Eric McClure To Drive For Rensi-Hamilton Racing Team In Nationwide Series

ABINGDON, Va. – It’s not a fast time in the NASCAR world.

Because of the instability of the economy and the uncertainty surrounding domestic auto manufacturers, many drivers and crew members are struggling just to keep a job.
That’s a big reason Abingdon’s Eric McClure feels so relieved to have a ride.

The 30-year-old Abingdon resident has reached a deal with the Rensi-Hamilton Racing team for the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series season.

McClure will drive the No. 25 RHR Ford Fusion a minimum of 33 races. He will also have sponsorship from the Hefty brand for the fourth consecutive season.

“This is the best opportunity I’ve had in my career,” McClure said. “With so many people looking for work and sponsorship so hard to come by, it’s caused congestion in the NASCAR workforce.
“I never thought the sport would be impacted like this. I’m very fortunate.”

Veteran Nationwide Series driver Bobby Hamilton, Jr. is the co-owner of Rensi-Hamilton Racing, which was created in 1998. The relationship between Hamilton and McClure traces back to 1998 when the late Bobby Hamilton, Sr. drove the No. 4 Chevrolet for Morgan-McClure Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“Things have kind of come full circle with Bobby, Jr.,” McClure said. “He’s been a good friend of mind for a long time, and he recruited us heavily for his team.”

McClure drove for the Front Row Motorsports team last year. He finished 21 in Nationwide points, with a best performance of 15th at Talladega.

“The opportunity to reunite with a friend and join an established organization was too good to pass up,” McClure said.

Even with the financial support of Hefty, McClure and the RHR group face long odds competing against the Nationwide teams with Sprint Cup connections.

“There is a such a big difference between the multi-car teams,” McClure said. “We just have to work smarter and harder.”

Ronnie Russell, president of Rensi-Hamilton Racing, feels McClure has the potential for success despite the obstacles.

“I have watched Eric for a while now and know how smooth he is behind the wheel,” Russell said.

From income disparities to the nuances of superspeedways, McClure said he has learned much about the stock car game since his first foray in a Pure Stock car at Coeburn’s Lonesome Pine Raceway at age 21.

“I started in racing way later than most of my counterparts,” McClure said. “I had no idea what I was doing that first year.
“My uncle (Larry McClure) and the guys at Morgan-McClure Motorsports helped when they could, but their priority was still the Sprint Cup team. We’ve come a long way in a short period of time, but we couldn’t have done it without help.”

Along with former MMM Sprint Cup drivers such as Kevin Lepage and Mike Wallace, the late Hamilton, Sr. served as a motivator and mentor to McClure.

“Bobby worked to convince my dad and uncle that was I was doing with racing was an OK thing,” McClure said.

The feedback from Hamilton ranged from mechanical pointers to inspirational tips.

“Even after Bobby left the Morgan-McClure team, he would still keep in touch,” McClure said. “That means a lot.”

Hamilton drove the familiar No. 4 Kodak Chevrolet from 1998 to 2001. In fact, Hamilton gave the MMM team its last victory in 1998 at Martinsville Speedway.

“Bobby was very straightforward, and Bobby, Jr. is the same way,” McClure said. “A lot of people might say that works against you in this age, but Bobby. Jr. and his father have been successful.”

While the Morgan-McClure did not compete in the Sprint Cup Series last year due to a lack of sponsorship, there is hope for a return of the familiar No. 4 Chevy this season.

“I’m not really in position to comment, but there is a chance that something pretty neat could happen for at least for one Cup race,” McClure said.

That race would likely come next month in the famed Daytona 500.

“Stay tuned,” McClure said. “We still have the equipment, and we’re talking to people. I’m excited.”

Several longtime MMM crew members continue to work at the expansive Abingdon shop. And the cars are still in the shop.

The big question among many NASCAR fans is how many teams will actually compete this season in the top three series. For the first time in many years, prospect of short fields exists in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series.

“With this economy, nobody really knows what to expect,” McClure said. “I think you will see a lot of cars at Daytona in all series, but you may not see as many teams in the Nationwide series with the intent of running the whole race.”

Since 2003, McClure has competed in 73 Nationwide and three Sprint Cup races. He’s eager to start the next chapter in his career.

“It would be great to race a guy like Carl Edwards for a win, but I realize how many people would love to be in my shoes and have the chance to race in NASCAR with a good corporate partner,” McClure said. “Even though we might be fighting up an uphill battle in terms of resources, we’ve stepped up every year.

“I don’t expect to make miracles this season, but I do expect to do better.”

Who: Eric McClure
Age: 30
Hometown: Abingdon, Va
What: NASCAR Nationwide Series
Car: No. 25 Rensi-Hamilton Ford
Crew Chief: Chris Wright
Note: McClure is working to find additional sponsorship so he can run the two road course events on the Nationwide schedule