Blogs

Two NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers are facing adversity in two very different situations.

First, it’s hard to grasp how widespread the horrible string of tornados that has ravaged the South this week. But if you think of it in terms of race tracks, areas near Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn., and Richmond International Raceway, site of this weekend’s races.

Nationwide driver Eric McClure, of Abingdon, Va., huddled with his family as tornados essentially destroyed their home around them. But McClure noted that despite the damage, they were blessed to be OK. The same couldn’t be said for at least 8 people killed in a nearby town.

McClure wasn’t sure if he’d still race Friday night in Richmond, but I hope he does. His young family, with three children ranging in age from 9 months to 4 years, may need that diversion and the regular routine that comes with racing. McClure’s father’s home is still livable despite being located less than two football field away from Eric’s home. So the family was able to find immediate shelter.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected, and the death toll continues to rise toward 300.

The other Nationwide driver facing an unusual situation is Trevor Bayne. I mentioned in the NASCAR Scene column a couple of weeks ago that he’d been temporarily hospitalized due to an adverse reaction to an insect bite. Not feeling well earlier this week, it was determined Bayne needed follow-up tests. The shame of it is that Bayne will miss Friday night’s Nationwide race. He’ll fall from his current standing of fifth in the points, and will have serious ground to make up.

The Daytona 500 champ and his Wood Brothers team were not planning to run Saturday night’s Sprint Cup race.