Catchfence

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (October 9, 2010) – Brandon McReynolds and Coleman Pressley, two young drivers who spent most of their childhood playing in Rockingham Speedway’s infield, celebrated in “The Rock’s” victory lane Saturday following the UARA season finale.

McReynolds, the son of TV analyst and former NASCAR crew chief Larry McReynolds, won the 75-lap race, defeating second-generation driver Kyle Grissom by 1.123 seconds.

Pressley, the son of former NASCAR driver Robert Pressley and grandson of short-track star Bob Pressley, emerged with the UARA Series championship, defeating Brennan Poole by 31 points.

“This is a place where I came a lot as a kid,” Pressley said. “It’s funny. Me and Brandon McReynolds used to race scooters in the motor home lot and now we are racing on the big track. It’s a big deal for us.

“It’s my first championship and I’m just really excited about it. I’m sure it won’t sink in until we are out of here and the racing is done for the year.”

Pressley qualified 15th for the event, while McReynolds started fourth. Grissom, the son of former NASCAR driver Steve Grissom, started beside pole winner Poole.

Poole led the first 15 laps, before relinquishing the No. 1 position to Grissom. McReynolds and Grissom battled for the lead at the race’s mid-point, but Grissom held on to the top spot. It was a late-race caution that put McReynolds in position to challenge for his second straight Rockingham victory.

On lap 64, Lee Tissot spun off turn 2 while battling Poole for third. Three laps later the race returned to green-flag conditions and McReynolds wasted little time in snatching the lead. McReynolds jumped into the high groove as he and Grissom battled side-by-side, grabbing the lead for good on lap 68.

“Kyle Grissom is a class act,” McReynolds said. “He could have easily done something there. He is just a racer. He did a nice job.”

With McReynolds’ victory Saturday, the Mooresville, N.C., driver swept the UARA races this year at the 1-mile Rockingham track.

Another young driver with a distinctive NASCAR heritage claimed rookie honors in the UARA Series this season. Robert Johnson, son of legendary car owner and driver Junior Johnson, claimed that title.

Racing returns to Rockingham Speedway on Nov. 27, 2010 with the third-annual running of the Polar Bear 150 Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals. Tickets are available by calling the 910.205.8800 or by visiting www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Four-for-$44 family four packs of tickets, Cheerwines and hot dogs are available for advanced purchase.

- Rockingham Speedway Press Release