NASCAR Elite Division
AutoZone Southwest Tour News:

Pettit Celebrates Southwest Series Championship Vegas Style

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (December 10, 2004) History was made tonight for Jim Pettit II in an awards ceremony hosted by Mike Joy, the voice of NASCAR on Fox. Pettit, from Prunedale, Calif. celebrated his first NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series championship in style at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada along with 400 of his peers, family and friends.

Pettit's championship was his second major NASCAR crown in a career that has taken him from the dirt tracks of central California to the high speed asphalt oval of Phoenix Int'l Raceway. His odyssey has not been unlike others that he has followed, but his championship is unlike any other.

Pettit was honored by new series sponsor AutoZone for his outstanding commitment to the series. Pettit received a personalized champions jacket, shirt, and plaque thanking him for his dedication. Don Hawk, the Director of NASCAR Regional Racing Development, awarded Pettit the highly coveted NASCAR Diamond ring that is only given to NASCAR champions, of which he is a life-long member of this exclusive fraternity.

"This is a night that my family has dreamed about for a long time," Pettit said. "My family, friends, and crew made this possible. I am surrounded by great people and those people have helped propel me to this stage here tonight. The experiences of tonight and this past week will be with me forever."

Pettit has made an indelible mark on this series on and off the track. In a gesture that has become tradition, Pettit offered up a rose to all the ladies in attendance as a thank you for their dedication to the series. Pettit is a champion's champion.

Several special award recipients were also honored for their achievements in 2004. Rip Michels from San Fernando, Calif. collect the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year Award after a seventh place finish in the final point standings.

Burney Lamar of West Sacramento, Calif. received the season ending bonus as the Bud Pole Award winner. Todd Souza from Aromas, Calif. won the PowerAde Power Move-of-the-Race Award. Featherlite honored Eric Holmes with the Featherlite Award. Greg Voigt from Santa Barbara, Calif. capped off a tremendous sophomore season with the Most Improved Driver Award, while David Gilliland from Riverside, Calif. was voted as the series Most Popular Driver.

Chris Blanke received the Ray Judy Award for outstanding series official, an award that is voted on by the drivers, teams, and crews. Two team owners were also honored for their spirit of dedication with the acceptance of the George Stiles Award. Les DenHerder and Craig Keough have both been avid supporters of the series over the years and especially this past season. Each provided sponsorship programs for the local race tracks the series runs on as a way to help promote the series.

Pettit will have little time to bask in the glow of his accomplishments as there is only six weeks until the opening round of the 20th season for the Southwest Series as drivers, teams, and crews descend upon Phoenix Int'l Raceway January 29-30.

NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES DRIVERS PRAISE 1999 CHAMPION KURT BUSCH FOR 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES TITLE

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 22, 2004) - Kurt Busch may have won the first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series trophy, but it's not the first NASCAR championship in his trophy case.

Busch, a native of Las Vegas, won the 1999 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series championship (known then as the Featherlite Southwest Series), before breaking on to NASCAR's national scene in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2000. After competing in Late Models and Legends cars, the teen-aged Busch advanced to the Southwest Series in 1997. In five starts, he posted one top-five finish at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. Busch raced full-time on the Southwest Series in '98, recording a victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and winning the rookie of the year award.

Busch was 21 years old when he won the '99 Southwest Series title, after recording six wins and 11 top-five finishes in Craig Keough's Star Nursery Chevrolet. Busch's seven career Southwest Series victories place him 12th on the series' all-time win list.

In 2000, Busch advanced to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series where he nearly won the championship in his rookie season, finishing second to Greg Biffle after four wins and 13 top-five finishes driving for team owner Jack Roush. Busch also made seven starts in NASCAR's premier series in 2000, setting the stage for his first full season as the driver of the now-famous No. 97 Sharpie / IRWIN Ford Taurus.

Following his historic 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series triumph, his former Southwest Series rivals praised Busch for his championship season.

"I'm ecstatic," said Prunedale, Calif. driver Doug McCoun, who finished third in the point standings during Busch's '99 title run and was a top-10 point finisher in 2004. "Kurt's championship reflects on everybody that used to race with us. I'm just really proud of him. I hope that he always stays on top of his game and stays a contender. I think he has what it takes to do that."

2004 Southwest Series champion Jim Pettit II, also of Prunedale, says Busch's title-winning performance shows NASCAR's strength in the Southwest.

"I'm happy for him, because Kurt is 'one of our guys'," said Pettit. "I'm excited that a guy from our series came out there and did such a great job - and represented all of us."

"When it came down to pressure time, Kurt did what he had to do. I think it's great that, as a Southwest Series driver, I've been able to run against one of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champions."

In addition to Busch, the Southwest Series has produced several notable drivers who have graduated on to successful careers in NASCAR's national series, including Kevin Harvick (1995 Southwest Series rookie of the year, 2001 NASCAR Busch Series champion, four NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series wins), Ron Hornaday Jr. (1992-93 Southwest Series champion, 1996 and 1998 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion) and Matt Crafton (2000 Southwest Series champion, finished fifth in 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings).

Busch won the inaugural "Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup" with a fifth-place finish in the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 21. Busch won the title by eight points over runner-up Jimmie Johnson, who finished second in the event, and Jeff Gordon who finished third in the race and trailed by 16 points. It was the tightest point battle in the history of NASCAR's premier series.

At the age of 26 years, 3 months, 17 days, Busch is the third youngest driver to win the title. Only 1950 champion Bill Rexford at 23 years, 8 months, 17 days and 1994 champion Jeff Gordon at 24 years, 3 months, 27 days were younger.

PHOTO: Kurt Busch, shown here during the 1998 season, won the 1999 Southwest Series championship before advancing to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2000. (David Stone photo).

NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES READY FOR SHOWDOWN HOMECOMING

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 5, 2004) - Last season the rising stars of NASCAR converged on Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway for the inaugural NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown that invite the top 10 points finishers from each of the four NASCAR AutoZone Elite Divisions (Southwest, Northwest, Midwest, and Southeast) to participate in this one-of-a-kind NASCAR event. The Midwest drivers left with bragging rights in 2003 but this season the Southwest Series is ready to defend their "home" turf November 11-13.

This All-Star 40-car event brings together the finest regional series drivers that will compete for over $500,000 in prize money, as well as, the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a live national television audience with SPEED Channel supplying the coverage.

Additionally, the top 15 drivers from the two NASCAR Grand National Divisions - Busch North Series and West Series - will be on hand to test their skills against each other in an event on the same race card.

This seasons roster representing the Southwest Series include: Newly crowned champion Jim Pettit II from Prunedale, Calif.; 2001 series champion Craig Raudman from Bakersfield, Calif.; 2002 series champion Eddy McKean from Jerome, Idaho; Burney Lamar from W. Sacramento, Calif.; Eric Holmes from Escalon, Calif.; Joe Herold from Poway, Calif.; Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year winner Rip Michels from Mission Hills, Calif.; Greg Voigt from Santa Barbara, Calif.; Todd Souza from Aromas, Calif.; and Doug McCoun from Prunedale, Calif.

Last season the Southwest Series contingent was led by Pettit who finished runner-up to Showdown winner Ron Breese Jr. Pettit feels that he has some unfinished business this year. "We were so close last year," Pettit said. "Wining the championship this season has been the number one goal, but winning the Showdown is something we have been planning for since the checkered flag fell last season."

The top five in the final Southwest Series standings this season were at the inaugural event but had mixed results (Pettit 2nd, Lamar 6th, Raudman 12th, Holmes 14th, and McKean 26th), so the focus for the series this year is a better showing by all drivers.

Some have said that the Southwest Series may have an advantage because the series visits the track during the season, but Eddy McKean disagrees. "I don't really think the track favors us," said McKean. "All these guys are champions and great racers. Last season proved that. All I know is it will be a great race to compete in and a great race to watch on TV."

The Toyota All-Star Showdown begins Nov. 11 with a full day of practice for participating teams. On Friday night, Nov. 12, each division (NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division and NASCAR Grand National Division) will hold twin 50-lap preliminary races. The results of these short distance races will establish the starting lineups for Saturday's feature races, with the 50-lap race winners starting up front in the main events. On Saturday, Nov. 13, the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division all-star field will race for 125 laps, followed by the NASCAR Grand National Division all-stars (from the Busch North Series and West Series) in a 150-lap showdown. Friday's and Saturday's events will be broadcast live on SPEED Channel.

The Toyota All-Star Showdown includes a unique feature not found in any other NASCAR event - a "team" competition between each participating series. For the first 75-laps of the Saturday feature event, drivers from each of the four respective series are scored as "teams" and the "team" with the highest cumulative point total, based on the running order after the opening segment, is declared the "team" winner and the "team" will split additional prize money.

Then, after a 10-minute break, the cars will be inverted to begin the final 50-lap segment to determine the race winner. The race winner will have his name etched in a trophy that will be on permanent display at Daytona USA as well as bragging rights for the next year.

2004 Southwest Series Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year winner Rip Michels has been waiting for this event since watching it in the stands last season. "It has taken me most of the season to get these cars figured out," Michels said. "We are ready and I can't wait to battle with guys I have only read about over the years. This is truly a one-of-a-kind race."

Although the best of the best from NASCAR's AutoZone Elite Division will showcase their talents this weekend, the driver's from the Southwest Series are looking to make their homecoming a night to remember.

Fast Facts

What: NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown

Where: Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway

When: Nov. 11-13, 2004

Who: Top 10 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division drivers from four series - Midwest, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest. . Top 15 NASCAR Grand National Division drivers from two series - Busch North Series and West Series

TV: SPEED Channel

Posted awards: $570,000

Track layout: Half-mile oval

NASCAR TOP 10 AT A GLANCE

A look at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 Drivers

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 30, 2004) - The following is a glance at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 in the series championship standings heading into the Cruise America "125" at Phoenix Int'l Raceway Thursday, November 4. The race in Phoenix, Ariz. will be the final event of 14 on the NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series schedule:

No. 1 - Jim Pettit II (No. 03 California Hot Wood Ford), Jim Pettit Racing. Last week's ranking: 1st. Pettit extended his point lead with his 4th win of the season and first at TRP. Pettit finished at 5th at PIR last month and needs only to finish 33rd or better in order to claim his first series title in his fourth full-time season.

No. 2 - Craig Raudman (No. 2 HPS/Victory Circle Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 2nd. Raudman suffered a disappointing 20th place finish at TRP October 24 after starting on the front row. Raudman leads all drivers with 29 career Bud Pole Awards and four this season. Raudman finished 2nd at PIR last month. Raudman has three career top five finishes at PIR.

No. 3 - Burney Lamar (No. 1 Groeniger Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 3rd. Lamar claimed his 10th career Bud Pole Award and 4th of the season October 24 at TRP, but only managed a 13th place finish. Lamar holds a slim three point advantage for the 3rd spot in the standings. Lamar must finish in front of Eddy McKean in order to maintain his position in the standings.

