HAMPTON, Ga.: Mason Massey’s determination through a challenging start to the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season paid off on Saturday night with a career-best sixth place finish in the Nalley Cars 250 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.
In fact, the night was impressive for Massey’s DGM Racing teammate Kyle Weatherman who overcame his challenges through two NASCAR overtimes to finish on Massey’s heals in eighth.
For Massey though, his career-best finish at his hometown track was a huge rebound to his first season driving for DGM Racing, especially after missing the season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February.
With the continued support of Anderson Power Services and Brunt Workwear, Massey overcame a deep starting position in 26th and utilized the fourth Xfinity Series race of the season to progressively move his No. 91 Anderson Power Services/Brunt Workwear Chevrolet Camaro steadily through the field.
After finishing 15th in Stage 1 and a distant 27th in Stage 2, Massey utilized a chaotic Stage 3 to diligently use the draft to his advantage that allowed him to climb inside the top-20 before maneuvering back inside the top-15 approaching the waning laps.
When the field was thrown into overtime on Lap 162, Massey had cleverly established in 13th but when three cars collided on Lap 166 – the race went into another overtime with Massey hovering just outside the top-10 in 11th.
On the final restart of the race, Massey found himself tucked closely in the outside lane and use the momentum of the draft of pushing Landon Cassill with help from behind Sheldon Creed over the final mile and a half to finish sixth and his first top-10 in his 27th career start.
“It definitely feels like a win,” said Massey. “To finish sixth tonight is huge especially at my home track. It’s really cool. I’ve been through so much to get to this point. This is awesome.”
“All the DGM guys worked super hard today, and couldn’t be more proud of the effort we put forward.”
Massey won’t run next weekend at Circuit of the Americas but will return at Richmond (Va.) Raceway in two races and looks to keep the momentum rolling with his DGM Racing team at the 0.875-mile short track on April 2.
“It means a lot, it really helps us out and gives us the confidence that we can do it,” added Massey. “I’ve known it for a while. We’ll go to Richmond and try to carry this momentum.”
Two spots behind Massey came Weatherman in his final confirmed race with the organization aboard the No. 92 LS Tractor Chevrolet Camaro.
Weatherman tied his career-best Xfinity Series finish. In 2020, he also finished eighth in a massive performance for the highly underfunded Mike Harmon Racing at Kentucky Speedway.
“We had really good speed,” said Weatherman. “I was excited about that. It was really good. It was awesome. It was his first time to getting two cars inside the top-10. Very, very cool.
“I knew we had a good car in practice this morning and we were able to showcase that during the race. Unfortunately, this is the fifth race for me with DGM Racing and moving forward is questionable.
“I don’t think the No. 92 car is going to COTA, I’m not planning to go to COTA, but I am hoping to be back racing with these guys soon.
“They work hard and I have a blast working for them. I’m just happy it was a good race for the team.”
The finish delivered Weatherman his second career top-10 finish in 66 Xfinity races.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
