The 21-year-old started the 24th Annual Nationwide Series event at “The Magic Mile”, from the 19th starting spot alongside TriStar Motorsports’ teammate Mike Bliss. The Tastee Apple, Inc. Camry was free on entry at the beginning of the race. When the first caution came out at lap 37, Hackenbracht brought the No. 44 Toyota to pit road for a track bar adjustment, four fresh Goodyear tires and full tank of fuel.
Bringing the Tastee Apple, Inc. Camry down pit road under the caution flag one final time, Hackenbracht’s crew put on four fresh tires, a splash of Sunoco race fuel and checked the fenders to make sure they were not rubbing on the tires. Heading back to the flat, one-mile track, Hackenbracht restarted in the 20thposition. Surviving two more green-white-checkered attempts, Hackenbracht concluded his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the 21st position.
“It was not the finish I was looking for, but I am happy we brought the car home in one piece,” said Hackenbracht. “I have a lot to learn about the Nationwide Series cars and Goodyear tires, but I am excited to get started. I greatly appreciate the hard work of my team, the support of my family and my sponsors Tastee Apple, Inc. and Ingersoll Rand. I’m really looking forward to next weekend and racing at a track [Chicago] that I know well,” continued Hackenbracht.
Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at New Hampshire was the first race for Hackenbracht and TriStar Motorsports. Hackenbracht’s 21st place finish helped maintain the 21st spot in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Owner Points Standings for the No. 44 team. Hackenbracht will now set his sights on Chicagoland Speedway for next Sunday’s STP 300.