No. 4 - Eddy McKean (No. 19 Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac), McKean Racing. Last week's ranking: 4th. McKean moved closer to a top three final points finish after a sixth place performance October 24 at TRP. McKean has become the master of the mile in just four years on the series. McKean has three victories on mile racetracks with two at PIR. In the last eight races at PIR, McKean has seven top three finishes.

No. 5 - Eric Holmes (No. 62 KENKO Chevrolet), Beebe Racing. Last week's ranking: 5th. Holmes maintains the fifth spot in the standings despite a 22nd place finish at TRP October 24. Holmes claimed his first victory at PIR October 3 in a dominating performance and needs a top five finish in order to finish the year in the top five. Holmes has two victories and eight to ten finishes this season.

No. 6- Greg Voigt (No. 9 Auto Pro Racing Engines Chevrolet), Voigt Racing. Last week's ranking: 8th. Voigt climbed two spots in the standings after a career best finish of 2nd at TRP October 24. The finish was Voigt's second top five finish of the season. Voigt finished 15th and 12th at PIR this season. Voigt trials fifth place Holmes by only 60 points.

No. 7 - Joe Herold (No. 5 Quality Chevrolet), Herold Racing. Last week's ranking: 6th. Herold continues to have his best season in the series and had a solid 14th place finish at TRP October 24. Herold has finishes of 14th and 13th this season at PIR along with four top ten finishes in thirteen 2004 starts.

No. 8 - Doug McCoun (No. 16 Camacho's Cantina Chevrolet), CBA Motorsports. Last week's ranking: 10th. After two straight DNF's, McCoun need a good run in order to maintain his position in the NASCAR Top 10 and perform he did. McCoun claimed his best finish of the season with a 3rd place finish at TRP October 24. The finish also boosted McCoun two positions in the standings as he looks forward to starting staring his 198 career Southwest Series race. McCoun has four top ten finishes this season.

No. 9 - Rip Michels (No. 12 Stock Building Supply Chevrolet), Michels Racing. Last week's ranking: 9th. Michels continues to lead the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year standings after thirteen races with a solid 10th place performance at TRP October 24. Michels has seven top ten finishes this season and needs only to start the event at PIR in order to claim the 2004 rookie title. Michels finished 31st and 8th this season at PIR.

No. 10 - Todd Souza (No. 6 Money by Design Chevrolet), Penney Racing. Last week's ranking: 7th. Souza falls three positions after a 17th place finish at TRP October 24. Souza needs a solid run in order to maintain his top ten standing. Souza has a 45-point advantage over Nick Joanides for the 10th spot. Souza has three top ten finishes in 13 starts this season.

Charting the Champs: 2003 series champion Auggie Vidovich scored his second top five finish after taking the wheel of Rich Fountain's Chevrolet with a fifth place finish at TRP October 24. 2001 series champion Craig Raudman had his worst short track finish of the season with a 20th place finish at TRP. 2002 series champion Eddy McKean closed on third place Lamar after a sixth place performance at TRP. McKean has seven top three finishes at PIR in the last eight races.

Fast Facts

NASCAR Top 10 this week: 1. Jim Pettit II, 2056; 2. Craig Raudman, 1940; 3. Burney Lamar, 1819; 4. Eddy McKean, 1816; 5. Eric Holmes, 1697; 6. Greg Voigt, 1637; 7. Joe Herold, 1612; 8. Doug McCoun, 1606; 9. Rip Michels, 1601; 10. Todd Souza, 1582.

Races at No. 1: Jim Pettit II (7), Craig Raudman (5), Eddy McKean (1).

New arrivals in the NASCAR Top 10 this week: None

Most weeks in the NASCAR Top 10: Five drivers tied at 13 races

Biggest mover among the Top 10: Greg Voigt (8th to 6th)

Dropped out of the NASCAR Top 10 this week: None

Past Champions (Point Standing): Auggie Vidovich (20th), Craig Raudman (2nd), Eddy McKean (4th).

Pettit Performs Perfectly and Nets Fourth Southwest Series Win of the Season

TUCSON, ARIZ. (October 24, 2004) Jim Pettit II from Prunedale, Calif. inched closer to his first NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series title by winning the Star Nursery.COM "150" at Tucson (Ariz.) Raceway Park Sunday afternoon. The victory was Pettit's fourth triumph of the season and allowed him to extend his point lead to 116 points after Craig Raudman suffered mechanical woes and finished ten laps down. Greg Voigt from Santa Barbara, Calif. notched his career best finish of second trailing Pettit to the finish line by .103 seconds. Doug McCoun scored his best finish of the season finishing third. Mike Mendenhall and Auggie Vidovich rounded out the top five finishers.

Burney Lamar top twenty-four drivers in qualifying but drew an eight-car invert putting HPS Mechanical teammate Craig Raudman on the pole to start the event. Raudman led briefly before Eddy McKean took over the top spot and led the charge through 110 laps when his right rear tire lost stagger. McKean would finish sixth.

While Pettit upped his advantage on Raudman by 116 points, Lamar lost ground and now only holds a three point margin on McKean for the third position in the standings. Eric Holmes maintains fifth place heading into the series finale November 4 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The race took 51 minutes and 57 seconds to complete at an average speed of 64.966 mph. Pettit's margin of victory over Voigt was a scant .103 seconds. Lamar claimed his fourth Bud Pole Award of the season with a quick lap of 15.494 seconds/87.131 mph around the 3/8-mile paved oval. Mike Mendenhall collected the $750 PowerAde Power Move-of-the-Race after starting 21st and finishing fourth. Doug McCoun collected the $300 Featherlite Award for improving the most positions from the previous race (27). Rip Michels was the top finishing rookie with his tenth place performance. The were four caution periods for 23 laps of competition, while Eddy McKean led the most laps in the 150-lap event (107).

The final event for the Southwest Series is Thursday, November 4 at Phoenix Int'l Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz. Pettit needs only to start event and then finish better than the 33rd position to claim the title. Both Raudman and Pettit had of top five performances at PIR less than a month ago when the series last visited the one-mile paved oval, setting up a finish that will take the stars of the Southwest Series down to the final lap.

NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series

Star Nursery.COM "150" presented by AutoZone

Tucson Raceway Park, Tucson, Ariz., October 24, 2004

150-Laps/56.25 miles on a 3/-mile Paved Oval, Purse: $44,894

Finishing position, starting position, driver, car, laps completed, reason

out, money won.

1. (6) Jim Pettit II, Ford, 150, Running, $2,900;

2. (16) Greg Voigt, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $2,850;

3. (18) Doug McCoun, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $2,100;

4. (21) Mike Mendenhall, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $1,200;

5. (3) Auggie Vidovich Jr., Chevrolet, 150, Running, $1,100;

6. (2) Eddy McKean, Pontiac, 150, Running, $1,400;

7. (11) Bob Lyon, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $980;

8. (15) Nick Joanides, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $950;

9. (19) Darrell LaMoure, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $920;

10. (9)# Rip Michels, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $1,290;

11. (22) Keith Spangler, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $820;

12. (12) Dustin Jones, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $750;

13. (8) Burney Lamar, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $1,400;

14. (13) Joe Herold, Chevrolet, 150, Running, $1,000;

15. (14) John Luecht, Pontiac, 149, Running, $575;

16. (17) Thomas Martin, Pontiac, 149, Running, $550;

17. (10) Todd Souza, Chevrolet, 149, Running, $940;

18. (20) Richard Johnson, Chevrolet, 147, Running, $530;

19. (24) Curtis Lansing, Chevrolet, 147, Running, $520;

20. (1) Craig Raudman, Chevrolet, 140, Running, $910;

21. (4) Danny Burson, Chevrolet, 92, Running, $510;

22. (5) Eric Holmes, Chevrolet, 50, Suspension, $910;

23. (23) Charles Utts, Chevrolet, 42, Engine, $510;

24. (7)# Nick Lynch, Chevrolet, 13, Accident, $510;

# Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year Contenders

Failed to Qualify: None

TIME OF RACE: 51 minutes, 57 seconds

AVERAGE SPEED: 64.966 mph

MARGIN OF VICTORY: .103 seconds

BUD POLE AWARD: Burney Lamar, Groeniger/HPS Chevrolet 115.494 seconds/87.131

mph

POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Mike Mendenhall, Crower Chevrolet

FEATHERLITE AWARD: Doug McCoun, Camacho's Cantina Chevrolet

AUTOMETER ROOKIE-OF-THE-RACE AWARD: Rip Michels, Stock Building Supply

Chevrolet

CAUTION FLAGS: Four cautions for 23 laps (15-22, 51-55, 100-103, 141-146)

LAP LEADERS: Four Lead Changes between four drivers . Craig Raudman 1-2,

Eddy McKean 3-48, Burney Lamar 49, McKean 50-107, Jim Pettit II 108-150

AUTOZONE SOUTHWEST SERIES TOP 20

POINTS(WINS)

1. Jim Pettit II 2056 (4)

2. Craig Raudman 1940 (2)

3. Burney Lamar 1819 (1)

4. Eddy McKean 1816 (1)

5. Eric Holmes 1696 (2)

6. Greg Voigt 1637 -

7. Joe Herold 1612 -

8. Doug McCoun 1606 -

9. Rip Michels 1601 -

10. Todd Souza 1582 -

11. Nick Joanides 1467 -

12. Danny Burson 1457 -

13. Darrell LaMoure 1433 -

14. Nick Lynch 1415 -

15. Bob Lyon 1396 -

16. Thomas Martin 1342 -

17. David Gilliland 1223 (2)

18. Dan Holtz 1222 -

19. Richard Johnson 967 -

20. Auggie Vidovich Jr. 953 -

ROOKIE-OF-THE-YEAR STANDINGS

Name Pts

Rip Michels 124

Nick Lynch 108

Todd Burns 41

MANUFACTURE' STANDINGS

MFG Pts

Chevrolet 94

Ford 78

Pontiac 75

Dodge 3

FEATHERLITE AWARD STANDINGS

Name Pts

Danny Burson 2

David Gilliland 2

Rip Michels 1

Eric Holmes 1

Stephen Sadler 1

Darrell LaMoure 1

Eric Holmes 1

Tracy Bolin 1

Randy Nelson 1

Joe Herold 1

Doug McCoun 1

BUD POLE AWARD STANDINGS

Name Poles

Craig Raudman 4

Burney Lamar 4

Eric Holmes 2

Zach Niessner 1

Boris Said 1

M.K. Kanke 1

POWERADE MOVE OF THE RACE

Name Pts

Todd Souza 2

Doug McCoun 1

David Gilliland 1

Bob McCoun 1

Ben Walker 1

Greg Voigt 1

Rudy Revak 1

Darrell LaMoure 1

Nick Joanides 1

Jim Pettit II 1

Travis Bennett 1

Mike Mendenhall 1

NASCAR TOP 10 AT A GLANCE

A look at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 Drivers

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 21, 2004) - The following is a glance at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 in the series championship standings heading into the Star Nursery.COM "150" presented by AutoZone at Tucson Raceway Park this Sunday, October 24. The race in Tucson, Ariz. will be race thirteen of 14 on the NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series schedule:

No. 1 - Jim Pettit II (No. 03 California Hot Wood Ford), Jim Pettit Racing. Last week's ranking: 1st. Pettit extended his point lead with a sixth place finish at Mesa Marin last weekend. Pettit finished eighth at TRP last season and has two career top five finishes at the 3/8-mile oval. Pettit has three wins this season and is looking for win number four and first at TRP.

