The Underdog Overachievers of Charlotte
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Mike McIntire Jr. and Cameron Ferre join host Brian Lohnes on this week's episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. McIntire made the final round of nitro Funny Car at the Circle K 91°µÍø Four-Wide Nationals in his family-owned and -operated McAttack Toyota Camry flopper. On the Top Fuel side, Ferre was the runner-up in the Paton Family Top Fuel dragster after qualifying on the bump spot and battling through the first two rounds of eliminations on an exciting Sunday.Ìý
For McIntire and his operation, this weekend was the validation of a lot of hard work and the validation of a talented, if part-time, crew. A champion in the nostalgia nitro Funny Car ranks, he and his team know how to run and service a car at the highest levels, and their final-round appearance in a tough field was the display of those truths.Ìý
Ferre had a 10-race schedule lined up for 2022 and at the last moment the deal was rescinded. From that setback, he doubled down his efforts to keep his Top Fuel career afloat and managed to secure funding for his appearance in Charlotte. With a runner-up finish, he raised eyebrows and hopefully more sponsorship opportunities in the future. His race day had plenty of twists and turns, and he tells the story here.Ìý
Two great stories from the real world of regular guy nitro racing!