Drivers have been taking Dance Lessons; Ready to Tango with the “Lady In Black”:
There’s a lot that goes into a two-step routine with famed Darlington Raceway. Car handling and driving ability are two elements that help ‘balance’ the driver’s efforts from earning a ‘Darlington Stripe.’ Mike Bliss, Jeff Green, Hal Martin, Eric McClure and their teams have been prepping all week for their soiree with “The Lady In Black”
Bliss Ready for his Date with the “Lady”:
Coming upon his 12th start at Darlington Raceway, Mike Bliss knows a thing or two about maneuvering around the treacherous 1.366 mile track. Bliss, who is currently 11th in the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver standings, has completed 99.54% of the laps he has raced this year. “At Darlington, you always have to be on your guard. Just one scrape can be fatal to your race effort,” said Bliss.
Jeff Green Returns to the Site of his 2001 Win:
As a former winner at Darlington Raceway (3/2001), Jeff Green knows how to swoon Darlington’s leading lady. Historically, Darlington Raceway is known to be unyielding and demanding on the drivers who dare to take it on. This weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race, VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200, will mark Green’s 20th start at Darlington Raceway.
Hal Martin Makes Darlington Debut:
Driver of the No. 44 American Custom Yachts Toyota Camry, Hal Martin, has been doing his homework to prepare for fierce Darlington Raceway. Martin understands the track coined ‘Too Tough to Tame’ will take special preparation. Martin admits, “I plan on using my teammates as a resource when approaching Darlington, they have raced this track many times and can offer valuable insight.”
Martin also explains, “You have to ‘race the track,’ meaning you have to consider this track as another competitor. For instance when racing this track, you gain lots of speed exiting the corners, making it very easy to hit the wall on exit.”
The Blue Ribbon Project will be a new decal on Martin’s No. 44 TriStar Motorsports Camry for this Friday’s VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200.
The Blue Ribbon Project is an association who raises Arthritis Awareness. Martin said, “Arthritis is an extremely debilitating disease, and does not discriminate against age, race or gender. My team and I are very proud to have the project on the car for Friday night’s race. The Blue Ribbon Project asks everyone to wear blue on May 10th to show their support. I will be wearing blue, will you?”
Eric McClure back to Darlington; It’s Been A While:
Eric McClure will make his first start at Darlington Raceway since May of 2011. “Sitting out last year’s race was difficult, said McClure.” “Darlington is a fun track, so I’m excited to race there Friday night.” Unable to race Darlington last year due to injuries sustained the week prior at Talladega, McClure will make his sixth start at the “Lady In Black” and his 208th NASCAR Nationwide Series start overall.
Show car appearances:
Wednesday, 5/8: Thursday, 5/9: Friday, 5/10:
WM 2703 WM 1135 WM 630
2014 S Irby St 1150 S 4th St 230 N Beltline Dr.
Florence, SC Hartsville, VA Florence, SC
11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, 5/9:
Lowes 1120
2301 David H McLeod Blvd
Florence, SC
10am – 1pm
Lowes 1075
1701 Freedom Blvd
Florence, SC
2pm – 5pm
###