No. 2 - Craig Raudman (No. 2 HPS/Victory Circle Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 2nd. Raudman suffered a disappointing 14th place finish at MMR last weekend after a late race incident. Raudman leads all drivers with 30 career Bud Pole Awards and four this season. Raudman finished 19th at TRP last season. Raudman has four top five finishes at TRP since 1995.

No. 3 - Burney Lamar (No. 1 Groeniger Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 3rd. Lamar suffered blown oil line while leading the most laps at Mesa Marin last weekend resulting in a 24th place finish. Lamar finished 7th at TRP last season and is looking for his first top five at TRP in three attempts. Lamar has three Bud Pole Awards this season and nine career fast time awards.

No. 4 - Eddy McKean (No. 19 Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac), McKean Racing. Last week's ranking: 5th. McKean moved up one spot in the standings after a second place performance at Mesa Marin last weekend. The finish was McKean's third straight top three finishes in a row. McKean is the defending race winner at TRP and has finished no worse that third in his previous start at Tucson Raceway Park.

No. 5 - Eric Holmes (No. 62 KENKO Chevrolet), Beebe Racing. Last week's ranking: 4th. Holmes falls on spot in the standings after a 26th place finish last weekend at Mesa Marin. Holmes has never scored a top five finish at Tucson Raceway Park but has two wins and four top five finishes this season. Holmes finished 11th at TRP last season.

No. 6 - Joe Herold (No. 5 Quality Chevrolet), Herold Racing. Last week's ranking: 6th. Herold continues to have his best season in the series but struggled at Mesa Marin last week finishing 19th. Herold finished 14th at TRP last season and is ready to position himself for an invite to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in November with another solid performance this weekend.

No. 7 - Todd Souza (No. 6 Money by Design Chevrolet), Penney Racing. Last week's ranking: 9th. Souza moved up to positions in the NASCAR Top 10 with a strong 8th place finish at MMR last weekend. The finish was Souza's third top ten finish of the season and moved him closer to clinching an invite to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. Souza did not compete at TRP last season.

No. 8- Greg Voigt (No. 9 Auto Pro Racing Engines Chevrolet), Voigt Racing. Last week's ranking: 7th. Voigt slipped one spot after a 23rd place finish at Mesa Marin last weekend. Voigt has one top five and three top ten finishes this season in 12 starts. He has also completed 1148 of 1513 laps contested thus far. Voigt did not compete at TRP last season.

No. 9 - Rip Michels (No. 12 Stock Building Supply Chevrolet), Michels Racing. Last week's ranking: 10th. Michels continues to lead the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year standings after twelve races with a solid 7th place performance at MMR October 16. Michels will visit TRP for the first time this weekend and is squarely focused on another top ten run. Michels only needs to start the next two events to clinch the rookie title.

No. 10 - Doug McCoun (No. 16 Camacho's Cantina Chevrolet), CBA Motorsports. Last week's ranking: 8th. McCoun falls to 10th in the standings after his second straight DNF. McCoun finished a disappointing 30th at MMR last weekend. McCoun finished 15th at TRP last year and needs a great performance this weekend to keep him the NASCAR Top 10. McCoun has two top five finishes at TRP with his last top five run back in 1995.

Charting the Champs: 2003 series champion Auggie Vidovich has returned to the series this sporting new colors taking over the driving duties of the Centrifugal Technologies Chevrolet. Vidovich finished fourth at PIR October 3 in the Rich Fountain owned machine but suffered a late race accident at MMR that could sideline the team this weekend. 2001 series champion Craig Raudman maintains second in the standings but lost ground to Pettit after a 14th place finish at MMR. Raudman collected several top five runs at TRP back when the Winter Heat Series ran. 2002 series champion Eddy McKean moved up to fourth in the standings and is looking for his fourth straight podium finish.

Fast Facts

NASCAR Top 10 this week: 1. Jim Pettit II, 1876; 2. Craig Raudman, 1837; 3. Burney Lamar, 1695; 4. Eddy McKean, 1666; 5. Eric Holmes, 1600; 6. Joe Herold, 1491; 7. Todd Souza, 1474; 8. Greg Voigt, 1467; 9. Rip Michels, 1463; 10. Doug McCoun, 1441.

Races at No. 1: Craig Raudman (5), Jim Pettit II (6), Eddy McKean (1).

New arrivals in the NASCAR Top 10 this week: None

Most weeks in the NASCAR Top 10: Five drivers tied at 12 races

Biggest mover among the Top 10: Todd Souza (9th to 7th)

Dropped out of the NASCAR Top 10 this week: None

Past Champions (Point Standing): Auggie Vidovich (23rd), Craig Raudman (2nd), Eddy McKean (4th).

AutoZone Southwest Series Returns to Tucson for Final Short Track Clash of the Season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 20, 2004) - The magic number is two. Two drivers and two races left to decide the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series championship. This Sunday, October 24, NASCAR's Stars of Tomorrow will return to Tucson Raceway Park in Tucson, Arizona for the running of the Star Nursery.Com "150" presented by AutoZone. The event was originally scheduled for September 18, but was rescheduled to inclement weather. With the series championship hanging in the balance, Tucson will be the stage for an old fashion shootout.

Tucson Raceway Park for many years was a cornerstone of West coast racing and staged the "Winter Heat" series in the early 90's that helped propel the NASCAR careers of Greg Biffle, Ron Hornaday, and Kevin Harvick. Current Southwest Series drivers are hoping for success of their own as the series closes in on the championship.

Current 2004 point leader Jim Pettit II from Prunedale, Calif. leads second place Craig Raudman of Bakersfield, Calif. by 39 points going into the final two races. Pettit has three wins this season and has completed all but two laps run this season. He also has a streak of ten top ten finishes in twelve starts this season that has the series best drivers chasing the former NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series regional champion. Pettit also knows you are only as good as your last race. With the top ten drivers of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division's four Late Model series' getting an invite to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown to be staged at Irwindale Speedway November 11-13, Pettit is seeking not only the championship but a win at this prestigious All-Star event after a runner-up finish last year.

"I am really looking forward to going back to Tucson this week," Pettit said. "With the championship as close as it is every race counts and a strong run at Tucson will go along way. But in the end, as it usually does, the championship will not be decided until we finish the last lap to Phoenix in two weeks."

With the Toyota All-Star Showdown only two races away, this race will hold significance for the teams of the AutoZone Southwest Series as they jockey for a position in the top ten standings. More than 28 drivers are expected to attempt to qualify for one of 24 starting positions in Sunday's 150-lap race and vie for their share of $44,894 in posted awards in race thirteen of the 14-race championship series.

Mathematically there are four drivers that can still claim the title, but it is Raudman who is closest and stands the best chance to upset Pettit's bid for his first series title. Raudman trails Pettit by 39 points after a disappointing finish in the last event at Mesa Marin (Calif.) Raceway. Raudman is looking to close the gap on Pettit.

"It's crunch time," Raudman said. "There is no messing around. Jim (Pettit) is really going to have to have problems to catch him. We just need to go out and do the best we can and let the finishes speak for themselves."

After a disappointing middle part of the season, 2002 AutoZone Southwest Series champion Eddy McKean of Jerome, Idaho is looking for a repeat performance at TRP. McKean won last year's event to score his first short-track win and is on a hot streak, finishing in the top three in the series last three races.

"Tucson is a great place to race," McKean said. "I love the race track and the fans will see a great show."

Other notable drivers that are looking for a solid finish at Tucson Raceway Park include Doug McCoun who needs a strong run at TRP after two disappointing finishes that have dropped the veteran to tenth in the overall standings. Danny Burson, Nick Lynch, and Nick Lynch are within 117 points of the top ten and all need solid finishes in order to gain a top ten spot in the standings and an invitation to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.

The Star Nursery.Com "150" presented by AutoZone is set to take the green flag at 2:00 pm PDT this Sunday, where a showdown in the old west will set the stage for who will be the new sheriff.

THE INSIDE LINE

* The race within the race ... Rip Michels tops the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year leader board after twelve events. Nick Lynch trails Michels by 14 points heading into the final two races. Michels needs only to start the final two races in order to claim the rookie title.

* How many cars? More than 28 cars are expected for the Star Nursery.Com "150".

* 17 drivers have victories in 20 races staged Tucson Raceway Park since 1993. M.K. Kanke, Ron Eaton, and Ron Hornaday are the only driver's to score multiple wins.

* Jim Pettit II and Craig Raudman have completed the most laps run this season (1,511 of 1,513 contested so far this season).

* Driver to keep your eye on: Bob Lyon has started more Southwest Series races (263) then any other driver. Lyon currently sits 15th in the standings.

* 10 drivers have started all twelve races contested so far this season, and the AutoZone Southwest Series has averaged 34 cars per event through the first twelve races of the season.

* Hoosier Racing Tire is the official tire of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division in 2004 and will award 32 tires to eligible car owners at each series event. Hoosier will also award two tires to the highest eligible Rookie-of-the-Year candidate's car owner.

* AutoZone Southwest Series contingency sponsors include: Anheuser-Busch, Auto Meter Products, Competition Cams, CV Products, Edelbrock Intake Manifolds, Featherlite Trailers, Five Star, G-Force, Holley Carburetors, Hoosier Tires, JR Pistons, Mac Tools, Mechanix Wear, Mobil 1 Oil, Moroso, Powerade, Quarter Master, Raybestos Brakes, and Timken.

MOVING UP

* Nick Joanides of Woodland, Hills, Calif. has moved up to 12th place in the standings just 116 points outside the NASCAR Top-10.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

* "Despite out performances this season I am having fun. This series is as tough as anything out there." - Richard Johnson (No. 47 Radcap Products Chevrolet).

PAGE FROM THE PAST

Jim Inglebright topped Roy Testa by 1.6 seconds September 25, 1993 to win the Valvoline 100 at TRP. Inglebright had a career day capturing the win, Rookie honors, and the Bud Pole Award. Bob Lyon, Doug George, and Ron Hornaday Jr. rounded out the top five finishers. There were five lead changes among four drivers with Ron Hornaday Jr. leading the most laps (33). The race took 32 minutes and 20 seconds to complete at an average speed of 69.588 mph. Hornaday left the race with a 213 point advantage over Doug George in the championship standings. Darrell LaMoure of Phoenix, Ariz. finished 16th.

