Team JRM Struggles in Music City eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series Barnburner at Nashville

May 28, 2025

Track Specs: 1.33-mile tri-oval / 100 laps
LaPradd’s finish: 37th
McCandless’ finish: 39th

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 28, 2025) – As the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series hit Music City on Tuesday night, the two-car JR Motorsports team of Briar LaPradd and Blake McCandless were hoping for a hit.

Unfortunately, those hopes did not come to fruition, however. Neither driver had the track position or tire life needed to race among the lead pack. LaPradd played strategy and came home 37th, while McCandless dealt with excessive tire wear on the concrete surface and finished 39th.

LaPradd started his No. 88 Ledford Billiard Supply Chevrolet from 34th position and looked to move up the order, but the handle was elusive. Trying to flip the script by staying out and hoping to gain through caution flags, LaPradd couldn’t catch them at the right time, ending his night in 37th position.

McCandless started his No. 8 C4 Energy Camaro from 24th after a decent qualifying lap and moved to 19th inside the first 10 laps. Attempting to maximize track position, he drove on, but excessive tire wear caused him to wear out his tires. Electing to stay out far past the pit window to hopefully gain some spots, McCandless had no right front tire left to challenge. He finished 39th.

Tucker Minter won the event, his third victory in the past four races, by holding off Ryan Luza, Bobby Zelenski, Steven White and Vicente Salas.

The two-car JR Motorsports team will head to Kansas Speedway next week for Round 9 of the series.

Briar LaPradd, driver No. 88 Ledford Billiard Supply Chevrolet team

“It was just a slow night all around in the Ledford Billiard Supply No. 88 for JR Motorsports. We started deep in the field in 34th and just couldn’t find the speed to make much progress. Tried to shake things up with some strategy by staying out and hoping for a caution, but once again, it didn’t fall our way. We’ll regroup and give it another shot next week at Kansas Speedway.”

Blake McCandless, driver No. 8 C4 Energy Chevrolet team

“We just got a little impatient tonight. I burned up the tires way too early trying to make something happen, and once that right front gave up, it was just survival mode from there. It was encouraging to see us finally put together a full race, including a solid qualifying effort, but I just can’t help but think we left a few points on the table tonight. Obviously not the night we wanted. It’s frustrating to have a car that was decent at the start, and then let poor discipline ruin our chances. But we’ll learn from it and come back stronger. I’m really looking forward to Kansas next week-it’s a track I’ve always enjoyed, and I think we can reset and get back to running where we belong.”