Former late model star’s breakout moment at Fr8 208 came as a surprise at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where a rising talent made his mark. This driver, once part of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports, showed the skill that made him a standout in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour. His journey from short tracks to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has been building toward this moment. With a strong team behind him, could this be the start of something big?
Key Highlights
- Connor Mosack secures his first career NASCAR National Series pole position at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
- Mosack drives the No. 81 Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Chevrolet Silverado RST for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing.
- McAnally-Hilgemann Racing achieves pole position at Atlanta for the second consecutive year.
- Mosack’s qualifying time was 31.969 seconds, reaching a speed of 173.418 mph.
- All MHR entries, including Tyler Ankrum, start within the top seven qualifiers for the Fr8 Racing 208.
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s Pole Position Streak
For the alternate consecutive year, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing has showed its skill in securing the pole position at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway, further solidifying its reputation within the racing community.
This achievement emphasizes the team’s commitment to excellence and tactical expertise in vehicle preparation and driver selection. The recent pole position was secured by Connor Mosack, piloting the No. 81 Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Chevrolet Silverado RST, marking his initial career NASCAR National Series pole.
Mosack accomplished this feat by clocking a 31.969-second lap, reaching a speed of 173.418 mph during the final round of qualifying. His performance highlights McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s capacity to nurture emerging talent and maintain competitive advantage.
The team’s consistent success at Atlanta Motor Speedway reflects their deep understanding of track conditions and mechanical adjustments, enabling them to outperform rivals in this challenging environment.
Connor Mosack’s Performance and MHR’s Success
Connor Mosack’s pole-winning run at the Fr8 208 highlights both his talent as a driver and McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s (MHR) continued success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His performance reflects his skill and the strategic expertise of his team. The pole marks the 12th for MHR in 250 starts, reinforcing the team’s strong presence in the series.
Mosack expressed confidence in the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Chevrolet Silverado, crediting MHR’s preparation for the speed and reliability of his truck.
“It sounds pretty good. We still have work to do tomorrow but feel really good about the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Chevrolet Silverado that we brought. MHR brought four really fast trucks, so I feel like we have a really solid team behind us. Hopefully, we can work together tomorrow and keep them up front.” – Connor Mosack
Before joining MHR, Mosack competed for JR Motorsports in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour in 2020. That season, he finished sixth in the driver standings and earned Rookie of the Year honors, showcasing his potential early in his career.
Under the guidance of crew chief Blake Bainbridge, who previously worked with Daniel Dye, the No. 81 Chevrolet has shown strong potential. With a competitive team and a fast truck, Mosack is well-positioned to make an impact in the upcoming race, reinforcing MHR’s commitment to excellence.
Other Top Qualifiers and MHR’s Teamwork
Within the competitive field of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the qualifying results for the Fr8 208 showcased the formidable capabilities of McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) and its driver lineup. Daniel Hemric secured a commendable third-position start, demonstrating MHR’s depth in talent. Alongside him, Rajah Caruth and Jack Wood completed the top five, underscoring the team’s cohesive performance.
Tyler Ankrum, another MHR driver, placed seventh, ensuring all four MHR entries began within the top seven positions. This achievement reflects the team’s collaborative synergy, as emphasized by Connor Mosack, who noted the exceptional teamwork nurtured by team leader Bill McAnally.
“Bill has built a really strong culture at our team. I feel like, out of all of the teams I’ve driven for before, all four of us work together really well, and everybody seems to help each other more than I’ve seen in the past.”
“I think that’s a big key to the success they’ve had in the past, and hopefully, we’ll continue to have it all year.” – Connor Mosack
Additionally, Grant Enfinger, an alliance-mate, supported the team’s strong showing. Jake Garcia, piloting the No. 13 Ford F-150, distinguished himself as the highest qualifying non-Chevrolet, securing sixth place.
Remaining Qualifiers and Race Details
Following the impressive performance of the McAnally-Hilgemann Racing team, attention shifts to the remaining qualifiers and key details of the upcoming race.
Stewart Friesen secured the eighth starting position for the event, demonstrating solid qualifying skill. Meanwhile, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, an imposing presence in any race, will commence his initial of five planned starts this season from the ninth position.
Completing the top ten, Ben Rhodes, who previously clinched the pole at Daytona, remains a formidable competitor.
The entry list for Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway includes 32 drivers, all of whom will participate. However, Justin Carroll, Keith McGee, and Bayley Currey faced challenges, failing to post qualifying times.
The Fr8 Racing 208 is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 1:30 PM ET, broadcast on FS1, The NASCAR Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90), promising an exhilarating contest.
News in Brief: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Former Late Model Star’s Breakout Moment at Fr8 208
Connor Mosack’s achievement in securing the pole position at the FR8 208 highlights McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s tactical skill and dominance in Atlanta. This accomplishment is a proof of the team’s cohesive efforts and Mosack’s individual talents, which have collectively set a high standard for competitors.
While other top qualifiers exhibited commendable performances, MHR’s teamwork and preparation clearly distinguished them. The upcoming race will further reveal how these elements contribute to their continued success in the competitive racing landscape.
ALSO READ: Connor Mosack Joins McAnally-Hilgemann Racing—But Is He Ready for the Big Leagues in 2025?
