Jack McNelly founded Mac Hill Motorsports in the fall of 2000 and established it as an LLC under the rules and regulations of the state of Pennsylvania. Prior to his full-time commitment to MHM, Jack was an educator and businessman.
After graduating from California University of Pa. and teaching mathematics in the public school system for 31/2 years, McNelly joined his father in the school and charter bus business. Over the next 24 years, the business grew to be the largest such company in Southwestern Pennsylvania and all of West Virginia. With its headquarters and main terminal in Waynesburg, Pa., Central Cab opened additional operating terminals in Wellsburg, Parkersburg, Beckley and Clarksburg, W.V. to better serve the traveling public.
In 1998, the company was sold to Coach USA, a large national consolidator of transportation companies. As part of the sales agreement, Jack agreed to manage the firm for four years for the new owners. Under his direction, the company continued its strong financial performance, oftentimes being the best performing in its region and frequently finishing among the leaders on a national basis.
While operating his bus company, McNelly was also actively involved in auto racing. His sponsorship of dirt track late model racing in West Virginia helped two drivers to win three track championships and many feature wins. In 1999 and 2000, Jack helped Richard Mitchell capture back-to-back track championships at Motordrome Speedway, as well as the prestigious title of NASCAR Northeast Regional Champion for the same years.
After completing his obligation to Coach USA in July, 2002, McNelly retired and relocated to Mooresville, N.C. This move to Race City USA enabled him to devote his full-time and energy to develop Mac Hill Motorsports into a highly competitive NASCAR Busch Series team. Jack makes his home in Mooresville with his wife Mary. They have two children, son John and daughter Elizabeth.
Tony Lambert joined Mac Hill Motorsports in July of 2005, bringing with him over 20 years experience in the NASCAR Busch Series and 12 race wins. The Concord, NC native started his career shortly after graduating from NW Carrabus High School, with the legendary Dale Earnhardt, working in the paint shop for Earnhardt’s Busch Series team.
During the early years of his racing career, Lambert worked for other legendary drivers, such as Cale Yarborough, Davey Allison, Phil Parson Terry Labonte, Rusty Wallace and Harry Gant. In 1992, Lambert got his first shot as a crew chief, teaming up with Hut Stricklin and the Stanley Tools Chevrolet. Larry Pearson would take over driving duties for the 1993 and 1994 seasons.
In three seasons as Crew Chief for team owner Mac Martin, the Lambert-led team would start 55 races and produce 23 top-tens, nine top-fives and an incredible six 2nd place finishes. Roush Racing called Lambert in 1997 and gave him the biggest break of his career. Lambert was the Crew Chief for Mark Martin’s Busch Series effort in the 1999 and 2000 seasons. The two formed an almost unbeatable pair and brought home eleven victories and 21 ten-five finishes in 27 starts.
They also won seven pole positions. For the 2003 season, Lambert headed to Biagi Bros. Racing and took over Crew Chief duties for the #4 Busch Series entry and driver Mike Wallace. In two seasons together, they brought home 7 top tens and two top-fives, including a victory at Daytona in July, 2004.
They finished 13th in the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series Championship Points Standings. Tony makes his home in Mooresville with his wife Deborah and their children Misty and Craig.