Martin-McClure Racing Announces Full 2017 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Schedule; Baize to Drive

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Martin-McClure Racing, owned by NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers Eric McClure and Hal Martin, announced today an increased presence in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series for the 2017 season. Beginning its third year of competition, the team has signed Hunter Baize as driver and will campaign a full NASCAR K&N Pro Series East schedule.
 
Reynolds Wrap, a longtime sponsorship partner of McClure’s, will return for a second season with MMR and a 12th year of affiliation with McClure.  The popular brand will adorn Baize’s #13 Toyota Camry for multiple events in 2017.
 
Baize, the 2016 NKNPSE Sunoco Rookie of the Year, joins Martin-McClure Racing for his sophomore season of competition.  The Bremen, KY native had an impressive rookie season, placing fourth in the 2016 season standings behind a Top 5 finish and 10 Top 10 finishes.
 
The team also announced the hiring of veteran Teddy Brown as crew chief for Baize.  Brown comes with more than 15 years of experience across NASCAR’s national series, and recently served as interim crew chief for MMR at the New Jersey Motorsports Park event in 2016.  In 2015, Brown was responsible for a pair of victories in the ARCA series.
 
Eric McClure: 
 
 
“This is a tremendous day for the entire Martin-McClure Racing organization.  As Hal and I set out nearly two years ago to lay the foundation for a thriving operation, I never imagined we would see success so quickly, nor experience some of the most rewarding days of my professional career in such a short period of time.  Bringing a driver of the caliber of Hunter Baize under our banner, following the talent we saw in our equipment last year, reinforces the attainability of the vision we have and is a testament to the efforts of personnel that share the same beliefs. In addition, the continuation of the Reynolds Wrap program is a great blessing for us.  The national and regional brand partnership additions we have validate the successful positive return initiatives that we have in place both on and off the track. 
 
It’s an honor to be able to field our team out of the Morgan-McClure facility.  With this location comes a great source of pride, but also great responsibility to carry on the legacy that my family built here and the racing heritage of our region.  The knowledge and advice from my father and my uncles, is invaluable and I’m fortunate we have the access to their wisdom.  I feel we are positioned well for the future and I’m excited for the upcoming season.”
Hal Martin:
 
“Today marks a significant milestone for our company. When Eric and I began this team, I hoped and prayed for quick success but I never dreamed our team would achieve so much so soon. Going into our second year of full-time operation, MMR is poised to compete for the 2017 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship with the best team, equipment, and the most heart of any group of people around. I am honored that a driver of Hunter Baize’s caliber believes in our program and has entrusted us with his professional aspirations as he works his way through the NASCAR ranks. I had the privilege of watching Hunter closely as our competitor last year, and I remember thinking ‘He’s got it’. Hunter Baize is not only a skilled, consistent driver but he’s also a well-rounded person and will make a great asset to our team.
 
Being able to house our shop at the old Morgan-McClure Motorsports building is an honor. To be able to be part of the next chapter in the history of these buildings is a privilege for me personally, but to bring that happiness and pride to my business partner and good friend, Eric, is priceless.” 
Hunter Baize:
 
“I’m extremely excited about being a part of Martin-McClure racing. I competed alongside them last season as they won three races from a partial schedule and was very impressed. I look forward to working with Hal, Eric, Teddy, and the rest of the MMR team. I’m thankful for the opportunity to build off my successful rookie season with a team that has already showed such promise.
 
I don’t take the history of this facility lightly. To accomplish what Morgan-McClure Motorsports did at the top level of the sport, namely winning two Daytona 500’s, is beyond difficult. It’s a pleasure to be associated with a team so steeped in NASCAR history.”
 
Teddy Brown:
 
“I’ve known Hal and Eric for many years. I worked in the fabrication shop at TriStar Motorsports when they were teammates. I remember distinctly a conversation I had with Hal and Eric suggesting that they should just go out and start their own teams. Now, four years later here we all are.  I believe in this team and what they’re trying to build and accomplish here. I’m proud to be a part of this organization and to add to the history in these buildings.”
 
MMR PR
 
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