Fast Facts

What: The Star Nursery.Com "150" presented by AutoZone. Race 13 of 14 for the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series.

Where: Tucson Raceway Park, Tucson, Ariz.

When: 2:00 p.m. PDT, Sunday, October 24.

Track layout: 3/8-mile paved oval.

Race length: 150-laps, 56.25 miles.

Posted awards: $44,894

2003 winner: Eddy McKean

2003 Bud Pole winner: Thomas Martin

Qualifying Record: Jim Inglebright, Chevrolet, 14.434 seconds, 93.529 mph, September 25, 1993.

Pre-race schedule (all times local): Saturday 10/23 4:00 pm Haulers Enter, 4:00 pm Registration and Inspection Begins, 8:00 pm pits close. Sunday 10/24 8:00 am Registration and pits open, 9:00-10:30 am noon Practice, 12:00 noon Qualifying, 1:30 pm Qualifying Race, 2:00 pm Star Nursery.Com "150".

Track contact: David Deery (520) 762-9200.

Ticket information: Available by calling (520) 762-9200.

Gilliland Scores Second Southwest Series Win of Season

BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. (October 16, 2004) David Gilliland of Riverside, Calif. inherited the lead when then leader Craig Raudman and current point leader Jim Pettit II tangled with three laps to go and held on to score the victory at Mesa Marin Raceway. The victory was Gilliland's second of the season in NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series competition and eighth of his career. 2001 series champion Eddy McKean crossed the line in second with long-time series regular M.K. Kanke scoring finishing third to score his second top five finish of the season. Dan Holtz and Eric Schmidt rounded out the top five finishers in the For Motorcraft Parts sponsored event.

Kanke topped the speed charts in qualifying to collect his 28th career Bud Pole Award. Jim Pettit II, Holtz, Gilliland, and Rip Michels rounded out the top five qualifiers. Travis Bennett, Stan Silva Jr., Todd Burns, and Dustin Jones transferred into the 150-lap event from the 10-lap non-qualifiers race. Kevin Para, Eddie Bryans, and Scott Calvin failed to qualify.

The race went seventeen extra laps due to two late race cautions setting up a green, white, and checkered finish. It was the fourth such finish of the season.

With only two races left to go in the 14-race championship series Pettit extended his championship point lead to 39 markers over Craig Raudman with a sixth place finish, while Raudman crossed the line in 14th. Burney Lamar maintains the third position, while second place finisher McKean moves into fourth and Eric Holmes drops to fifth.

The race took one hour, 10 minutes, and 58 seconds to complete at an average speed of 70.596 mph. There were five caution periods for 34 laps, with 25 cars running at the conclusion of the event. Travis Bennett collected the PowerAde Award for improving the most positions in the event (14), with Gilliland winning the Featherlite Award. Michels was the top finishing rookie.

The next event for the Southwest Series is Sunday, October 24 in Tucson, Arizona. The Tucson race was originally scheduled for September 18 but inclement weather forced the race to be rescheduled. For all the latest news and information regarding the Southwest Series log onto www.nascarregionalracing.com .

NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series

Ford Motorcraft Parts "150"

Mesa Marin Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif., October 16, 2004

150-Laps/75 miles on a Half-Mile Paved Oval, Purse: $47,644

Finishing position, starting position, driver, car, laps completed, reason

out, money won.

1. (7) David Gilliland, Chevrolet, 167, Running, $2,700;

2. (2) Eddy McKean, Pontiac, 167, Running, $2,100;

3. (10) M.K. Kanke, Chevrolet, 167, Running, $1,850;

4. (8) Dan Holtz, Ford, 167, Running, $1,200;

5. (16) Eric Schmidt, Chevrolet, 167, Running, $1,150;

6. (9) Jim Pettit II, Ford, 167, Running, $1,500;

7. (6) Rip Michels, Chevrolet, 167, Running, $1,400;

8. (15) Todd Souza, Chevrolet, 167, Running, $1,350;

9. (21) Nick Joanides, Chevrolet, 166, Running, $900;

10. (20) Matt Hall, Chevrolet, 166, Running, $850;

11. (14) Bob Lyon, Chevrolet, 166, Running, $800;

12. (5) Nick Lynch, Chevrolet, 166, Running, $750;

13. (27) Travis Bennett, Ford, 166, Running, $1,500;

14. (12) Craig Raudman, Chevrolet, 166, Running, $1,025;

15. (18) Tommy Fry, Chevrolet, 165, Running, $600;

16. (23) Darrell LaMoure, Chevrolet, 165, Running, $575;

17. (26) Jeff Seifert, Chevrolet, 164, Running, $550;

18. (29) Todd Burns, Chevrolet, 164, Running, $575;

19. (11) Joe Herold, Chevrolet, 164, Running, $900;

20. (24) Thomas Martin, Pontiac, 161, Running, $475;

21. (25) Richard Johnson, Chevrolet, 161, Running, $450;

22. (13) Auggie Vidovich Jr., Chevrolet, 155, Running, $425;

23. (4) Greg Voigt, Chevrolet, 154, Running, $800;

24. (1) Burney Lamar, Chevrolet, 151, Running, $800;

25. (22) Danny Burson, Chevrolet, 143, Running, $400;

26. (3) Eric Holmes, Chevrolet, 140, Running, $800;

27. (30) Dustin Jones, Chevrolet, 129, Running, $450;

28. (28) Stan Silva Jr., Chevrolet, 85, Running, $450;

29. (17) Brett Thompson, Chevrolet, 66, Running, $400;

30. (19) Doug McCoun, Chevrolet, 41, Running, $800;

# Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year Contenders

Failed to Qualify: Kevin Para, Eddie Bryans, Scott Calvin

TIME OF RACE: 53 minutes, 25 seconds

AVERAGE SPEED: 112.324 mph

MARGIN OF VICTORY: 9.337 seconds

BUD POLE AWARD: M.K. Kanke, Perricone Juices Chevrolet 18.324 seconds/98.232

mph

POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Travis Bennett, Grape King Ford

FEATHERLITE AWARD: David Gilliland, Race Fans.Com Pontiac

AUTOMETER ROOKIE-OF-THE-RACE AWARD: Rip Michels, Stock Building Supply

Chevrolet

CAUTION FLAGS: Five cautions for 34 laps (64-68, 71-74, 86-94, 149-156,

158-165)

LAP LEADERS: Four Lead Changes between four drivers . Burney Lamar 1-47, Eddy McKean 48-52, Lamar 53-112, Craig Raudman 113-156, David Gilliland

157-167.

UPDATED POINT STANDINGS after twelve races

AUTOZONE SOUTHWEST SERIES TOP 20

POINTS(WINS)

1. Jim Pettit II 1876 (3)

2. Craig Raudman 1837 (2)

3. Burney Lamar 1695 (1)

4. Eddy McKean 1666 (1)

5. Eric Holmes 1600 (1)

6. Joe Herold 1491 -

7. Todd Souza 1470 -

8. Greg Voigt 1467 -

9. Rip Michels 1467 -

10. Doug McCoun 1441 -

11. Danny Burson 1357 -

12. Nick Joanides 1325 -

13. Nick Lynch 1324 -

14. Darrell LaMoure 1295 -

15. Bob Lyon 1250 -

16. Thomas Martin 1227 -

17. David Gilliland 1223 (2)

18. Dan Holtz 1222 -

19. Todd Burns 916 -

20. Jeff Seifert 865 (1)

ROOKIE-OF-THE-YEAR STANDINGS

Name Pts

Rip Michels 114

Nick Lynch 99

Todd Burns 41

MANUFACTURE' STANDINGS

MFG Pts

Chevrolet 88

Pontiac 71

Ford 69

Dodge

FEATHERLITE AWARD STANDINGS

Name Pts

Danny Burson 2

David Gilliland 2

Rip Michels 1

Eric Holmes 1

Stephen Sadler 1

Darrell LaMoure 1

Eric Holmes 1

Tracy Bolin 1

Randy Nelson 1

Joe Herold 1

BUD POLE AWARD STANDINGS

Name Pts

Craig Raudman 4

Burney Lamar 3

Eric Holmes 2

Zach Niessner 1

Boris Said 1

M.K. Kanke 1

POWERADE MOVE OF THE RACE

Name Pts

Todd Souza 2

Doug McCoun 1

David Gilliland 1

Bob McCoun 1

Ben Walker 1

Greg Voigt 1

Rudy Revak 1

Darrell LaMoure 1

Nick Joanides 1

Jim Pettit II 1

Travis Bennett 1

What: NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series "Driver Appearance"

When: Friday, October 15, 2004, 12:00-2:00 pm

Where: The AutoZone store located at 8430 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, Calif. - Where HPS/Victory Circle teammates Craig Raudman and Burney Lamar will be on site. Raudman currently holds down the second spot in the standings with three races left to go while Burney Lamar sits third. The drivers will have their cars on display and sign autographs for all fans. The drivers will also be available for media interviews in preparation for the Ford Motorcraft Parts "150" at Mesa Marin Raceway Saturday, October 16 - a great opportunity to meet and develop stories on these talented NASCAR drivers.

Details: The NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series returns to Mesa Marin Raceway this weekend for the running of the Ford Motorcraft "150" which will be broadcast live on HDNet. The series' top teams and drivers will be at MMR for race twelve of the 14-race championship series. Mesa Marin Raceway has showcased the Southwest Series since 1987 and will host the 59th series event. Mike Chase leads all drivers win nine career victories at MMR with current dirver M.K. Kanke scoring four triumphs at the high-banked half-mile oval.

A tentative schedule of events for this Saturday's Ford Motorcraft Parts "150" is as follows: Saturday 10/16 8:00 a.m. Pit gates open and Haulers enter . 12:00-12:45 p.m. and 1:30-2:15 p.m. Southwest Series practice . 4:30 p.m. Southwest Series Qualifying, 6:00 p.m. Non-Qualifiers Race. Driver Introductions 7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m. Ford Motorcraft Parts "150".

NASCAR TOP 10 AT A GLANCE

A look at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 Drivers

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 13, 2004) - The following is a glance at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 in the series championship standings heading into the Ford Motorcraft Parts "150" at Mesa Marin Raceway this Saturday, October 16. The race in Bakersfield, Calif. will be race twelve of 14 on the NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series schedule:

No. 1 - Jim Pettit II (No. 03 California Hot Wood Ford), Jim Pettit Racing. Last week's ranking: 1st. Pettit maintains the top spot by a slim ten point margin after a fifth place performance in the last event at PIR. Pettit finished second at Mesa Marin back in March. Pettit has three wins this season and is looking for win number four and first at MMR.

No. 2 - Craig Raudman (No. 2 HPS/Victory Circle Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 2nd. Raudman closed the gap on Pettit with a runner-up finish at PIR October 3. Raudman returns to MMR where he scored only one victory but delivered eight top five performances since 1992. Raudman leads all drivers with 29 career Bud Pole Awards and four this season. Raudman won the Bud Pole at MMR back in March.

