Abingdon, VA – April 6th, 2016 – Martin-McClure Racing, owned by NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers Eric McClure and Hal Martin, announced today a portion of their 2016 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East program. Beginning its second year of competition, the team has embarked on a more comprehensive schedule that will see Chad Finchum return to the MMR #39 entry for select events, while also welcoming a new face to the team’s driver lineup.
Reynolds Wrap, a longtime partner of McClure’s in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will adorn Finchum’s Toyota Camry for four events, beginning with the PittLite 125 at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) on April 16. Additional events on Finchum’s schedule include New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Jul 16), Iowa Speedway (Jul 29), and Dover International Speedway (Sep 30). Finchum is coming off of an impressive season-opening win at Kingsport Speedway and carries impressive credentials and accolades, including dozens of wins in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and the 2013 Tennessee State Championship. The team also announced it will field a second entry at BMS for Caleb Holman, who will be making his first appearance in the popular touring series. Holman, a competitor in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Henderson Motorsports, will drive the #75 Food Country machine for MMR.
Bristol, VA native, Chris Carrier, will serve as crew chief for the MMR #39 team in 2016, while also working closely with all team programs. Carrier, who has wins across all three of NASCAR’s national series, served as Finchum’s crew chief in 2015 and brings veteran guidance and knowledge to the organization. Tim Andrews, a former winner in NKNPSE, will serve as crew chief for Holman.
Additional 2016 events and information will be announced at a later date.
Quotes:
Eric McClure quotes:
“We are honored and extremely blessed to be able to make these announcements. The effort that has gone into building this program over the past 17 months has been both eye-opening and very rewarding. Hal and I set out to lay the foundation for a program that not only survives, but thrives and experiences growth, while providing productive opportunities on and off the track for drivers and team personnel looking to take the next step in their racing journey.
Our region is rich in racing heritage and the opportunity to protect and nurture that heritage and tradition through these partnerships is something we take very seriously. It’s a privilege to have Caleb and Chad competing under our banner as both are quality individuals and unique talents. I am hopeful that our representation of ourselves, each other, and our partnering brands is something that will bear the fruit of the standard we hope to create.”
Hal Martin quotes:
“It’s an exciting day for Martin-McClure Racing. Eric and I have said from day one our goal at MMR is to be an organization that is conducive to a career in motorsports, both for drivers and prospective crew members. We both raced professionally at the highest levels and feel those experiences allow us to provide the encouragement, guidance, and effort necessary to help young drivers as they pursue their dreams.
We believe Chad and Caleb are tremendous driving talents, but also very competitive individuals, and those traits go hand in hand. The thrill of competition and love for the sport of auto racing were the driving forces behind our decision to begin MMR and it’s been enjoyable watching the organization grow and bringing in drivers that share the same characteristics and our love of the sport. We look forward to getting to the racetrack and getting started.”
Chad Finchum quotes:
“I am really looking forward to this season, particularly getting to start our year at Bristol. It’s an honor to be part of the MMR program. Eric & Hal have been building a strong program and to have the opportunity to represent them, as well as Reynolds Wrap, is a true blessing. We’ve achieved a great deal of success at the late model level over the years and I’m hopeful we can take another step this year. It would be great to get the season started with a strong run at Bristol.
Caleb Holman quotes:
I’m excited to get to Bristol. It’s a special place to me, as it is to everyone involved. I was fortunate enough to win a Pro Cup race there in 2008, and I’ve run well there in the truck series. I appreciate everyone that’s made this opportunity possible and I feel confident we can have a strong run there in our Food Country car.
Chris Carrier quote:
“It’s an exciting time for everyone involved. I feel like we are building something that the residents, and race fans, of the Mountain Empire region can be proud of. All of the participants involved are like family and the effort and support for each other is something you don’t see often in this business. I feel like we have the chance to do something special here.”
