Irvington, AL – (March 16, 2015) – All activities on Friday, including practice and qualifying were cancelled at the Mobile International Speedway due to constant rain. Saturday’s schedule was altered to allow a 30 minute practice prior to the start of the 200 lap race. With the starting lineup set by 2015 car owner points, Tom Hessert started 3rd and Kyle Weatherman started 8th.
Kyle Weatherman – The 17 year old, originally from St. Louis, was making two firsts this weekend. The Mobile race marked his debut with the Cunningham organization and his first start at the Irvington, AL, track. After the 30 minute practice, Weatherman felt comfortable with his #22 Paul Andrews-led Dodge, posting the 4th quickest speed on the charts.
After starting 8th, Weatherman moved as high as 4th before pitting during caution on lap 51 for right side tires and fuel. Before his final pit stop, under caution on lap 133, Weatherman had moved back up to 4th before falling to 12th. After the four tire stop, Weatherman restarted 10th and picked off one spot after another, settling into 5th for the final 35 laps.
From the front stretch after the race the teenager commented, “It was a lot of fun working with the guys in the shop and at the track. They all work really hard. It was my first time at Mobile and working with Paul Andrews. We gained good experience and learned a lot. I am excited to go on to Nashville with the team.”
Tom Hessert – Hessert started 3rd based on 2014 car owner points. He made his first trip to pit road on lap 93, after dropping to 12th and telling Crew Chief Chad Bryant that the car was “really free.” After getting right side tires and fuel, Hessert climbed up as high as 6th before once again fighting a loose race car.
On lap 172, after spinning on the back stretch, Hessert brought the Ford composite-bodied car to the pit crew’s attention for four fresh Hoosiers and fuel. Hessert picked up a couple of spots in the final 20 laps to finish 11th.
Next up for the Cunningham organization is the return of the ARCA Racing Series teams to the .596-mile Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville on Saturday, April 11—marking the first time since 1992. The one day Nashville ARCA 200 will include practice from 12:15-1:00 CST and 1:45-2:30, Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell at 5:00 and the 200 lap race at 8:00. As announced by the ARCA Series officials, the race will be available on a pay per view basis, with more information available at www.arcaracing.com.
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