---

Mack bags a pair of runner-up finishes in Sunshine Nationals, crowned mini-series champ

Mack McCarter’s first-ever trip to Volusia Speedway Park did not disappoint – driving his McCarter Brothers Racing No. 51 Tennessee Homemade Wines/ Hidden Valley Cattle Ranch/ CVR Race Cars Late Model to a pair of runner-up finishes.

However, the 27-year-olds podium earning performances were far from effortless. McCarter was awarded Hard Charger honors on both nights, passing 17 cars Thursday en route to his runner-up finish and 18 cars (17 on-track) Saturday.

“To come down here and finish on the podium both nights with this caliber of drivers, it speaks volumes to where our team is right now,” McCarter said. “I can say thank you enough to everyone for their support.”

Mack McCarter made his Florida Speedweeks debut on Thursday evening at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. for the annual Sunshine Nationals. Drawing a stout field of 55 Crate Racin’ USA Winter Series entries, McCarter posted the fifth fastest lap in his time trial group before placing fourth in his heat race.

Transferring into the B-Main for another shot at the opening night feature, Mack cruised to a 10-lap consolation victory.

Earning the 19th-starting position for the $1,500-to-win A-Main, McCarter advanced through the field 17 spots in the 25-lapper to register a runner-up finish behind Michael Page. Mark Whitener, Kyle Bronson, and Cory Hedgecock rounded out the Top-5.

After Mother Nature wiped out the second round on Friday evening, Mack came one spot short of a transfer position in his heat race on Saturday with a fourth-place outing, sending him into the B-Main. (Brian McLeod photo | Dirt Scenes)

Capturing a 10-lap B-Main win, McCarter locked into the 20th-starting position for the finale. Wheeling his way into a podium spot, Mack crossed the line in third but after a post-race inspection disqualified the winner, he was elevated to a runner-up finish behind Kyle Bronson. Completing the Top-5 were Cory Hedgecock, Jason Welshan, and Joseph Joiner.

As impressive as the run was, he knew he may have had something for the leader had he started farther forward. “Our racecar is really good when [the track] blows off and gets kinda dirty,” McCarter said. “We qualified really well but the invert put us behind in the Heat and we didn’t tighten-up enough. I think if we would have started up front, I would’ve had a good shot to run, and possibly have won.”

With his performance on Saturday, Mack McCarter was crowned the Sunshine Nationals points champion, edging Kyle Bronson by a mere five points.

McCarter will continue the Crate Racin’ USA Winter Shootout Series, February 4-6, at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Fla.

Back to News