JEROME, Idaho -- For defending NASCAR Elite Division, Featherlite Southwest Series champion Eddy McKean, the long trip from Jerome, Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona last weekend was suppose to be the one. Tallying three runner-up finishes in the last four races at PIR, McKean and his team were looking for more as the series is in the home stretch of its 18th season. McKean, sitting sixth in the championship standings, eyes another victory before season's end, especially a victory at Phoenix Int'l Raceway.
McKean welcomed Wide World of Maps of Phoenix, Ariz. on board as associate sponsor this past weekend and the partnership paid immediate dividends as McKean finished third scoring his fourth top five finish of the season. "After three second place finishes at PIR, I was expecting to have a better finish," McKean said. "We seem to be struggling this year, but we are beginning to turn our program around for a strong finish to this season and building momentum for next year. I enjoy running in the Southwest Series. The tracks, competitors, and the fans are the best around. I look forward to having another championship season!"
McKean is quick to thank his sponsors for their support during the season. "Without series sponsors and team support, it would be hard to continue to be involved in a traveling series," McKean said. I would like to thank my sponsors Freightrain Peters Racing Engines and Naake Motorsports, they give us great support at the track. I would also like to welcome Wide World of Maps to the team. Bob Molner, has been around the series for a long time and has put his name on several top cars over the years."
Molner has been one of the most recognizable figures in the garage area for the past decade and McKean is thrilled to represent his company. "Bob obviously sees potential in our race team," McKean said. "It will be great to have Wide World of Maps on the car for the remaining races of the 2003 season. We look forward to helping him get his name back in the winners circle."
"I remember the first time I saw Eddy," Molner said. "It was at a test in Phoenix where he and his guys would get out and work on the car for a few minutes and then jump back in the air conditioned truck. It was really hot that day and they just kept plugging away on the car. They have a lot of determination and his track record speaks for itself."
McKean's next race is the annual October Classic at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. Saturday, October 18, where McKean looks to improve his position in the overall standings for the Featherlite Southwest Series. He currently is in the sixth position just 23 points out of fifth. McKean has had mixed results at MMR this season and has scored one top five finish at the half-mile paved oval (2002).
For all the latest news and information about the McKean Racing Team, log on to www.mckeanracing.com.
Founded in 1975 by Robert Molner and James Willinger, Wide World of Maps is
the most complete map store in the Southwest, carrying every U.S.G.S.
topographic map for Arizona, along with more than one million other maps,
books and related items. The firm's Phoenix Mapping Service division
publishes the metropolitan street atlases for Phoenix and Tucson, and
produces custom maps for government and business. Their retail stores are
located in Phoenix and Mesa. For information on anything map-related, call
(602)279-2323.
