Gresham said. “We’re very confident with our preparation for Rockingham. I feel very good about the race. It’s a great way to look ahead.”

 

With the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide series both racing at Texas Motor Speedway, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be on center stage on Sunday. Teams will have two practice sessions on Saturday and qualify at 11:05 a.m. ET on Sunday. The green flag will wave at 2 p.m., and the race will be televised on SPEED.

 

“A new week, a new race and a chance to keep looking forward,” Gresham said.

 

Max Gresham PR