Chad Finchum Returns to MMR to Compete in Zombie Auto 125 at Bristol Motor Speedway - Speedway Digest

had Finchum will rejoin Martin-McClure Racing this weekend to pilot the No. 39 Emory & Henry College 90.7 WEHC Radio Toyota Camry entry in the Zombie Auto 125 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Finchum and the No. 39 crew will be under direction of veteran Crew Chief Rick Ren. Finchum secured Martin-McClure Racing’s first series win as well as his first series win last season at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Bristol Motor Speedway, affectionately known as “The Last Great Colosseum” is a half mile, high banked, race track with a concrete racing surface. The track boasts multi-groove competitive racing throughout each event.

The Martin-McClure Racing organization has actively been campaigning for the sustainability of the WEHC, the Emory & Henry radio station, which serves Chilhowie, VA and the greater Southwest Virginia area. The 9000 watt radio station provides community programming as well as hands-on experience for Emory & Henry College students working toward such degrees as Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. Eric McClure, Martin-McClure Racing co-owner and graduate of Emory & Henry College, worked in the college’s radio station in the late 1990s. McClure credits his comfortability as a brand ambassador during his years as a driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and as a team owner in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East to the oratory skills gained as a radio personality. The Martin-McClure Racing organization is proud to give back to the community and looks forward to future partnerships with WEHC.

Eric McClure:

“This race holds great significance for me personally. Bristol Motor Speedway is such a special place for our region, and our family. Not only are we racing in our backyard, but we’re also supporting Emory & Henry College who where instrumental in my formation both personally and professionally. It’s been an honor to work side-by-side with Dr. Teresa Keller, college administration, faculty, students, and community donors to support such a worthy cause. WEHC 90.7 brings so much to our community and it’s been an honor to give back.

Our team is strong. I believe that great things happen when good people come together and work hard. Last season was a testament to that statement. Chad is very good at this racetrack and is surrounded by good people. I know he will drive a solid race, maximize the opportunity, and keep us in position for a chance at a great result.”

Hal Martin:

“Going back to Bristol Motor Speedway is a big deal for our organization. We’re going to our team’s home track and the track where we took home our team’s first win. We are putting in a lot of work in an effort to go back to Bristol Motor Speedway and defend our race win.

Our team is solid, we’ve put in the man-hours and our guys and girls have a lot of heart. This race means just as much to them as it does to Eric and I. I’m confident in Chad’s driving ability and I hope when the checkered flag falls we come across the finish line with a 1-2 finish.”

Chad Finchum:

“Last year’s race was basically a fairytale for the race team, my family, and me. It’s definitely going to be hard to top it; however, I think it can be done. The amount of effort put in by everybody in this organization is unbelievable. I’m looking forward to the race this Saturday and getting another opportunity with Martin-McClure Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway. I think another win for this team would be incredible. Eric, Hal, and everybody that is a part of this operation means a lot to me. We aren’t just friends, we are family. To just get another shot at defending our win from last year is awesome. I don’t know how the race will play out due to the many variables in racing, but I feel that we will have a fast and competitive car and will have a car competing for the win.”