Justin Fontaine competed in his fourth and final scheduled K&N Pro Series East event this season with the Martin-McClure Racing team in the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 140 at Greenville Pickens Speedway. Driving the No. 39 Promatic Automation Toyota Camry, Fontaine qualified 19th and finished in 16th position.
In practice, Fontaine reported the car “to be a little loose.” Minor adjustments were made to the ProMATIC Automation Toyota Camry to correct the loose handling conditions and Fontaine returned to the track. This was his first showing at Greenville Pickens in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. Fontaine ran his fastest lap time during practice circling the half-mile track at 22.36 seconds with a speed of 80.51 mph. Fontaine qualified for the event in the 19th position with his fastest lap being 21.62 seconds.
In the first lap of the race, Fontaine sustained minor damage in an unavoidable on-track accident to the nose of the No.39 Promatic Automation Toyota Camry. After an extended red flagged period, the track personnel were able to get the racing surface cleared and ready for a restart only to have another caution soon after. Fontaine came into the pit area for a brief pit stop to inspect the car for possible tire rubs and other major damage. After a quick check, the crew determined the car was raceable and he was back on the track before the green flag. Just before the scheduled half-way break, Fontaine reported the car to be “a little loose”. Crew members made a few adjustments, changed tires and refueled. With 70 laps to go, team owner, Eric McClure told Fontaine to “work hard and stay focused for the rest of the race. We’re proud of you.” Fontaine completed the event and finished in 16th position.
Eric McClure:
“I thought Justin showed us how far he’s come this year as a driver. He was swept into two early accidents, neither of which were his fault. There were times he was very competitive despite having a damaged car, but we just couldn’t get a caution to get back on the same lap as everyone. I’m proud of how hard he worked this year and confident those efforts will pay off for him next season.”
Hal Martin:
“As a driver, Justin has grown so much in 4 races. I’ve seen huge gains in his confidence and his ability to read what the race car needs set-up wise. These developing skills and his on track experience will serve him well next season. In this race, Justin got caught up in some unavoidable early accidents, but he rallied back and had solid lap times despite a damaged car. I’m proud of his efforts, he worked hard and that’s all I can ask for as an owner.”
Justin Fontaine:
“Overall it was a solid weekend for team MMR, we had to make up some ground in practice and qualifying but our race pace was solid. Thank you to the entire team for the work that they have put in, in not just my races, but all the races run this season. Thank you to Promatic Automation for the great opportunity to represent them at this level. I am looking forward to what the future will hold for next year!”
MMR PR
