Backs up dual titles with impressive fourth place finish in Winchester 400
Harrison, Michigan (Wednesday, October 14, 2015): When 16-year-old Grant Quinlan took the green flag in the prestigious 44th Running of the Winchester 400 at the legendary high-banks of Winchester Speedway (IN), the Harrison, Michigan rising star made history. The driver of the #28 International Tool & Mold / Chevrolet, the overall and freshman points’ standings only needed to start to become the third rookie in the ARCA/CRA Super Series 19-year history to win the overall and rookie titles, the youngest driver in series history to do so. He joined Scott Hantz (2000) and Derrick Griffin (2011) on that coveted list.
Quinlan then backed up his championship season in one of the most prestigious races in the country by finishing an impressive fourth in the 400, in his first start in the high profile race. After starting 12th in the 38-car field, Quinlan worked his way into the top five and stayed there the rest of the race and battled the likes of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points leader and Two-Time Defending Winchester 400 winner, Erik Jones, who would eventually go on to win his third straight Winchester rifle. Late in the race, a dual with 2014 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion, Chase Elliott would see Quinlan give the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer, Bill Elliott all he could handle before crossing the line in fourth.
“I thought we had a shot at it at the end, (Eventual second place finisher) Cody (Coughlin) and I got together with about 30 to go. We got back to fourth, behind Chase (Elliott) and Cody; it was a good race, congratulations to Erik (Jones). Man that’s a big payday.” The newly crowned champion stated after the race in Winchester, Indiana. “I really need to thank everyone who made these championships possible; Brent, Mark Downey and the entire Downey Racing Team. Also Chad Finley, Jeff Finley, Jeff Pinnell, Mark Rette and so many more for making this possible.” The appreciative driver added.
“This is really exciting to win both the overall championship and the rookie title too. That’s an impressive list to be a part of with Scott Hantz and my old driver coach, Derrick Griffin.” Quinlan continued. “Eddie Van Meter is a tough competitor and it was a lot of fun battling with Hunter Baize all year long for both titles. A big thanks to everyone at CRA, Glenn Luckett, R.J. Scott, Greg Wood, Eddie Chew, Matt Prieur, the entire staff of CRA for giving us a great series to race in. Plus a huge thanks to all of the sponsors and especially Harley Boeve and Zach Dunson at Port City Racecars and Dewaine McGunegill at McGunegill Engine Performance.” He ended.
In the 14 ARCA/CRA Super Series races conducted during his dual championship winning season. Quinlan picked up one victory, which came at Baer Field Speedway (IN) on August 22nd in the Summit City 100 Presented by Trucking Fort Wayne on August 22nd. In addition, he also grabbed six top five finishes, an impressive 12 showings, one off the all-time rookie record of 12 set by Hantz in 2000. He also snagged two Fast Qualifier awards and finished sixth in the final Laps Lead category behind only Brian Campbell, Erik Jones, Christopher Bell, Hunter Baize and John-Hunter Nemechek as he was out in front of the field for 155 laps.
In addition to his ARCA/CRA Super Series schedule, Quinlan has also made three appearances in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and has been impressive. In his K&N debut, he was very impressive in scoring a runner-up showing after a thrilling battle with Rico Abreu at Columbus Motor Speedway on July 4th. Plans for the remainder of the 2015 racing season as well as the 2016 campaign will be announced soon.
During Quinlan’s 2015 championship winning season, Quinlan’s #28 Downey Racing / Chevrolet had sponsorship decals and support from International Tool and Mold, as well as Superior Tool & Mold, Quinlan Incorporated, Five Star Racecar Bodies, McGunegill Engine Performance, M.P.H. Promotions and Grant Quinlan Motorsports. For more information about Grant Quinlan and Grant Quinlan Motorsports, please email Car Owner and Father, Todd Quinlan at: tquinlan@kelcom.igs.net You can also go to the team Facebook Fan Page located at: www.facebook.com/GrantQuinlanMotorsport and on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/QuinlanGrant
(Pamela Neal Photo)
