CHAMPION OWNER: Harry Scott Jr. & Justin Marks
Byron’s Title Makes It Three In A Row For Scott
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – If fans have learned one thing in the past couple years in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, it’s that Harry Scott Jr. is a force to be reckoned with.
In the past two years, Scott has celebrated wins at the NASCAR Touring Series Night of Champions event in Charlotte and this year is no exception. He’ll be recognized for his third consecutive championship and the first with his new team, HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks.
“It’s terrific, we’re very fortunate for our success in the K&N East,” Scott said of his third title. “We’ve had a great group of drivers the last three years. It’s been a rewarding endeavor.”
CHAMPION: WILLIAM BYRON | CHAMPION CREW CHIEF: KEVIN BELLICOURT
With a racing program put together and announced one year ago, team owners Scott and Justin Marks continue to enjoy developing young talent into championship contenders and preparing them for a future in the sport.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve shifted my focus to the business side of racing,” new co-owner and first time champion Justin Marks said. “I really enjoy tapping into the passion with the young guys. They have so much hunger, talent and fight to make a name for themselves.”
So what makes Scott and his teams the ones to beat?
“The main key: passion,” Scott said. “Everyone involved with us – drivers, crew chiefs, crew – are talented, driven and love what they do. Especially our director of competition Mike Greci. He does a great job running everything and making sure we have the advantage.”
Passion and talent was something that was not lacking on the HScott with Justin Marks roster this season. In addition to Byron, Rico Abreu, JJ Haley, Scott Heckert and Dalton Sargeant all contended for the title for HSMJM.
Along with Byron’s successful rookie run, in which he earned four wins, five top fives and 11 top 10s in 14 starts, his teammates saw success too. Heckert ended up just 13 points behind Byron, to finish runner-up in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He earned two victories, one being at New York’s Watkins Glen International, to win three of the last four series’ road course visits, along with nine top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. Abreu earned his first stock car victory in July and Sargeant and Haley raced their way to six top-five finishes a piece.
“We were lucky to have such talent in our stables this year,” Marks said. “There was so much talent in the work force. Everyone was consistent and no one was lagging behind. I’m very proud to be associated with this selfless group.”
Scott echoed those sentiments when talking about their group of drivers this year.
“Three out of our five guys won races,” said Scott. “Haley and Sargeant both had the opportunity to win, but fell into some bad luck. It tells us that things are working as they should. All of our drivers this year was capable of winning.”
Sources: By Brooke Franceschini, NASCAR