This weekend the NASCAR paddock visits the Auto Club Speedway in California. On the Xfinity side of things, the Mike Harmon Racing team have recruited Brennan Poole. As it happens, Poole has not stepped in an Xfinity machine since 2017 with the erstwhile Chip Ganassi Racing. Of course, his participation is not guaranteed as he has to qualify for the Production Alliance Group 300 in the #47 car.
The outfit began the 2022 Xfinity season at the Daytona International Speedway with the then pilot, Gray Gaulding, failing to qualify for the race. Naturally, this places a bit of pressure on the 30-year-old Poole at the Auto Club Speedway. According to some reports, the California native is expected to compete again at Las Vegas and Phoenix.
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Brennan Poole has a lot on his mind ahead of the race weekend
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The recent months have been a very difficult time for the driver, on a personal level. Earlier this month, his mother, Erin, passed away, and this is the first event he is competing in since her passing. Now, the driver is hoping to qualify and compete in the race to honor his mother’s memory.
If he does make it through, it will be his 84th start in the Xfinity arena. He had plans to pay tribute to her, with a decal on the namerail of his #47 Chevrolet Camaro.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity [Mike Harmon Racing] has given me to get back on track this weekend at Auto Club Speedway,” Poole said. “I look forward to getting back behind the wheel and having my family at the track with me, after the unexpected passing of my mom.”
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On a different note, while it has been nearly five years since he raced in an Xfinity car, Poole was not exactly idle. In fact, he enjoyed a full-time season in the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series with Premium Motorsports. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury in the off-season and underwent surgery. Luckily, he has since recovered and competed in one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event for On Point Motorsports.
READ MORE: Who is Brennan Poole: The Driver Starting his NASCAR 2021 Campaign with On Point Motorsports