Chad McCumbee hoping to make good impression at New Hampshire

By SceneDaily Staff
Thursday, September 11, 2008
$util.encode.html($content.photo.alt)

David Griffin
NASCAR Scene

Chad McCumbee has another chance to make an impression in Sunday’s Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The 23-year-old driver who is sharing time this season behind the wheel of the No. 45 Petty Enterprises Dodge with Kyle Petty and Terry Labonte will attempt to make his fourth career NASCAR Cup Series start and second of the season by qualifying his way into the field based on speed.

McCumbee failed to make races at Texas and Dover earlier this year but made the cut in his most recent attempt – at Pocono in June – and went on to record a career-best 17th-place finish in the event.

“I’m not making very many Cup starts this year, but I want to show these guys that I belong on the same track as them,” McCumbee said. “So the challenge is to race hard and earn their respect but also be cautious that there are drivers out there racing for a championship. This is where I want to be. I want to race in the Sprint Cup Series and a race like this weekend can go a long way in helping me achieve that goal.”

McCumbee, who is considered a candidate for a full-time ride with the team as early as the 2009 season, could use a solid showing at New Hampshire to boost his credentials.

“This weekend for Chad is all about experience,” said Petty Enterprises Vice President Robbie Loomis. “While he can now be considered a veteran of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, it’s important for us to get him as much Sprint Cup experience as possible to get him acclimated to this style of car. I know he has a lot of talent. The more seat time we give him now will
pay off in the future for Chad and Petty Enterprises.”

While running a full truck slate this season for MRD Motorsports in addition to his cameo Cup appearances for the Petty group can make for a hectic schedule, McCumbee doesn't have to look far to see the benefit of both.

“I’m probably fortunate that we are coming off a race at Gateway last weekend in the truck,” said McCumbee, who has never made a Cup start at New Hampshire. “It’s similar to Loudon in size and that it’s fairly flat. I finished 11th in that race, so I have confidence that I can run well this weekend, too.

“You look for a different feel on a flat track because there is no banking to lean on. So having just competed on one will, hopefully, have me comfortable right out of the box.”

Mentioned Drivers: Chad McCumbee

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Nov 8, 2009 at 7:26 AM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings

Driver Standings after the AMP Energy 500

1 Jimmie Johnson 6248
2 Mark Martin -184
3 Jeff Gordon -192
4 Juan Pablo Montoya -239
5 Tony Stewart -279
6 Kurt Busch -312
7 Greg Biffle -340
8 Ryan Newman -402
9 Kasey Kahne -414
10 Carl Edwards -437
11 Denny Hamlin -448
12 Brian Vickers -556

NASCAR Schedules

abc

Dickies 500

Texas Motor Speedway
03:31 PM, 11/08/2009

Poll PositionView All

Which NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner from the past two seasons is most likely to earn his first victory of 2009 in the next three races?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

  • Cast your vote for the NASCAR Illustrated 2009 Person of the Year, presented by Old Spice.

  • Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.

NASCAR Community Join the Community

In the Forums View All

Presented by

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account