Early Accident Stalls Hamilton, Jr's Charge to the Front

 Driving a car painted similar to the one his late father piloted to victory in 2001, Bobby Hamilton, Jr. finished 24th in the season opening Orbitz 300.  Unfortunately for Hamilton, Jr. and The McDonald’s racing team, the finish didn’t indicate how well the car performed throughout the week.

After qualifying in the 33rd position, Hamilton, Jr. set his focus on driving the No. 35 McDonald’s Ford Fusion to the front.  When the green flag dropped on Saturday afternoon, Hamilton, Jr. hit the gas pedal and began his charge.  The blue and yellow McDonald’s Ford Fusion was like a rocket ship, propelling itself into the lead pack in no time at all.

Excitement was in the air, Hamilton, Jr. felt confident and the race was moving along.  A lap 17 multi-car crash dashed all the hopes of a strong finish for the team.  Up ahead of Hamilton, Jr. cars began to collide and the No. 35 Ford Fusion was trapped, no where to go. Another car bounced off the side of the McDonald’s Ford, leaving the team with major sheet metal damage.

Crew Chief Chris Wright and his McDonald’s Drive Thru Crew performed repairs, but Hamilton, Jr. lost one lap to the leaders.  Despite a valiant effort the remainder of the race, the car finished one lap down and in 24th position.

“We had a really fast race car today and it is exciting to be back home with Team Rensi Motorsports,” Hamilton, Jr. said. “We aren’t going to get down about today; we are going to look ahead to California next Saturday.  This McDonald’s Racing Team is back and ready to win.”

Kevin Harvick captured the checkered flag, the first of two wins for him over the weekend.  The Busch Series will travel to California Speedway for racing action next weekend. Check your local listing for broadcast times in your area.

"Team McDonald's No. 35 and Team Rensi Motorsports thank the following Business Partners for their participation in the Team McDonald’s Racing Program: Cargill, The Coca-Cola Company, Creata Marketing, Fresh Express Salads, Kay Ecolab, Keystone Foods, McCormick Spices, Schreiber Foods, Smithfield Foods, Tyson Foods, and Westinghouse Television".