WILL GALLAHER BRINGS HOME A TOP-20 FINISH IN THE BOBBY ISAAC MEMORIAL AT HICKORY (N.C.) MOTOR

Will Gallaher

> DENVER, NC (September 4, 2012) - Fresh off his first week of classes at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C., Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR) development driver Will Gallaher climbed back into the cockpit of a racecar this weekend at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Gallaher made his first appearance in the prestigious 36th Annual Bobby Isaac Memorial. The 23-year-old ran a clean race to come home in the 19th position after 150 laps.

Race day at Hickory Motor Speedway kicked off with two practices where Gallaher logged the sixth and 11th quickest time in each respective session. The driver of the No. 6 ESR Chevrolet drew second for qualifying, which proved to be detrimental when rain washed the track clean just prior to the session. With the cars at the beginning of qualifying posting lap times significantly slower than those who went out later in the session, Gallaher rolled off 32nd for the Bobby Isaac Memorial.

Gallaher drove a clean race and picked up a several positions on-track despite fighting a car that was a little too tight all night. The driver of the No. 6 Chevrolet crossed the finish line in the 19th position.

"We unloaded better than we had all year," commented Gallaher. "It was a really great effort from the crew to give me an incredible piece for the weekend. We were sixth fastest in practice and were ready for a season-best starting position. Unfortunately for us, it poured before qualifying and we were second out on an extremely green track. It was frustrating watching the times keep dropping off the longer qualifying went on. We got off to a fast start making our way through the field before we got run up the track. All in all, it was a solid weekend for the entire team; we just didn't have luck on our side, but that's racing. I can't wait to get back in the car in the coming weeks."