Hamilton, Jr. Finishes 13th at Gateway, Heads for Indianapolis

McDonald’s NASCAR Busch Series driver Bobby Hamilton, Jr. continued his march through the summer racing season on Saturday Night. The Gateway International Raceway was the site of race number 21 of the 2007 season. Known for its long, tight straightaways and flat turns, Gateway is a challenge for even the most experienced of drivers. On this night, Hamilton would start from the 11th position in the field of 43 cars.

Hamilton entered the race with a focus on continuing to climb higher in the NASCAR Busch Series Point’s Championship. Currently 7th, Hamilton believes every position outside of first (held by Carl Edwards) remain up for grabs. His highest point’s championship finish to date is 4th, in 2003 while racing for his current team, Team Rensi Motorsports.

Saturday night’s race found Hamilton contending for a top-ten finish at the end of the night. The McDonald’s Team worked long and hard to improve the handling on Hamilton’s car over the 200 lap race. In the end, Hamilton dashed under the checkered flag for a 13th place finish. Hamilton remained in 7th place in the point’s championship, just 88 points out of fourth, 74 out of fifth and 69 behind sixth.

“We wanted to finish better here tonight and gain a few more points on some of these guys,” Hamilton said. “We are really looking forward to next Saturday night in Indianapolis. We need to leave there with a top five or top ten finish and head into the two road course races with some momentum.”

Hamilton will carry the colors of Eckrich Meats again in Indianapolis. Racing action at O’Reilly Raceway Park will get under way Saturday night, check your local listings for broadcast times in your area.

Reed Sorenson captured the win on Saturday Night.