Single-car team to debut at Iowa Speedway this weekend
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NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers Eric McClure and Hal Martin announced Tuesday that they have joined forces to field a single-car team for developmental drivers in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.
Martin-McClure Racing is scheduled to debut with Chad Finchum at the wheel of the No. 39 entry this weekend at Iowa Speedway, which plays host to Friday’s #ThanksKenny 150, a combination race for the K&N Pro Series’ East and West tours.
“This team is something Eric and I have discussed in great depth over the past few months and the timing is right for us to enter competition and lay the foundation for an organization that will meet the long-term goals we’ve laid out,” Martin said in a release provided by the team. “It’s an opportunity for us to give back to the sport we love, while providing a competitive and professional environment for young drivers as they transition from their respective backgrounds to the NASCAR national series.”
Finchum, 20, has 10 K&N starts spread over a part-time schedule since 2011. He also claimed two track championships (at Kingsport Speedway in Tennessee and Lonesome Pine Raceway in Virginia) in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series competition last season.
“Since I started driving go-karts at age 6, I’ve always wanted to compete as a driver in the top levels of NASCAR,” Finchum said. “This is a step forward in achieving that goal. It’s hard to put into words what this opportunity means to me, but I think competing for MMR is a great fit. I’ve never been to Iowa Speedway, but I’m looking forward to getting there and getting on track.”
The Martin-McClure team also plans to compete in the season-ending race for the K&N East Series on Oct. 2 at Dover International Speedway.
McClure, 36, currently ranks 20th in the NASCAR XFINITY Series driver standings. Martin, 29, competed in 17 XFINITY events from 2012-14.