Watkins Glen, NY (August 9, 2009)—Eric McClure and the Rensi-Hamilton Racing team welcomed Del Monte® brand as primary sponsor for this weekend’s event at Watkins Glen International. The support of the new partner made it possible for the team and driver to compete in the Zippo 200 and keep a full-time status in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Qualifying in the 40th position for his road course debut, McClure used the race as an opportunity to learn and gain confidence in his road-racing ability. Struggling with getting the car into second gear early in the event, McClure officially lost the gear on lap 57, but was able to continue and finish the 82-lap event in the 30th position. Although McClure came to Watkins Glen a rookie, he left with a satisfactory smile after accomplishing the goals he set for himself coming in to the event: stay on course, have fun, and finish the race.
“I really had a lot of fun today although my finish wasn’t that great. I just wanted to come here, have fun, and earn as many points as possible and I believe we accomplished that today. We lost second gear in two transmissions this weekend and I was having a hard time getting the car into second gear throughout the race, and eventually lost it. I tried to save the gear for turn 1 and I finally quit trying to get into second after it was done and tried to go as fast as I could in just third and fourth gear and actually picked up a bit of time doing that as I adjusted. Thankfully we were able to continue to finish the race. I also want to thank Del Monte© for their support. They made it possible for us to come to the Glen and compete this weekend, which in turn helped us stay in the points. For that I am grateful.”
Starting the race from the 40th position, McClure maintained his position for two laps before losing two positions when the first caution occurred on lap 7. Reporting a loose handling car on the right hand turns, Crew Chief Chris Wright decided track position was important and instructed the driver to stay out on the track, which placed the team in the 28th position. Unfortunately, the water temperature climbed to 250 degrees under caution, so McClure brought the Del Monte® brand Ford to pit road to receive a track-bar adjustment, fuel, and to remove tape from the front grille. When the race resumed the RHR team was scored in the 35th position.
McClure continued to adjust to the road course while advancing his position. Running in the 32nd position under green conditions, the No. 24 Ford came to pit road on lap 22 for fuel only and was sent back to the track in the 38th position. Over the next 12 laps, McClure reported he was having difficulty getting the car into second gear, which caused him to lose time on the track. Also, the handling on the car had become “tight on entry and loose off” through the quick right and left hand turns known as the S’s. When the second caution occurred on lap 34, the team brought the car to pit road to receive tires with an air-pressure adjustment, a track-bar adjustment, and fuel. After a quick stop by the crew, the Virginia native was shown in the 35th position and was able to maintain the position through the halfway point of the Zippo 200.
During the second half of the event, the handling of the Del Monte® Ford continued to improve, although McClure officially lost second gear on lap 57. The RHR team visited pit-road two additional times for fuel only and was able to finish the Zippo 200 in the 30th position. With this finish, the team was able to remain 28th in the NASCAR Owner standings.
