AVONDALE, Arizona -- NASCAR Elite Division, Featherlite Southwest Series, 2002 series champion, Eddy McKean found himself in the runner-up position for a third time in his last four attempts to conquer the Desert Jewell.
The season opener, Southwest Series "100", started off Saturday, February 1st, with the sun shining and the McKean Racing Team running in the top five during the first practice session. After a late start to qualifying, due to the great turn out of race teams, McKean went out and layed down an impressive time of 27.884 with an average speed of over 129 mph. The time would land him in the fourth position for the race the following afternoon. During the final practice session, on lap five, McKean backed his Magic Valley Pipe and Steel Pontiac Grand Prix into the wall, going into turn one. McKean said, "I felt the car twitch, and then she was gone." Turn one had been the site of several accidents during the first practice session and qualifying.
With the rearend torn off the signature, antique blue racecar, the team pulled together and worked as long as the NASCAR officials would allow them in the track that evening. The NASCAR officials allowed several teams to enter the pits early the following morning, to work on damaged cars. (We are greatful for their dedication and encouragment to the whole series.) Under the pressure, the team showed their commitment and intensity towards the team and racing, putting the car back together, in time to make it through race tech. With the team being financed by only Eddy and his wife, Lynnette, the weekend didn't start off the way the would have liked, but, "The guys worked their tails off. I am proud of the way they handled themselves and pulled this off. My concern is always for Eddy's safety, and I was reassured, the car was safe. I felt confident in all their abilities to ensure we had a good car," said Lynnette.
The green flag flew and McKean never looked back. He consistently ran in the top three positions. With approximately 40 laps remaining and Ken Schrader leading, there was a yellow flag. Schrader faked a pit stop and McKean stayed on his heels, making the commitment to go the entire race without additional fuel and fresh tires. Rob Dixon, crew chief, said, "There had been so many yellow flags, we took a chance to go the whole way without a pit stop." A decision, that would leave McKean in a familiar finishing position. "We always seem to have something just a little off when we come to PIR. I have two more races this season to get it right. I really want a Phoenix win," said McKean.
The Featherlite Southwest Series will return to action in March at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, CA. McKean Racing looks forward to having a great finish and repeating their great season. They are seeking finacial help to keep the team afloat and join the elite list of teams that have won two championships in the Featherlite Southwest Series.
Don't forget to check out our web site at www.mckeanracing.com. We updating it regularly and there is a section you can talk to the driver.
See you at the races!!!
