Bristol, TN (3/22/2021) For Whitesburg, Kentucky native Oscar McCown, just taking to the Bristol high banks was a dream come true. Matched up with over 100 of the best racers in his class, including multiple NASCAR Cup stars, McCown set out aboard his 2018 XR1 Rocket to prove that a small town racer could hang with the big dogs of the region.
Rain would play a big factor during the week, giving McCown just one night to try and qualify before Saturday’s finale. McCown was confident in his car and his team however, as the team set quick time out of 68 cars in Sunday’s tuneup practice session.
Due to a less than favorable pill draw, McCown would be forced to start 8th in his lone heat race of the week. This didn’t prove to be much of a hindrance though, as McCown quickly powered his way to 4th before a Lap 2 caution. McCown would continue to run in 4th until one last caution with 3 to go brought the field back together. On the ensuing restart, McCown would quickly dispatch of the 3rd and 2nd place runners, going on to finish in the runner up spot.
With passing points determining the starting grid in Wednesday’s rain delayed preliminary feature, McCown’s 8th to 2nd run in Tuesday’s heat race would reward him with the pole position.
The following 20 lap preliminary feature was marred with cautions and carnage, but McCown was able to hold off the only serious challenger he faced, as he cruised to the victory. The jubilant McCown mentioned in victory lane that he felt like he hadn’t breathed in the last 10 circuits.
Thanks to Wednesday’s preliminary win, McCown would lock himself into Saturday’s $7,500 to win finale, which would prove to be crucial with Thursday’s preliminary night rained out.
For the 20 lap finale, McCown would roll off 3rd. Over the opening 5 circuits McCown would drop one spot to 4th, then on a lap 5 restart, would drop another to 5th as contact with another driver nearly sent McCown around. With laps ticking off, McCown found himself on a bit of an island in 5th, with no cars coming to challenge for the spot, and 4th just slightly out of reach. That would be the story for the rest of the race, as Oscar McCown claimed 5th out of 100+ competitors at the Bristol Dirt Nationals.
Oscar wanted to send a big thank you to crew chief and longtime friend Greg Hampton, who was a key part of making this trip as successful as it was.
Oscar McCown would like to thank all of his sponsors and supporters for helping make this happen, including:
Eagle Race Engines
Pro-1 Gutters
Total Therapy Solutions
Farley Transport
Leggacy Motors
Joe Adams Heating and Cooling
STR Bodies
Level Construction
Wells Motorsports
Colten Burdette Racing
Looking for a way to bring more attention to your race program? DRC Motorsports Media can provide short or long term Press Release, Website and Social Media Management services that are guaranteed to fit any budget. Contact DRC Motorsports Media at drcmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com, or here on Facebook to get started on a plan today!
DRC Motorsports Media 