No. 3 - Burney Lamar (No. 1 Groeniger Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 3rd. Lamar tallied a sixth place effort at PIR October 3 after starting third. It was Lamar's sixth top five finish of the season for the four year series competitor. Lamar has three Bud Pole Awards this season and nine career fast time awards. Lamar finished 29th at MMR back in March.

No. 4 - Eric Holmes (No. 62 KENKO Chevrolet), Beebe Racing. Last week's ranking: 4th. Holmes maintains the fourth position in the standings for the third consecutive race after a dominating victory at PIR October 3. Holmes has eight top ten finishes in eleven starts this season. Holmes finished 7th at MMR back in March and won at Mesa Marin in 2002.

No. 5 - Eddy McKean (No. 19 Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac),

McKean Racing. Last week's ranking: 5th. McKean held on to third at PIR after his right rear tire started to go flat with 20 laps to go. McKean has seven top ten performances this season and finished fifth at MMR back in March. His best Mesa Marin finish came in this race in 2002 where he finished third.

No. 6 - Joe Herold (No. 5 Quality Chevrolet), Herold Racing. Last week's ranking: 7th. Herold continues to have his best season in the series with a strong finish of 13th at PIR October 3. Herold finished 12th at MMR in the spring and position himself for an invite to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in November with another solid performance this weekend.

No. 7- Greg Voigt (No. 9 Auto Pro Racing Engines Chevrolet), Voigt Racing. Last week's ranking: 8th. Voigt finished 12th at PIR and moved up one spot in the standings after eleven races. Voigt has one top five and three top ten finishes this season and finished 17th at MMR in the spring. Voigt finished 4th at MMR in March of 2003.

No. 8 - Doug McCoun (No. 16 Camacho's Cantina Chevrolet), CBA Motorsports. Last week's ranking: 6th. McCoun slipped to 8th in the standings after debris ended his day at PIR October 3. McCoun finished a disappointing 26. McCoun's last win came at MMR in 2002 and is squarely focused on moving back up the standings with another strong run. McCoun has three victories at MMR over the years.

No. 9 - Todd Souza (No. 6 Money By Design Chevrolet), Penney Racing. Last week's ranking: 9th. Souza stays in the ninth spot in the standings after a 18th place effort at PIR. Souza has one top five and two top ten finishes in eleven starts this season and looks to hold onto a top ten final points finish. Souza finished 14th at Mesa Marin back in March.

No. 10 - Rip Michels (No. 12 Stock Building Supply Chevrolet), Michels Racing. Last week's ranking: 10th. Michels continues to lead the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year standings after eleven with a solid 8th place performance at PIR October 3. Michels scored his first career top ten finish with a 10th place finish at Mesa Marin back in March and has added four other top ten efforts since then.

Charting the Champs: 2003 series champion Auggie Vidovich has returned to the series this sporting new colors taking over the driving duties of the Centrifugal Technologies Chevrolet. Vidovich finished fourth at PIR October 3 in the Rich Fountain owned machine. 2001 series champion Craig Raudman maintains second in the standings after a runner-up finish at PIR. Raudman calls Bakersfield home but has only scored one victory at the high-banked half-mile oval. 2002 series champion Eddy McKean maintains the fifth spot in the standings after a third place performance at PIR October 3.

Fast Facts

NASCAR Top 10 this week: 1. Jim Pettit II, 1726; 2. Craig Raudman, 1716; 3. Burney Lamar, 1604; 4. Eric Holmes, 1515; 5. Eddy McKean, 1496; 6. Joe Herold, 1385; 7. Greg Voigt, 1373; 8. Doug McCoun, 1368; 9. Todd Souza, 1328; 10. Rip Michels, 1321.

Races at No. 1: Craig Raudman (5), Jim Pettit II (5), Eddy McKean (1).

New arrivals in the NASCAR Top 10 this week: None

Most weeks in the NASCAR Top 10: Five drivers tied at eleven races

Biggest mover among the Top 10: Joe Herold (7th to 6th)

Dropped out of the NASCAR Top 10 this week: None

Past Champions (Point Standing): Auggie Vidovich (23rd), Craig Raudman (2nd), Eddy McKean (5th).

For Southwest Series Drivers, Title Hopes Rest on Mesa Marin Triumph

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 12, 2004) - For 27 years, Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., has been the cornerstone of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series and a place where several of NASCAR's superstars cut their teeth. Mesa Marin Raceway is known for action and has become the most prolific track on the West coast. This Saturday, October 16 the Southwest Series returns for the 59th time in the running of the Ford Motorcraft Parts "150".

For many drivers, a return to Mesa Marin conjures up special meaning as many of the past series' standouts have claimed victory on one the country's prized ovals. Names like Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Matt Crafton, Ron Hornaday Jr., and Rick Carelli have all won at Mesa Marin Raceway.

For 2001 series champion Craig Raudman, who resides in Bakersfield, to win at Mesa Marin holds special meaning. "This is my hometown, but more importantly, this is where all the great drivers on the West coast have run," Raudman said. "

More than 35 drivers are expected to attempt to qualify for one of 30 starting positions in Saturday's 150-lap race and vie for their share of $47,644 in posted awards in race twelve of the 14-race championship series. The event at Mesa Marin Raceway will also be broadcast live in High Definition on HDNet with Mike Hogewood, Jim Tretow, and Kandace Krueger calling the action.

Raudman has been a mainstay on the Southwest Series since the early 90's but has only claimed one win at his home track. "We have always been competitive here, but things have not always gone our way," Raudman said. "This race is critical in our bid to win the championship. It seems every year the championship comes down to who does the best at Mesa Marin."

Current series point leader Jim Pettit II from Prunedale, Calif. knows that a strong finish at Mesa Marin will go a long way towards his first series championship. "Some say you have to lose one to win one," Pettit said. "We have been close in the championship hunt the last two years, but leading the points this late in the season is important. More important is winning this weekend at Mesa Marin. We tested last week and our car is as close to perfect as I have had, but Craig (Raudman) Mike (M.K. Kanke) and Dan (Holtz) are going to be tough to beat."

2003 Southwest Series champion Auggie Vidovich from Lakeside, Calif. will make only his seventh start this but has two wins on the high-banks of Mesa Marin. "Mesa is tough," Vidovich said. Vidovich has teamed with Rich Fountain for the rest of the season and his sole purpose is to win races. "Since we are not running for a championship this season, we just want to win, and there is nothing like winning at Mesa Marin."

Fresh off a dominating victory last weekend at Phoenix Int'l Raceway, Eric Holmes from Escalon, Calif. continues to boost his point total and close the gap on third place Burney Lamar. Holmes won the October Classic at Mesa Marin Raceway in 2002 and has his eyes clearly focused on career win number five.

"You have to save tires," Holmes said of the Mesa Marin track surface. "The driver that saves his right rear is going to have a big advantage late in the race."

Other notable drivers that are looking for a solid finish at Mesa Marin

include: Dan Holtz of Pacific Palisades, Calif. who won at Mesa Marin last spring. Holtz has also won the 2001 Late Model championship and the 2002 and 2003 Super Late Model champion at Mesa Marin Raceway. M.K. Kanke is back and will debut a new Victory Circle Chassis. Kanke has four wins and 17 top five performances at Mesa Marin. Doug McCoun from Escalon, Calif. last visited victory lane in 2002 with that win coming at MMR. McCoun is searching for career win number ten and first for car owner Clarence Broussard.

The Ford Motorcraft Parts "150" is set to take the green flag at 8:00 pm PDT this Saturday live on HDNet. The popular saying, "Old age and experience will win out over youth and enthusiasm" will be tested when the stars of the Southwest Series come to Mesa Marin Raceway.

THE INSIDE LINE

. The race within the race . Rip Michels (2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly

Series Sunbelt Region champion) tops the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year leader board over Nick Lynch.

. How many cars? More than 35 cars have pre-entered the Ford

Motorcraft "150".

. Seven current drivers have victories at Mesa Marin Raceway. Drivers

include: Doug McCoun, Eric Holmes, Darrell LaMoure, M.K. Kanke, Auggie Vidovich, Craig Raudman, and Bob Lyon. Mike Chase leads all drivers with nine trips to victory lane.

. Only ten drivers have started all events thus far this season with

Craig Raudman completing 1345 of 1346 laps contested.

. Driver to keep your eye on: Eric Holmes dominated the race at

Phoenix one week ago to score his fourth series win and strengthen his top five championship standing.

. Jim Pettit II leads the AutoZone Southwest Series standings for the

fifth week this season. Pettit finished 5th at Phoenix and has three victories this season.

. Hoosier Racing Tire is the official tire of the NASCAR AutoZone

Elite Division in 2004 and will award 32 tires to eligible car owners at each series event. Hoosier will also award two tires to the highest eligible Rookie-of-the-Year candidate's car owner.

. AutoZone Southwest Series contingency sponsors include:

Anheuser-Busch, Auto Meter Products, Competition Cams, CV Products, Edelbrock Intake Manifolds, Featherlite Trailers, Five Star, G-Force, Holley Carburetors, Hoosier Tires, JE Pistons, Mac Tools, Mechanix Wear, Mobil 1 Oil, Moroso, Powerade, Quarter Master, Raybestos Brakes, and Timken.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THIS DRIVER

. Danny Burson of Albuquerque, NM. had his career best finish of

second last year at Mesa Marin Raceway and is coming off a ninth place performance at Phoenix last weekend. Burson sits outside the top ten by just 52 points. The third year driver is squarely focused on making it into the top ten in the standings with strong finishes in the final three races.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

. "Prepare, work hard, drive hard, and the rest will take care of

itself." - Dan Holtz (No. 23 Rialto Concrete Products Ford).

PAGE FROM THE PAST

Mike Chase took the victory at Mesa Marin Raceway September 19, 1987 to record his fourth win of the season in his familiar blue and silver Freymiller sponsored Chevrolet. Rick Carelli, Jon Paques, Ron Esau, and Randy Olson rounded out the top five in the 100-lap event. The race took just 30 minutes and 44 seconds to complete at an average speed of 81.670 mph. Chase also took fast time honors in qualifying over the twenty four starters. Carelli was the top finishing rookie-of-the-year candidate. The race was slowed three times for nine laps with Mike Hood, Carelli, and Chases all taking time at the front of the field.

Southwest Series Star Nursery. COM "150" at Tucson to be Run Sunday October 24

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (October 9, 2004) Officials for NASCAR and Tucson (Ariz.)Raceway Park have rescheduled the Star Nursery. COM "150" for the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series to Sunday, October 24, 2004. The event was originally scheduled for September 18 but inclement weather forced the event to be postponed. The race at Tucson will be race thirteen of the 14 race championship series.

