Still Learning: Hackenbracht Finishes 22nd at Chicagoland

Mooresville, N.C. (July 22, 2013) – Chad Hackenbracht made his second consecutive NASCAR Nationwide Series start on Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway. Having competed at the 1.5-mile oval three previous times in the ARCA Racing Series, the Ohio native was looking forward to returning to the Windy City for his first attempt at the high banks while driving in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Hackenbracht, who started the 3^rd Annual STP 300 from the 35^th position battled a loose handling Tastee Apple, Inc. Toyota, en route to a 22^nd place finish in the 200 lap event.

Hackenbracht raced mid-pack for most of the day, learning the track all over again while driving a heavier race car on radial tires. He didn’t expect adjusting from an ARCA car to a Nationwide car was going to be as challenging, especially at a track he previously showed success at. Despite the learning curve, Hackenbracht was quick to gain nine positions within the first 10 laps.

Fighting an off set of tires after the first pit stop, the Tastee Apple, Inc. Toyota Camry was loose on entry and stayed that way all race long. After overcoming the first obstacle, Hackenbracht settled in to grasp the conditions of his race car. Running as high as 21^st at the mid-point of the race, Hackenbracht crossed the finish line in the 22^nd position.

“It was a rough day,” said Hackenbracht. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around these [NASCAR Nationwide Series] cars; I’ve got quite a bit of learning to do.”

Sunday afternoon’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Chicagoland was the second race for Hackenbracht and TriStar Motorsports. Hackenbracht’s 22^nd place finish helped maintain the 21^st spot in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Owner Points Standings for the No. 44 team. Hackenbracht will now return to the Camping World Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports at Pocono Raceway. His next NASCAR Nationwide Series race will be at his home track Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200 on August 17^th.