Rockingham: Brandon McReynolds race report

Brandon McReynolds Fights Bad Luck in ARCA Racing Series Event at Rockingham with 21st-Place Finish

Rockingham, N.C. (Oct. 11, 2010- Brandon McReynolds finished 21st at Rockingham Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Piloting the No. 92 Jesse Jones Hot Dogs BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors Sof Comfort Chevrolet, McReynolds worked through radio and brake problems throughout the day.

McReynold pulled double-duty throughout the weekend, competing in the UARA Series and the ARCA Racing Series events. He finished eighth-quickest in the lone ARCA practice with a fast time of 25.007 seconds (143.960 mph). Remaining focused as he switched between the UARA and ARCA cars throughout the day, McReynolds laid down a qualifying time of 24.871 seconds (144.747 mph). The quick lap was good enough for McReynolds to line up seventh for the main event Saturday afternoon.

The 19-year-old driver started Saturday with a bang as he collected his sixth-career UARA Series victory. The win is his second victory this season at Rockingham Speedway. McReynolds hoped to use the momentum gained from this victory earlier in the day toward the ARCA race in the No. 92 RBR Chevrolet.

The green flag dropped on the American 200 presented by Black's Tire & Auto Service, and McReynolds looked to use his experience at the track to his advantage. Problems arose early for the team as the team's spotter experienced issues with the radio, leaving McReynolds without clear communication from above about track positions.

As the race got underway, the No. 92 fell back as radio issues and brake problems plagued the team. McReynolds described the brake pedal as "shaky" and informed the team that he couldn't get the car slowed down. By lap 33, McReynolds raced consistently in the 15th position.

The second caution of the day fell on lap 51 with the No. 92 in the 15th position, and the crew discussed the strategy for the pit stop. "The car is way too loose," radioed McReynolds. "At the end of the last run, the car felt better. If I let it roll too much in the center, though, it gets loose." The No. 92 crew put on four tires, added fuel and made a track bar adjustment to help with the handling.

The adjustments from the crew helped the No. 92, and by lap 69, McReynolds was up two spots to 13th. Another yellow flag fell on lap 76, and McReynolds communicated that the car was running tight.

The green flag fell, and by lap 80, McReynolds was up to the 12th position. The driver radioed to the team that he felt the right front tire had a problem and was forced to pit road for an unscheduled stop. The team changed the two right-side tires, but the unscheduled stop forced the team to go two laps down. The No. 92 went back to racing in the 27th position.

Although two laps down from the leader, McReynolds and the No. 92 team did not give up. Quiet on the radio, the 19-year-old driver focused on the task ahead and worked his way forward one at a time. By lap 128, McReynolds worked his way to the 24th position.

The yellow flag fell again on lap 147, and the No. 92 came in for a pit stop of four tires and fuel. McReynolds battled a free racecar on the bottom of the track,but continued to race the field. By lap 179, McReynolds held steady in the 21st position.

Ty Dillon crossed the finish line first, collecting his second ARCA Racing Series victory this season. McReynolds ended the race in the 21st position, three laps down.

"It was a disappointing race," said McReynolds. "We dealt with issues the entire race and just could not catch a break. I have to thank Ricky Benton Racing for the opportunity to compete in the ARCA event, as well as Jesse Jones Hot Dogs, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors and Sof Comfort of all of their support. I wish we could have brought home a better finish, but that's racing. "

-source: brandon mcreynolds PR