With Tucson back on the schedule the points battle will certainly heat up as Jim Pettit II from Prunedale, Calif. leads Bakersfield, California's Craig Raudman by only ten points going into the final three events. Raudman's teammate Burney Lamar, also of Bakersfield holds down the third spot, with the most recent series winner Eric Holmes of Escalon, Calif. in the fourth position. 2002 series champion Eddy McKean from Jerome, Idaho rounds out the top five in the standings.

The race at Tucson will also be a welcome sign for several drivers fighting to get in the NASCAR Top 10 and earn an invite to the prestigious NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown that will be staged at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway November 11-13. Leading Rookie Rip Michels of Mission Hills, Calif. holds down the tenth spot in the standings with New Mexico's Danny Burson 52 points back. Fellow rookie Nick Lynch sits in the twelfth position 72 markers behind Burson.

AutoZone Southwest Series teams will park haulers and go through technical inspection on Saturday, October 23 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Then on Sunday, October 24 the pits will open at 8:00 a.m. for practice and qualifying with the Star Nursery. COM "150" presented by AutoZone scheduled to take the green flag at 2:00 p.m. PST. Also joining the Southwest Series on the afternoon racing card will be the NASCAR Late Models for a 50-lap contest and the Factory Stocks running twin 25-lap events. The local racing action will begin at 1:00 p.m. For ticket information please call the Tucson Raceway Park office at 520/762-9200. For all the latest news and information regarding the AutoZone Southwest Series log onto www.nascarregionalracing.com .

Holmes Beats Desert Heat With Phoenix Win

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (October 3, 2004) With temperatures soaring to 100 degrees Sunday afternoon in Phoenix, Eric Holmes of Escalon, Calif. beat the heat to score a dominating victory by leading every lap en route to his second win of the season in NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series competition. Holmes scorched the field and took the victory by 9.3 seconds over Craig Raudman, with two-time Phoenix winner Eddy McKean finishing third. 2003 series champion Auggie Vidovich had his best performance of his part-time season finishing fourth and 2004 series point leader Jim Pettit II rounded out the top five.

Holmes started on the pole by virtue of his second consecutive Bud Pole Award as he toured the one-mile oval in 27.656 seconds/130.171 mph to pace qualifying. Raudman, Burney Lamar, McKean, and David Gilliland rounded out the top five qualifiers for the 100-lap JC Glass sponsored event.

Holmes bolted to the lead at the drop of the green flag and led the field into turn one. The pack quickly got sorted out in single file. The only caution of the event came out on lap five when the Chevrolet of Nick Lynch spun entering the dog-leg. Lynch had to stop several times for repairs and ended up finishing 30th.

Holmes continued to pace the field on the lap ten restart and began to build a significant lead on Raudman. McKean got around Raudman on lap ten and set his sights on Holmes. Lamar ran fourth, with Gilliland, Danny Burson, Vidovich, Rookie Rip Michels, Darrell LaMoure, and Joey Miller running in the top ten.

By lap 23, Holmes had built a three second lead on McKean, Raudman, and Lamar. Dan Holtz lost power and headed to the pits eventually finishing 29th. At the lap 25 mark Pettit made his way into the tenth position from his 24th starting position and searched for more in order to keep his point lead in tack.

David Gilliland hoping to sweep the daily double lost his first bid when his distributor failed relegating the Riverside, Calif. driver to a 28th place finish at lap 36. By this time McKean turned up the wick on his Pontiac and reeled in Holmes as the duo began to lap the rear of the field.

Vidovich moved into the fourth position on lap 42 getting by Lamar. Michels, Joey Miller, Pettit, Burson, and Joe Herold completed the top ten. Kevin Clark ran in 11th, followed by Doug McCoun, Brandon Riehl, Stan Silva Jr., Greg Voigt, Mike Price and Justin Martz.

By lap 50, Holmes and McKean distanced themselves from Raudman by four seconds and Raudman had an equal lead on Vidovich. As Holmes and McKean navigated lapped traffic, Holmes was able to dispatch with the slower cars with greater ease than McKean and started to build up his lead again. The top ten stayed the same over the next 25 laps with Holmes blasting through the field at a blistering pace.

By lap 85, Holmes had built a six second lead on McKean and lapped up to the eighth position occupied by Michels. McKean started to develop a push that allowed Raudman to close and pass on lap 86. With ten laps to go, Holmes was comfortably out front with Raudman riding in second. McKean was hanging on as Vidovich started to close in with laps winding down.

At the finish Holmes crossed the line more than nine seconds ahead of Raudman to score the most dominating win of his career. The win was Holmes' fifth career triumph and first with his new Victory Circle Chassis and Freight-Train Peters engine combination.

"This was a lot of fun," Holmes said. "This is the best car I have ever driven and the most comfortable I have I have been here at Phoenix. I want to thank Allen Beebe (owner) for all of his support and dedication to the team."

Finishing second and shaving fifteen points off Pettit's lead was Craig Raudman who scored his seventh top five of the season. "I did not have anything for Eric at the end," Raudman said. "But I am real happy that Victory Circle cars took the top three spots. This is going to be an interesting race to the championship and I was able to close in a bit on Jim (Pettit)."

Scoring his seventh top three finish at Phoenix in the last eight race was Eddy McKean. "My right rear started going flat with twenty laps to go and I was just glad to hang on. Eric drove a great race and it was another great race for us."

Pettit had to work his way through the field but managed to tally his series leading eighth top five finish of the season and maintain a slim ten point lead heading into the event at Mesa Marin (Calif.) Raceway in two weeks. "We had to work real hard all weekend," Pettit said. "We really did not get the car figured out until the final practice and we still had to make pretty significant changes before the race. I was not happy with how we qualified, but a top five finish is certain a victory for. I am sure glad this race did not go extra distance as I ran dry at the finish."

The race took just 53 minutes and 25 seconds to complete at an average speed of 112.324 mph (race record). The action was only slowed one time for five laps of caution with Eric Holmes leading all 100 laps. Pettit collected the PowerAde Award for improving the most positions in the event (19) and a $750 bonus. Joe Herold won the $300 Featherlite Award for improving the most positions from the previous event (12). Michels again claimed top rookie honors with his eighth place finish and maintain his tenth place position in the point standings.

Pettit(1726) maintains the top spot in the standings followed by Raudman (-10), Lamar (-122), Holmes (-211), and McKean (-230). Joe Herold moves up to the sixth position, with Greg Voigt, Doug McCoun, Todd Souza, and Michels rounding out the top ten in the standings. Danny Burson sits just outside the top ten trailing Michels by only 52 points.

Holmes' winning Chevrolet is a 2004 Victory Circle Chassis powered by a Freight-Train Peters powerplant and sponsored by KENCO, Paul Oil, and Taco Bell.

The next event for the AutoZone Southwest Series is in two weeks at the half-mile paved oval in Bakersfield, Calif. at Mesa Marin Raceway. With only three races left in the championship chase the battle is wide open. Log onto www.nascarregionalracing.com for all the latest news and information regarding the Southwest Series and all NASCAR regional racing action.

Updated standings

AUTOZONE SOUTHWEST SERIES TOP 20

POINTS(WINS)

1. Jim Pettit II 1726 (3)

2. Craig Raudman 1716 (2)

3. Burney Lamar 1604 (1)

4. Eric Holmes 1515 (2)

5. Eddy McKean 1496 (1)

6. Joe Herold 1385 -

7. Greg Voigt 1373 -

8. Doug McCoun 1368 -

9. Todd Souza 1328 -

10. Rip Michels 1321 -

11. Danny Burson 1269 -

12. Nick Lynch 1197 -

13. Nick Joanides 1187 -

14. Darrell LaMoure 1180 -

15. Thomas Martin 1124 -

16. Bob Lyon 1120 -

17. Dan Holtz 1062 -

18. David Gilliland 1043 (1)

19. Todd Burns 807 -

20. Ben Walker 772 -

ROOKIE-OF-THE-YEAR STANDINGS

Name Pts

Rip Michels 104

Nick Lynch 90

Todd Burns 33

MANUFACTURE' STANDINGS

MFG Pts

Chevrolet 82

Ford 65

Pontiac 62

Dodge 3

FEATHERLITE AWARD STANDINGS

Name Pts

Danny Burson 2

Rip Michels 1

David Gilliland 1

Eric Holmes 1

Stephen Sadler 1

Darrell LaMoure 1

Eric Holmes 1

Tracy Bolin 1

Randy Nelson 1

Joe Herold 1

BUD POLE AWARD STANDINGS

Name Poles

Craig Raudman 4

Burney Lamar 3

Eric Holmes 2

Zach Niessner 1

Boris Said 1

POWERADE MOVE OF THE RACE

Name Pts

Todd Souza 2

Doug McCoun 1

David Gilliland 1

Bob McCoun 1

Ben Walker 1

Greg Voigt 1

Rudy Revak 1

Darrell LaMoure 1

Nick Joanides 1

Jim Pettit II 1

Holmes Perfect in Phoenix Pass

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (October 2, 2004) With Temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees Saturday afternoon, Eric Holmes from Escalon, Calif. was equally as hot collecting his third career Bud Pole Award and second consecutive fast time in NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series competition. Holmes toured the one-mile paved oval of Phoenix International Raceway in 27.656 seconds topping Bud Pole king Craig Raudman of Bakersfield, Calif. who qualified second with Raudman's teammate Burney of W. Sacramento, Calif. turning in the third fast lap. Two-time Phoenix winner and defending race champion Eddy McKean from Jerome, Idaho and David Gilliland rounded out the top five qualifiers.

"This new car really works," Holmes said. "Victory Circle Chassis' had a great day today taking the four top spots. With this new Freight-Train Peters engine, this is the best combination I have ever had. I have always run pretty good here, but I feel real good about tomorrow."

Holmes will lead the field of thirty starters to green in the JC Glass "100" which is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. PST Sunday. Sunday's race is event eleven in the fourteen-race championship series where Jim Pettit II of Prunedale, Calif. leads the point standings by 25 points over Raudman. Pettit qualified 24th. Brandon Riehl from Boring, Ore. who wrapped up seventh place in the final AutoZone Northwest Series and will make his first start at Phoenix.

NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division

Southwest Series

JC Glass "100"

Phoenix Int'l Raceway, Phoenix, Arizona, October 2, 2004

Qualifying Results

Qualifying Position, Driver, Car, Hometown, Lap Time (sec)/ Speed (mph).

