Information By: COLBY GORNIEWICZ / LEGACY MOTOR CLUB – STATESVILLE, NC
CLUB ENTRY LIST
- JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
POINT STANDINGS: 28th - ERIK JONES
POINT STANDINGS: 26th
CLUB NOTES
History Made at NHMS: 25 years ago, Joe Nemechek, John Hunter’s father made history at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when he claimed his first victory in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sept. 19, 1999. John Hunter looks to repeat history while also piloting the No. 42 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, the same car number that his father parked in victory lane that day.
Stolen Money: Erik Jones participated in the Berlin (Mich.) Raceway’s Money in the Bank 150 Late Model event last week and was poised for a repeat win with ten laps remaining. With five to go he found himself in a three-way battle for the lead with drivers Blake Rowe and Bubba Pollard. Jones ultimately finished third with Pollard overpowering both drivers from the third spot with five laps remaining in the fan-favorite event.
Jones at the Magic Mile: In eight starts at the one-mile asphalt oval, Jones has earned one top-five and two top-10 finishes. In the 2019 race, Jones led four laps and finished the race in third place. He has one start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series where he started second, finished second, and led three laps. Jones has a pair of seventh-place finishes in the NASCAR Truck Series at the one-mile track.
Elenz in New Hampshire: No. 43 crew chief Dave Elenz has six starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series coaching five different drivers to one top-five and three top-10 finishes. He has two starts with Jones in the Cup Series.
Partner Spotlight: Featured on the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be Unilever, Georgia Pacific, Bic on the No. 43 driven by Erik Jones. John Hunter Nemechek in the No. 42 will have Unilever, Jack Links, Smithfield and Mondelez riding along on his Toyota Camry XSE.
Reigning NXS Winner: Last year while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, John Hunter Nemechek dominated the NASCAR Xfinity Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway leading 137 of the 206 laps. Nemechek’s crew chief, Ben Beshore was his crew chief for that race. Nemechek will be looking to repeat his success in the NASCAR Cup Series’ USA TODAY 301 on Sunday.
Happy Birthday!: Bryan Backus, the front tire changer on the No. 42 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entry celebrates a birthday on Thursday, June 20th.
Going for G.O.L.D.: Partners Dollar Tree and Family Dollar will honor store #2406 this weekend as a part of the company’s “Go for G.O.L.D.” (Grand Opening Look Daily) program. The Dollar Tree and Family Dollar primaries will highlight these stores on the deck lid of all three LEGACY M.C. entries throughout the race season. Store #2406 is located in Tilton, N.H.
CLUB QUOTES
John Hunter Nemechek, Driver of the No. 42 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:
“New Hampshire (Motor Speedway) is a special place for me and my family. My Dad got his first ever Cup Series win there 25 years ago; I was there for that win, I don’t remember it, but I’ve seen some pictures of it. It was pretty cool to be able to win at NHMS (NASCAR Xfinity Series – 2023) and dominate like we did in a super-fast car. New Hampshire is unique, I really like the racetrack, it’s flat, so hopefully we’ll have a fast Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE.”
Ben Beshore, Crew chief of the No. 42 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:
“It’s a short track, so a similar type of package that we had at Iowa [Speedway]. Like Iowa, it’s pretty rough, actually New Hampshire [Motor Speedway] is really rough getting into Turn 3 so trying to deal with the bumps getting into Turn 3 and not overtravel, bottom out, all those sorts of things, that is the unique challenge for Loudon. It’s super flat, very important to handle well across the bumps there and make speed there. Hopefully we can apply what we learned in Iowa and apply for New Hampshire”
Erik Jones, Driver of the No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE:
“Last time at New Hampshire we finished 11th, which was a good finish for us. We have some work to do on our short track program and getting a handle on things, but everyone is really working hard at LEGACY M.C. and we are looking forward to seeing what we have this weekend. It’s a tough little track.”
Dave Elenz, Crew chief of the No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE:
“The short tracks have been a little tough lately for us we’ve had a couple of good runs this year, but Loudon is a really tough, tricky place. We’ve learned some things here and hopefully take what we have learned to New Hampshire have a good weekend.”
What makes New Hampshire so tough?
“The entry into the corners is really hard so you have to attack the track in the middle to get a good setup. It’s pretty physical on the drivers to be in those zones and really attacking the track the way it needed.”
What makes the lines at New Hampshire unique?
“The lines are more ‘diamond’ shaped, which forces heavy breaking into corners as opposed to sweeping entries like last weekend in Iowa, so you have to make sure you have plenty of braking power.”
PETTY 75TH ANNIVERSARY
ABOUT PETTY 75th: The 2024 season marks a significant milestone in the history of the Petty family as they have helped define stock car racing for 75 years. Their commitment to the sport and the people who make it possible – behind the wheel, under the hood, in the back office, and beyond – has shaped the growth and success of NASCAR. Their LEGACY lives on with the countless fans, drivers, technicians, and team members they touched. Throughout 2024, LEGACY M.C. will celebrate the Petty family and share countless memories with friends and fans at race tracks across the country.
The King’s Hat: Check New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s social media for the King’s Hat location.