After the announcement that Chad Finchum had signed a four-race commitment with Martin-McClure Racing for the 2016 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season, the 21-year-old Knoxville, TN native raced the No. 39 Reynolds Wrap Toyota Camry to victory lane in the Pitt Lite 125 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, April 16th, 2016. This was Finchum’s first win in 13 career starts in the series and the first win for the Martin-McClure Racing organization.
In first practice, Finchum and spotter / Martin-McClure Racing co-owner, Hal Martin, discussed maintaining long-run speed and co-owner Eric McClure discussed pacing himself for the 125 lap event and the importance of having an undamaged car late in the race. Crew Chief, Chris Carrier, ordered several adjustments and Finchum completed a mock qualifying run late in the session. After running 34 laps, Finchum finished the first practice session in the 2nd position. During the second practice, Finchum and team concentrated on perfecting the race trim package, running 8 laps and finishing in the 5th position.
New group qualifying procedures were in place at Bristol Motor Speedway. Finchum qualified for the Pitt Lite 125 in the 4th position, but started the race in 2nd place after a reconfiguration to the lineup due to the car in front of Finchum on the grid having to drop to the rear of the field. Following the first restart on lap 13, Finchum was able to take over the lead from pole-sitter Harrison Burton.
During the scheduled five-minute break, Finchum pitted for fuel only, and reported that the car was “perfectly balanced” and needed no adjustments, stating: “This car is on a rail; I don’t think I would touch it”. During the final 24 laps, the Martin-McClure Racing team waited anxiously in the pit box as the race neared the end. After leading a total of 112 of the 125 lap event, Finchum crossed the finish line as the checkered flag waved bringing home the first victory for himself as a driver in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series as well as the first win for Martin-McClure Racing.
Chad Quotes:
“I’ve been coming here for years as a fan and to come here and win this race is an incredible experience. I was so happy when Eric and Hal asked me to come race for their team.”
“This is our fourth trip to Bristol, and I’ve come here in years past and I’ve came close, but not this close. This is it and I can say it’s ours and we’ve got it and so that trophy will go up on the shelf and be looked at every single day.”
Eric McClure on Winning at Bristol Motor Speedway:
“I cried… several times. My family had Morgan-McClure Motorsports for many years and they won their first race here at Bristol. It was such a special time for our family to come to Bristol and then to experience that win.”
“To see all the joy on the faces of our team members was great, and to have my Dad come into Victory Lane was probably the most emotional moment for me. This is truly the greatest day of my professional life.”
Hal Martin on Chad Finchum:
“Chad Finchum is one of the most talented guys out here and you’re going to hear a lot about him.”
“I cried too. This wasn’t expected for our first race of the year. That wasn’t due to a lack of preparation, driver talent or team talent. You just don’t expect to have great success right out right out of the gate like we did. I’m very grateful for the team that put this car on the track. It took a lot of hard work from a lot of individuals.”
Chris Carrier on Martin-McClure Racing Team Victory:
“I think what we saw here today was the start of something very special. I’ve watched Chad race Late Models at local tracks over the past couple years and saw him climb up the ladder with his family behind him. This was probably the biggest step for Chad’s career, and I think it’s going to be a launching pad.”
“I’ve never been more happy for one person than Eric right now. I know what Eric is about and what kind of person he is. He’s got a great partner in Hal and a great driver in Chad. To me, Eric has the horsepower to make a great co-owner. And the business needs people like Eric.”
MMR PR
