Phoenix, Ariz. -- "Teamwork means we share a common ideal and embrace a common goal. Regardless of our differences, we strive shoulder-to-shoulder, confident in one another's faith, trust and commitment. In the end, teamwork can be summed up in five short words... We believe in each other."
McKean Motorsports entered into the 2002 season, confident in their ability to improve on the 5th place finish in the 2001 season.
Going into the final race at PIR in Phoenix, AR., the team had a small led over the second place points driver, M.K. Kanke. Due to circumstances beyond his control, Mr. Kanke would not start the final event of the season. This left the third place point’s driver, Burney Lamar, just 103 points behind McKean, heading into the event.
McKean figured if Lamar won the event; he did set fast time in qualifying, McKean would need to finish 28th or better to clench the championship. McKean Motorsports performance at PIR in past events had been good, finishing only once out of the top 10, and they felt they could possible win the race along with the championship.
The race started out good. McKean had a sixth place starting position. He would opt to stay out during a caution and take over the lead, leading 28 laps. But after a pit stop, the car seemed to handle different. After struggling to keep the car off the wall, the next caution would come out, after McKean went two laps down. The crew thought the car might have had a right side tire going down. They decided to pit and change right sides, again. The following caution came out and the crew called Eddy back into the pits, changing the left rear tire, which was flat. At this point, McKean was just trying to finish the race in one piece.
The checkered flag would fly with McKean finishing in the 24th position and Lamar finishing in 14th after he suffered from tire problems. I don't think either team was sure who had won the championship until NASCAR announced it.
McKean Motorsports would celebrate a disappointing finish, worst of the season, with a season championship. An emotional McKean would thank his crew and sponsors in victory lane. The whole team showed the emotion of only competing in the series for two seasons and winning a championship. The team crew chief, Marc Lundgren, would be at a loss for words when he and McKean met up in the winner’s circle. The rest of the crew would celebrate with high-fives and lots of hugs. McKean said, " It was the crew that got me here, I know it and they know it."
A special thanks to the crew of the car # 19, for a great season. Congratulations - Marc Lundgren; Crew Chief, "Big" Jim Hooker; truck driver and exceptional cook, Denny Moyer; tire changer and handyman, Adolph Garcia; truck driver and handyman, George Hart; handyman, tire changer and marketing, Eric John; tire specialist, Roy Molsee; jackman and tire specialist apprentice, Les Denherder; spotter and exceptional marketing partner, and Lynnette McKean; owner, financer and scorer. Without the faith, trust and commitment of each of these people, McKean Motorsports would not be celebrating a spectacular season.
As everyone in Motorsports is aware, you can't get to this point without the help of marketing partners. The company's that have stood by McKean Motorsports are greatly appreciated - Victory Circle Chassis and Parts and H.P.S. Mechanicals, both based in Bakersfield, CA. IronClad based in Los Angeles, CA, XTreme Motorsports Marketing based in Victorville, CA., Frieghtrain Peter's Motors based in Lake Port, CA., and Magic Valley Pipe and Steel, based in Jerome, ID..
The race series will be taking about two months off. The first race, for the 2003 season, will be sometime in February back at PIR in Phoenix, AR.. McKean Motorsports will be busy with special appearances and radio interviews. McKean Motorsports will officially be crowned NFSWS champion in December at the El Dorado Hotel and Casino in Reno, NV.. After a few weeks of R & R, the team and Eddy will be ready to defend the title. They look forward to an exciting & competitive 2003 season in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series.
May everyone’s holiday season be filled with love and happiness.
See you at the races.