1. Eric Holmes, Chevrolet, Escalon, Calif., 27.656/130.171

2. Craig Raudman, Chevrolet, Bakersfield, Calif., 27.756/129.702

3. Burney Lamar, Chevrolet, W. Sacramento, Calif., 27.806/129.468

4. Eddy McKean, Pontiac, Jerome, Idaho, 27.87/129.171

5. David Gilliland, Pontiac, Riverside, Calif., 27.909/128.991

6. Danny Burson, Chevrolet, Albuquerque, NM, 27.989/128.622

7. Nick Lynch, Chevrolet, Burley, Idaho, 27.994/128.599

8. Joey Miller, Chevrolet, Lakeville, Minn., 28.016/128.498

9. Rip Michels, Chevrolet, Mission Hills, Calif., 28.023/128.466

10. Auggie Vidovich Jr., Chevrolet, Lakeside, Calif., 28.033/128.42

11. Dan Holtz, Ford, Pacific Palisades, Calif., 28.057/128.31

12. Darrell LaMoure, Chevrolet, Phoenix, Ariz., 28.111/128.064

13. Stan Silva Jr., Chevrolet, Castroville, Calif., 28.136/127.95

14. Thomas Martin, Pontiac, Auburn, Calif., 28.281/127.294

15. Brandon Riehl, Chevrolet, Boring, Ore., 28.289/127.258

16. Kevin Clark, Chevrolet, Colorado Springs, Colo., 28.290/127.253

17. Joe Herold, Chevrolet, Poway, Calif., 28.315/127.141

18. Doug McCoun, Chevrolet, Prunedale, Calif., 28.362/126.93

19. Todd Souza, Chevrolet, Aromas, Calif., 28.381/126.845

20. Greg Voigt, Chevrolet, Santa Barbara, Calif., 28.401/126.756

21. Justin Martz, Chevrolet, Silverbow, Mont., 28.419/126.676

22. Stephen Sadler, Chevrolet, Brea, Calif., 28.501/126.311

23. Jeff Seifert, Chevrolet, Jamul, Calif., 28.536/126.156

24. Jim Pettit II, Ford, Prunedale, Calif., 28.552/126.086

25. Tommy Fry, Chevrolet, Simi Valley, Calif., 28.826/124.887

26. Randy Nelson, Ford, El Cajon, Calif., 28.858/124.749

27. Mike Price, Chevrolet, Harbor City, Calif., 28.878/124.662

28. Greg Fowler, Chevrolet, Longmont, Colo., 29.131/123.58

29. Nick Joanides, Chevrolet, Woodland Hills, Calif., 29.332/122.733

30. Richard Johnson, Chevrolet, Antioch, Calif., 30.473/118.137

Copper World Classic Back At PIR, Classic Event Pairs Cars and Stars from NASCAR and USAC

PHOENIX, AZ (October 1, 2004) - The famed "Copper World Classic," one of America's most revered grass-roots racing events, is returning to its original format and calendar listing in 2005. The announcement of the change was made today by Phoenix International Raceway, the United States Auto Club and NASCAR. The event will mark the opening of the 2005 race season at PIR.

"For many years the Copper World Classic was a signature event for PIR, both in its uniqueness to Phoenix and its popularity among drivers and fans," said PIR President Bryan R. Sperber. "We are delighted that, working with NASCAR and USAC, we have been able to revive this truly special event."

Featuring the USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series cars, USAC National & Western Midgets and NASCAR's AutoZone Elite and Grand National, West Series divisions, the event is slated for January 29-30 at the Desert Mile. Tickets are now available and priced at only $29.

"The United States Auto Club, along with our fine Weld Racing Silver Crown Series teams and Midget teams are looking forward to the NEW 2005 Copper World Classic at Phoenix International Raceway," said USAC President/CEO Rollie Helmling. "The Copper World is returning to its roots by moving to its original format. Many participants and race fans appreciate that they will again have an opportunity to visit Phoenix this time of year. The racing is always great at PIR and USAC welcomes this opportunity to join with our friends from NASCAR."

Often recognized in racing circles as one of the sport's most prestigious "grass roots" weekends, the Cooper World Classic began in 1977 with four divisions running - stocks, sprints, formula fords and sports cars. Current NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Jason Leffler, J.J. Yeley and Jeff Gordon all used this event to launch their careers.

"It's long overdue," offers NASCAR and USAC Champion Tony Stewart, himself a three-time winner in Copper World action. "Bringing back the true tradition of the Copper Classic is something that I'm really excited about. PIR is one of the nicest facilities that USAC goes to all year. It's king of like going to the Daytona 500. Once the season is over everybody is getting ready for the Copper Classic. It's a very prestigious race to win. That's just what makes it special. It's extremely fast, one of the fastest places you can go to with USAC. It's pretty impressive to run there."

For the past few years, the Copper World Classic has featured the Indy Racing League (IRL) and USAC Series racing, however, due to schedule change by the IRL to accommodate national television, the Copper World Classic will once again begin the PIR schedule.

Tickets for the 2005 Copper World Classic can be purchased by visiting www.phoenixraceway.com, or by calling (602) 252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.

Provided by Phoenix Int'l Raceway Public Relations

Seasons Change But Racing at PIR Stays the Same for Southwest Series

DAYTONA BEACH, Fl. (September 29, 2004) This time of year beckons a change of seasons all across the country. With a change of seasons, comes the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. This scene will be played out for competitors of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series for the 19th time as driver's and teams enter the final three events of the season in their quest for a series championship. This year's championship chase will conclude with two of the final three events being staged at the famed mile in the desert, Phoenix International Raceway.

With Phoenix looming large on the horizon, five drivers will vie for the series championship. Jim Pettit II of Prunedale, Calif. leads 2001 series champion Craig Raudman of Bakersfield, Calif. by a narrow margin with Raudman's team Burney Lamar, also of Bakersfield in third place. Eric Holmes from Escalon, Calif. and 2002 series champion Eddy McKean from Jerome, Idaho round out the top five and both are looking for late season success to move them to the top.

McKean started out the season dominating round one of the 14 race championship series at PIR collecting his fourth career triumph. Pettit took round two at Madera (Calif.) Speedway, with Raudman claiming the victory at his home track of Mesa Marin (Calif.) Raceway. New comer and occasional competitor Jeff Seifert from Jamul, Calif. scored his first career win at Cajon (Calif.) Speedway in April. After the first four races, Raudman held the top spot in the standings with Pettit, McKean, Holmes and Dan Holtz in tow.

Holmes scored the victory at Stockton (Calif.) Speedway in May, with Lamar taking the checkers at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway later that month. David Gilliland from Riverside, Calif. had the cautions fall his way at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. after road racing ace Boris Said lost a motor that collected NASCAR NEXTEL Cup star Kevin Harvick. After the twists and turns of Infineon the teams headed back to Madera Speedway where Pettit swept both events and closed to within 13 points of leader Raudman.

Round nine went to Raudman as he rebounded and scored his 15th career win at Stockton 99 Speedway in late July. The series then headed east to the mountains of Colorado for the annual high plains shootout at Colorado National Speedway in August. Pettit scored his third win of the season in dominating fashion and retook the series point lead by 25 points over Raudman heading to the copper state for the final swing of the season. The event at Tucson (Ariz.) Raceway Park on September 18 was postponed due to unusually wet weather caused by many of the hurricanes in the gulf.

As the drivers enter the event this weekend at PIR, Pettit stands on the verge of scoring his second major NASCAR championship but it has taken him twenty years to get to this point. In 1984, Pettit won the Pacific Coast regional championship for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. During that time Pettit has won countless track championships at several racetracks in central California.

In 2003, Raudman put together an entirely new team with the sole purpose of winning the 2004 crown. Thus far, his two wins and four Bud Pole Awards have positioned him firmly in the championship hunt with three races left to go. His teammate Lamar is a young gun looking to make his mark in the sport and move up NASCAR's ladder and knows that a regional championship may well propel him into the future.

With the top three seemingly out of reach Holmes and McKean look to steal a little of the thunder by winning the final three races. McKean is the series master of the mile racetracks winning three times and scoring five other top three finishes since 2002.

Since 1986, only Ron Hornaday and Steve Portenga have claimed two series championships. Raudman looks to event the score and put his name in the record books. But he will have to pass Pettit to get there.

"Phoenix is a test at every turn," Pettit said. "This is our Daytona 500, so it is important to the team, our sponsors and our fans that we do well here. We have had some good runs in the past only to have trouble at the end. The team that performs well here (PIR) will win the championship."

Raudman agrees. "I have never had the best luck at Phoenix," Raudman said. "I hope that is all behind us. We are so focused on winning our second championship, but we need a good result at Phoenix. The track is fast and smooth. The improvements they have made have really improved the passing opportunities and will create a great show for the fans."

McKean has dominated many of the shows at Phoenix even though he has only tallied two wins there. He is looking to make a run in the standings and feels very confident about his chances at PIR. "I love the place," McKean said. "For most of us who grew up racing at our local track, Phoenix has always been the ultimate goal. I have had tremendous success here and I want to be in position to go for the win at both events. This tracks tests the teams like no other track on the schedule. We are ready."

The series will crown a champion in November at PIR and as the seasons change a new chapter for the AutoZone Southwest Series will begin while the sun sets on its 19th season.

Southwest Series Drivers Look Eye NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend at PIR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 29, 2004) - October marks the changing of the seasons in most of the country, but this weekend an old fashion Wild West shootout in the hot desert sun is in store at Phoenix International Raceway when the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series takes to the track for round eleven of the 14 race championship series sponsored by JC Glass.

More than thirty-five drivers from across the country who compete in NASCAR's AutoZone Elite Division will attempt to qualify for a starting position in Sunday's 100-lap race and vie for their share of $81,294 in posted awards.

2002 series champion, Eddy McKean, has three second place finishes and two victories in the last six events at PIR and looks to make it three straight wins on the desert mile. McKean from Jerome, Idaho, is a former two-time NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series regional champion that cut his teeth on a third-mile oval, but would like nothing more then to put his name in the series record books.

With McKean looking to score back to back wins, series point leader Jim Pettit II from Prunedale, Calif. is hoping to keep his train on track as he looks for win number four of the season and first at Phoenix.

"I have been close a couple of times," Pettit said of his experiences at PIR. "This race track more than any we compete on requires a whole lot of luck. It is fast and things happen so quickly you can go from hero to zero in the blink of an eye. You really have to rely on your spotter to help you out."

This event also is crunch time for driver's as they jockey for a position in the top ten of the standings. Danny Burson, Nick Lynch, and Bob Lyon are within 59 points of tenth place with four races left to go. Nick Joanides and Darrell LaMoure see a gap of only 110 points. With several drivers looking to attack and make it into the top ten, Rip Michels from Mission Hills, Calif. will be fighting to hold onto tenth place.

Michels, the 2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Sunbelt regional champion, knows that anything can happen at Phoenix and wishes no bad luck to anyone, but a strong finish is critical for his team. "I got schooled here in January," Michels said. "This series is tougher than anything I have done. All these guys are great racers and they are prepared. You cannot take Phoenix lightly as it can make or break your season."

While Michels is battling to keep his Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year points lead and preserve his position in the NASCAR Top 10, three drivers will attempt the weekend double, competing in both the Southwest Series and NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series events.

McKean will join Nick Joanides from Woodland Hills, Calif. and David Gilliland from Riverside, Calif. on both starting grids hoping to pull off the weekend double. Also making the long tow for the Southwest Series event are Brandon Riehl from the AutoZone Northwest Series and Joey Miller representing the AutoZone Midwest Series.

