McClure Posts 26th-place Finish in VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200

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In: Xfinity Series News

After sitting out last year’s event due to injuries sustained in a late race accident the week prior, Eric McClure headed to the historic Darlington Raceway not only for his first race on the 1.366-mile track since 2011, but also looking to improve on his past performances.  Despite qualifying in the 37thposition and bringing out the caution on lap 32 after hitting the wall on the exit of turn four, McClure was able to regroup and finish the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 as follows:

26th-Eric McClure, No. 14 Hefty®/Reynolds® Toyota Camry

Taking the green flag from the 37th position, McClure quickly began maneuvering his way through the field.  By lap two, he was already up to the 32nd spot and although he was battling a car that was loose when turning off of the wall in turn two, he was able to maintain his position until the event’s first caution flag waved on lap 22.

Having recently gone a lap down to the race leader, the team decided to stay out during this caution period and take the wave around.  By doing so, it placed the Virginia driver back on the lead lap and in the 25th position when the race resumed on lap 27.

Eight laps later, the “Lady in Black” reared her ugly head and the No. 14 Hefty®/Reynolds® Camry spun on the exit of turn four causing damage to the rear of the car.  After limping to pit road with four flat tires, the team quickly went to work not only repairing the damage, but also servicing the car with four fresh tires, a wedge adjustment and fuel.  When the race resumed on lap 37, the TriStar Motorsports team was scored in the 34th position, one lap down to the race leader.

By lap 38, McClure had returned to the 32nd spot and was now in position to receive the “lucky dog” award should the yellow flag wave.  On lap 51, the team got their wish as the yellow flag waved once again, placing the orange and blue Camry back on the lead lap.  After pitting for a track-bar adjustment and fuel, McClure returned to the track in the 31st position.

Over the next 60 laps, the race continued under green conditions, eventually forcing the teams to make a green flag pit stop.  Running as high as 21st during this green flag run, McClure decided to give up the position and head to pit road on lap 110 where the team changed four tires, added fuel, and made an air-pressure adjustment.  After the green flag pit stop had cycled through, McClure was scored in the 29th position, three laps down to the race leader.

Shortly thereafter, on lap 118, the yellow flag waved once again.  Having just visited pit road, the team decided to stay out on the track and receive the “wave around.”  By doing so, the Virginia driver was scored in the 28th position, two laps down to the race leader when the race resumed.

In the final 23 laps, McClure was able to advance two positions to post a track-best finish of 26th at the track that’s known to be “Too Tough Too Tame”.

Driver, Eric McClure Quotes: “It was a disappointing set of circumstances for us today.  We had a good car in practice, but got in a bit of trouble early in the race trying to be patient with a rookie and got some damage.  The guys worked hard and we battled all night.  I’m thankful we were able to salvage something.  My team doesn’t quit and we will try again at Charlotte.”

TMI PR

Speedway Digest Staff
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