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 21st at the mid-point of the race, Hackenbracht crossed the finish line in the 22nd 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 22nd place finish helped maintain the 21st 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 17th.
