From Jacob Seelman
HOLLY, Mich. (July 25, 2017) — If ever there was a weekend where the numbers were in favor of 19-year-old Anthony McCune, this weekend’s Must See Racing Sprint Car Series ‘Western Swing’ doubleheader is the one to watch.
After all, McCune’s last two feature finishes with the series have been a third-place effort at Owosso (Mich.) Speedway on July 1 and a strong runner-up finish at Midvale (Ohio) Speedway on July 15, meaning that as far as he’s concerned, there’s only one hurdle left to climb.
“Now we want that win,” McCune said. “If you look at the numbers, that’s the only thing we haven’t done yet, right?”
The 2015 series Rookie of the Year will have two chances to accomplish that goal this weekend, as the stars of Must See Racing make their furthest trip west for the 2017 season, racing for the second-consecutive year at both Wisconsin’s Madison Int’l Speedway and Illinois’ Rockford Speedway.
Madison’s high-speed half-mile provides the backdrop for the fastest track that Must See Racing will compete on all season, while Rockford’s quarter-mile bullring is among the tightest and always provides some of the closest racing that the series sees each year.
Though McCune’s uncle Jimmy swept the two races last season, part of a five-win campaign that netted the long-time veteran a second-straight championship, young Anthony is confident that he has a chance to knock his mentor off this time around.
“I believe we’ll have a shot; I really do,” McCune said. “My confidence is way up after we nearly won at Midvale and I’m super-motivated to get that last spot we’re missing. I’ve learned a lot this year and I’m ready to show it.”
Anthony said that while it was a disappointment to not be able to capitalize on his uncle’s near-misfortune at Midvale, when Jimmy was losing a right-front tire in the closing laps but hung on to secure the win, he has already put that out of his mind and is solely focused on the upcoming weekend of racing.
“I wanted that win, but what’s done is done,” said the younger McCune. “You can’t think about what you could have done differently, my grandpa says … just have to get going on the next one and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Gates at Madison Int’l Speedway open at 3:30 p.m. Friday, with hot laps kicking off at 5 p.m. Qualifying will roll off at 6:20 p.m., followed by racing action at 7:30 p.m.
For Saturday’s portion of the program, gates at Rockford Speedway open at 2 p.m., with hot laps kicking off at 3:30 p.m. Qualifying will roll off at 5:30 p.m., followed by racing action at 7 p.m.
For more information on Must See Racing, including driver and team news, points standings, results, schedule updates and more, visit www.mustseeracing.com.