BNS: McCarthy finishes 20th at Beech Ridge

Mannings USA Chevrolet driver Joey McCarthy came to Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Scarborough, Maine, hoping to bounce back from a couple of disappointing performances in recent weeks. He is happy to report that the team is making progress, becoming more competitive, finishing 20th in the PTM 150.

McCarthy was slated to start 18th, his points position, when qualifying was rained out and the field was set by points. Radio problems forced McCarthy to pit during pace laps, and he had to start at the very tail of the field.

Coming through slower traffic proved to be difficult, but McCarthy made progress, breaking into the top 20 before being caught by the leaders and put a lap down. When those leaders pitted under caution on lap 97, McCarthy stayed out and ran several laps leading the pack in an effort to stay on the lead lap. Following a pair of late race caution flags, McCarthy finished the race in 20th, making up 10 positions from where he started.

"Our radio got us a lap down, since I had to start last," McCarthy said after the race. "We'd have probably stayed on the lead lap if we didn't have to start in the back. We got up to 13th or 14th at one point, then the tires got away from us.

"After 10 or 15 laps the car would start skating around a lot," he continued. "I'd lose grip once the tires got hot. We improved from last week by 100%, and I'm happy with that. We're taking baby steps, and getting a little better. As long as we keep going in the right direction, I'll be happy."

Next on the schedule for the McCarthy/Pritchard Motorsports team is a 150-lap event next Saturday at Epping, New Hampshire's Star Speedway. McCarthy hasn't been to the track yet, but spent time at Beech Ridge talking to drivers who have raced there before in hopes of being better prepared for this next event.

For more information on McCarthy's Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate team, visit its website at http://www.mccarthy-pritchard-motorsports.com.

-MPM-