ES: Loudon: Drew Brannon race report

Rookie Drew Brannon Shines at New Hampshire
Earns 11th-Place Finish in Third-Career K&N Pro Series East Start

MOORESVILLE, NC (June 29, 2010) - While the New England 125 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway may have only been Drew Brannon's third time competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, the 17-year-old Florida native scored an impressive 11th-place finish at the Friday, June 25 event. The reigning 2009 ASA South Champion didn't waste any time in battling his way through the 32-car field, earning his spot as a serious contender amongst K&N Pro Series East regulars.

Ready for the busy race weekend at the "Magic Mile" to begin, Brannon went out during Thursday's qualifying session and laid down the 24th-fastest time of the afternoon. Although Brannon knew he would have his work cut out for him, he remained focused with his sights set on taking home a solid finish in Friday's feature.

Brannon took the green flag for the 125-lap event from the outside of row 12 and wasted no time advancing his position through the field. He used long, green-flag runs to his advantage and was able to maneuver into the top-15 by lap 75.

On lap 84, the yellow flag flew marking the first round of pit stops. Brannon took fuel only his first time down pit road and made a second stop the following lap for a fresh set of right-side tires. Speedy work by his racedrewhome.com pit crew helped Brannon gain four positions, placing him in 11th-place, just in time to take the green flag on lap 90.

Brannon maintained his 11th-place position until the last caution of the night waved on lap 117. In what he describes as "the best restart of his career," Brannon moved into the top-10 for the final eight-lap shootout. Battling hard with ninth-place Eddie MacDonald and 10th-place Andrew Ranger, Brannon lost two positions in a last-lap drag race to the checkered flag, earning an 11th-place finish.

"For the amount we've raced this year, we are really happy with our finish," said Brannon. "The car was running pretty well. When we come back to New Hampshire for the next K&N East Series race ,we'll definitely be better."

"Brannon's feedback was far beyond his years," commented veteran spotter, Mike Calinoff. "I am really impressed at the way he handled himself during tense situations on the track. I'm confident he has what it takes to compete at this level."

Waiting until next year to compete for the K&N East Series Rookie of the Year title, Brannon plans on racing in only five of this season's events. He will return to the track for K&N East Series action on Friday, September 17th for the New Hampshire 125 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

-source: drew brannon PR