Mark McFarland has driven on his fair share of tracks during his career. But on Wednesday, Dec. 13, the Hooters Pro Cup veteran got his first chance to make laps at the historic Rockingham (N. C.) Speedway.
The track, steeped in racing history, is unique to Hooters Pro Cup Series, becoming just the second 1-mile track on the schedule.
“This track is in a league by itself, ” said McFarland, driver of the No. 81s Knight’s Companies Chevrolet. “You kind of feel the same sensation of speed at Bristol, but it’s nothing like Iowa Speedway. The banking is what makes it so unique. I’ve run at Texas and Atlanta, but Rockingham feels faster than both.
“It’s a super track. I’d been here before for a couple of Busch races and a Cup race, but I’d never driven on it until today, ” added McFarland. “We’re really looking forward to coming back here for the race, especially with these cars. We have close finishes all the time and, with three grooves, I think we’ll put on a good show in November. “
The American 200 is scheduled for Nov. 1 and will be the final race of the Four Champions Championship Series, which will determine the overall Hooters Pro Cup Champion and Miller Lite Rookie of the Year.
Unofficially, McFarland’s lap times were in the high 24-second range during Wednesday’s test at roughly 145 mph. Those speeds will likely increase during qualifying, making Rockingham the fastest track on the Hooters Pro Cup schedule. And that’s just fine with McFarland.
“I think going to a couple of bigger tracks is good for the series, ” said McFarland. “The car feels very stable and drives good. We don’t have a lot to compare it to, but that’s all I can ask for. ”
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