The number 44 Chevrolet Camaro piloted by Tommy Joe Martins had a solid run in practice – staying in the top 15 and ultimately qualifying in 24th position. The NASCAR Xfinity Series Season Championship race was the most important of the season. A culmination of the years’ effort for Martins Motorsports. The team was racing for a top 20 in Owner’s Points and top 20 in Driver’s Points. Tommy Joe began the race in 24th position with a 20-point lead to hold onto 20th position in Driver’s Points over competitor Brett Moffit. During the start, Martins immediately fell back into the top 30 complaining of a loose racecar. However, as the sun went down, the car began handling better and Martins gained significant track positions. Towards the end of the race after battling for the “Lucky Dog” and running just outside the top 15, a mistake on Pit Road caused the number 44 to fall back outside of the top 30. It all came down to the final restart – Tommy Joe was able to move up in position and finished in 24th, holding on to a top 20th spot in Driver’s Points by a slim 2 point lead.
