Nationwide driver Eric McClure rattled by thought of racing at Watkins Glen
NEWTON, Iowa – NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Eric McClure took self-deprecating to a new level Saturday when talking about next weekend’s race at the Watkins Glen International road course.
McClure, driving for Rensi-Hamilton Racing, has never driven a road race and had never driven on a road course until earlier this week.
So when talking about the Glen’s race next Saturday, McClure didn’t sound too confident of his chances:
“You should go to Las Vegas and bet on me to run off the course on the first lap.”
Or: “NASCAR is going to time me with a sundial.” Or when asked if he’s ever driven at Virginia International Raceway road course: “I don’t know how to get to VIR.”
McClure was all smiles when making those statements, so he’s clearly having some fun. And that’s what he intends to do next weekend.
“It’s going to be fun,” McClure said. “I’m going to have fun. I’m not even worried about it.”
McClure wasn’t originally entered in the Watkins Glen race because sponsor Hefty won’t be on the No. 24 Ford for there or the Montreal race on Aug. 30. To help keep the team inside the top 30 in owner points – which would keep McClure locked in each race – McClure decided to drive the road courses.
And to get ready for Watkins Glen, McClure hired instructor Chris Cook to help him get around the 2.45-mile track.
“It was bad when I first went there,” McClure said. “It was BAD. Chris Cook said he was driving 50 percent. I was having trouble getting it in gear and turning. I picked up like 20 seconds by the end of the day.”
McClure was driving a sports car of some type, but he wasn’t sure what kind of car it was.
“It was some class that runs in some series,” McClure said. “I don’t even know. I’ve never seen it. It was loud, and it had gears.
“I have a hard enough time doing that,” McClure said, making an oval with his finger.
“Now, we’re going that way,” he said, moving his finger all over.
Plus, McClure is learning the heel-and-toe method that road racers use, where drivers use their right foot to brake and accelerate and their left foot to clutch.
“Those guys are pretty good who can do that,” McClure said.
