Lincoln, Al (April 25, 2009)—Eric McClure and the No. 24 Rensi-Hamilton Racing (RHR) team started the Aaron’s 312 in the 36th position and ran competitively in the draft throughout the entire event before being shuffled out of the draft with three laps remaining to finish in the 25th position.
“We had a great car today. We definitely didn’t get the finish we deserved. I am so disappointed with myself. I made the wrong decision at the wrong time near the end of the event that cost us 10 spots and we ended up finishing 25th behind the cars I outran all day. I thought a couple of the cars would go with me but they didn’t. I made a few friends out there but I am still earning the respect of others. I am still so very proud of this Hefty® Racing™ team; they always give me great pit-stops and have done nothing but support me and I am sorry for letting them down, along with our corporate partners. I just have to put this race behind me and look forward to next week’s race in Richmond.”
Starting the race from the 36th position, it didn’t take long for the No. 24 Hefty® Odor Block™ Ford to advance through the field. Riding in the middle of a constant three-wide pack of cars, McClure was riding in the 18th position by lap 27. While running in the 7th position, Crew Chief Chris Wright brought the car to pit-road during a round of green flag pit-stops to receive tires and fuel. After returning to the track, the 43-car field was spread out and the RHR team had only one drafting partner and was shown in the 29th position
Over the next few laps, McClure was able to advance three more positions and was shown in the 26th position when the first caution occurred on lap 53. The Hefty® Odor Block™ Ford was brought to pit-road once again to receive fuel only. This call allowed the team to restart the Aaron’s 312 in the 19th position.
Riding in the middle groove once again, McClure continued to battle his way through the field and was shown in the 12th position on lap 81. Shortly thereafter, he was “shuffled out” of the draft and slide back to the 27th position when the second caution occurred. McClure brought the No. 24 Ford to pit-road and Wright made the call for two tires and fuel. After a quick stop, the RHR team restarted the event in the 19th position.
During the final twenty laps, the 30-year-old driver advanced to the 16th position. With five laps remaining, McClure made a quick decision and jumped to the outside lane, but no one followed him. With no drafting help, McClure lost ten positions (26th). The final caution occurred on lap 109 and forced a green, white, checker finish. In the final three laps McClure was able to advance one position to finish the Aaron’s 312 in the 25th position. With this finish, the RHR team fell three spots to 26th in NASCAR Owner Points heading in to next weekend’s race at Richmond International Raceway.