This JC Glass promises to showcase some of NASCAR's brightest young talent and rising stars. The race this weekend may well serve as the prelude to the series finale that will be contested back here in just four short weeks. The JC Glass "100" is set to take the green flag at 1:00 p.m. PST Sunday, October 3 live on HDNet. Check local cable and satellite listings.

NASCAR TOP 10 AT A GLANCE

A look at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 Drivers

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 28, 2004) - The following is a glance at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 in the series championship standings heading into the JC Glass "10" at Phoenix Int'l Raceway this Sunday, October 3. The race in Phoenix, Arizona will be race eleven of 14 on the NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series schedule. The previous race September 18 at Tucson Raceway Park has been postponed due to inclement weather and is tentatively rescheduled for Sunday, October 10:

No. 1 - Jim Pettit II (No. 03 California Hot Wood Ford), Jim Pettit Racing. Last week's ranking: 2nd. Pettit moved to the top of the standings for the fourth time this season after a dominating performance at CNS August 21 where he collected his series leading third victory of the season. Pettit finished 28th last season at PIR in the NASCAR Doubleheader weekend.

No. 2 - Craig Raudman (No. 2 HPS/Victory Circle Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 1st. Raudman had bad luck strike as an ill-handling racecar left the 2001 Southwest Series champion with a 12th place finish at CNS August 21. Raudman finished 14th at PIR last season and one top five and two top ten finishes over the years.

No. 3 - Burney Lamar (No. 1 Groeniger Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 3rd. Lamar could only produce a 15th finish at CNS August 21 after five straight top five performances this season. Lamar maintains the third spot in the standings for the third consecutive race and heads to PIR where he finished 2nd last season.

No. 4 - Eric Holmes (No. 62 KENKO Chevrolet), Beebe Racing. Last week's ranking: 4th. Holmes maintains the fourth position in the standings for the second race after 5th place performance at CNS. Holmes has seven top ten finishes in ten starts this season. Holmes finished 5th at PIR last season. Holmes also scored his first Bud Pole Award of the season at CNS back in August.

No. 5 - Eddy McKean (No. 19 Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac),

McKean Racing. Last week's ranking: 6th. McKean finished third at CNS to move back into the top five after ten races. McKean eyes a top three final finish and returns to PIR where he has been dominate. McKean has six top three performances at PIR since 2001 including two wins.

No. 6 - Doug McCoun (No. 16 Camacho's Cantina Chevrolet), CBA Motorsports. Last week's ranking: 7th. McCoun had a 6th place effort at CNS August 21 to move up one position in the standings. McCoun has scored three top ten finishes in ten starts this season. McCoun has two top five finishes at PIR and finished 12th in last year's event.

No. 7 - Joe Herold (No. 5 Quality Chevrolet), Herold Racing. Last week's ranking: 5th. Herold continues to have his best season in the series but suffered a disappointing result at CNS after being the victim of an early accident at CNS where he finished 25th. Herold finished 10th at PIR last season and is ready to position himself for an invite to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in November.

No. 8- Greg Voigt (No. 9 Auto Pro Racing Engines Chevrolet), Voigt Racing. Last week's ranking: 8th. Voigt finished 10th at CNS for his third top ten finish of the season and maintains the eighth position in the standings. Voigt finished 27th in last year's event at PIR.

No. 9 - Todd Souza (No. 6 Money By Design Chevrolet), Penney Racing. Last week's ranking: 9th. Souza stays in the ninth spot in the standings after a 14th place effort at CNS. Souza has one top five and two top ten finishes in ten starts this season and looks to hold onto a top ten final points finish. Souza did not make the trip to Phoenix last season.

No. 10 - Rip Michels (No. 12 Stock Building Supply Chevrolet), Michels Racing. Last week's ranking: 10th. Michels continues to lead the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year standings after ten races but suffered two flat tires at CNS which resulted in a 19th place finish. Michels will visit TRP for the first time this weekend where he hopes to hold off rookie challenger Nick Lynch. Michels has four top ten finishes in ten starts this season.

Charting the Champs: 2003 series champion Auggie Vidovich will return to the series this weekend sporting new colors as he takes over the driving duties in the #11 Centrifugal Technologies Chevrolet. Vidovich is running a partial schedule in 2004. 2001 series champion Craig Raudman dropped to second in the standings after a 12th finish at Colorado National Speedway August 21 and is looking for his first win at PIR after ten years on the Southwest Series. 2002 series champion Eddy McKean moved up to fifth in the standings after a third place performance at CNS August 21 and returns to PIR where he has shown his mastery of the mile racetracks by talking the victory in the last two events staged at PIR.

On the outside looking in: Danny Burson sits in the 11th position just 48 points behind Michels with Nick Lynch seven points behind Burson.

Stellar Field Ready to Battle In Southwest Clash at PIR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fl. (September 28, 2004) Jim Pettit II of Prunedale, Calif. leads a stellar field of competitors into Phoenix Int'l Raceway this weekend as the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series prepares for round eleven of the 14-race championship series. Pettit leads 2001 series champion Craig Raudman of Bakersfield, Calif. by 25 points on the strength of three wins and eight top ten performances.

Phoenix Int'l Raceway has been long held in esteem by veterans racers and aspiring young drivers as the "Daytona 500" for drivers in the western United States. Joining the Southwest Series regulars for his first trip to PIR is Brandon Riehl from Boring, Oregon. Riehl just completed his second full year of competition on the AutoZone Northwest Series with a seventh place finish in the standings. That finish earned Riehl an invite to the prestigious NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown that will be held in November at Irwindale (CA) Speedway piting the top ten drivers from the four series of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division.

"I have wanted to race at Phoenix for so many years" Riehl said. "This place is special to us weekly guys in the west. All the great names have competed here and to finally have the chance is more than I could have imagined. We have worked real hard this year and competing at Phoenix this weekend will certainly be a highlight."

The JC Glass "100" is set to take the green flag at 1:00 pm PST this Sunday, October 3 and will be televised live on HDNet. Fans of the series should check their cable and satellite listings for times in their local area.

NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division

Southwest Series

Phoenix Int'l Raceway, October 3, 2004

Entry List Based on Pre-Entry

Car(#), Driver, Sponsor, Hometown

1. (1)Burney Lamar, Groeniger/Tri-C/HPS /Victory Circle Chevrolet, W. Sacramento, Calif. 2. (2)Craig Raudman, HPS Mechanical/Victory Circle Chassis/Melo's Gas & Gear Chevrolet, Bakersfield, Calif. 3. (3)Mike Price, Brek MFG Co./Cin-Tech/KGC Chevrolet, Harbor City, Calif. 4. (03)Jim Pettit II, California Hot Wood/Jim Pettit Racing Ford, Prunedale, Calif. 5. (04)Stephan Sadler, Padco Carpet Cushion Inc. Chevrolet, Brea, Calif. 6. (4)Tommy Fry, Watkins Engines/Ron's Rear End Chevrolet, Simi Valley, Calif. 7. (5)Joe Herold, Quality Chevrolet/Classic Volkswagon Chevrolet, Poway, Calif. 8. (6)Todd Souza, Money by Design/Golfland/Sierra Mist Chevorlet, Aromas, Calif. 9. (07)Kevin Clark, Sirius Satellite Radio/Kenwood Car Audio Chevrolet, Colorado Springs, Colo. 10. (9)Greg Voigt, Auto Pro Racing Engines Chevrolet, Santa Barbara, Calif. 11. (11)Auggie Vidovich Jr., Centrifugal Technologies/Villa Roma Sausage Chevrolet, Riverside, Calif. 12. (12)Rip Michels, Stock Building Supply/LADCO/Victory Cirlce Chassis Chevrolet, Mission Hills, Calif. 13. (15)Joey Miller, Great Clips/Country Joe Racing Chevrolet, Lakeville, Minn. 14. (16)Doug McCoun, Camacho's Cantina/TM Professional/CBA Chevrolet, Prunedale, Calif. 15. (19)Eddy McKean, Wide World of Maps/Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac, Jerome, Idaho 16. (23)Dan Holtz, Rialto Concrete Prod./Pipeline Carriers/Thompson Mtrsprts Ford, Pacific Palisades, Calif. 17. (27)Roger Avants, McDonalds/Alfred Industries Chevrolet, Littleton, Colo. 18. (28)Thomas Martin, Strictly Toy-Ondas Pontiac, Auburn, Calif. 19. (29)Nick Lynch, Mr. Gas/Yerf-Dog Chevrolet, Burley, Idaho 20. (33)M.K. Kanke, Perricone Juices/Sims Trucking/RPM Motorsports Chevrolet, Frazier Park, Calif. 21. (44)Bob Lyon, Alliance Rental Solutions/LTR/Ron's Rear Ends Chevrolet, Aqua Dulce, Calif. 22. (47)Richard Johnson, Radcap Products/ShellDust Inc. Chevrolet, Antioch, Calif. 23. (56)Danny Burson, Great Western Electric Chevrolet, Albuquerque, NM 24. (60)Justin Martz, Tillo's Pinstriping/JH Martz Motorsports Chevrolet, Silverbow, Mont. 25. (62)Eric Holmes, KENCO/Paul Oil Co./Taco Bell Chevrolet, Escalon, Calif. 26. (65)Stan Silva Jr., A&S Metals/Stan Silva Jr. Trucking Chevrolet, Castroville, Calif. 27. (68)Randy Nelson, BCI Motorsports Ford, El Cajon, Calif. 28. (69)Brandon Riehl, Aero Turbine/Darrel's Economy Muffler Chevrolet, Boring, Ore. 29. (71)Greg Fowler, Navajo Express/Shed's R Us/Sunoco Chevrolet, Longmont, Colo. 30. (75)Nick Joanides, Colorfast/Jackson Race Cars/Ed Hansen Racing Engines Chevrolet, Woodland Hills, Calif. 31. (88)David Gilliland, RaceCarFans.Com/Honda Cars of Corona Pontiac, Riverside, Calif. 32. (94)Darrell LaMoure, NAPA Auto Parts/Racing for the Missing Chevrolet, Phoenix, Ariz. 33. (95)Jeff Seifert, Hot Rod City/Worldwide Fishing.Com Chevrolet, Jamul, Calif.

NASCAR AUTOZONE SOUTHWEST SERIES STAR NURSERY.COM 150 PRESENTED BY AUTOZONE RAINED OUT; TENTATIVELY RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10

TUCSON, AZ. - In a scenario which has plagued the entire West coast this weekend, the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Star Nursery. COM 150 presented by AutoZone was rained out Saturday at Tucson Raceway Park. The complete race program, including Bud Pole Qualifying, has been tentatively rescheduled for Sunday, October 10.

The rain began during the middle of the scheduled one and half hour first practice session, and is forecasted to continue the rest of the day and into Sunday. This marked the first time the Southwest Series has had to reschedule a race for rain in more than ten years.

SWT 2003 DRIVER ROSTER and PIX

2003 SWT Pages

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