NASCAR Elite Division
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For Holmes it’s Elementary at Stockton
DAYTONA BEACH, Fl. (May 10, 2004) Eric Holmes of Escalon, Calif. drew upon his experience and the education he has been given over the years to claimed his fifth career victory in NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series competition Saturday night at Stockton (CA) 99 Speedway. The victory was Holmes’ first of the season and vaulted him into fourth place in the championship standings after five events. Craig Raudman of Bakersfield, Calif. finished second after collecting his 28th career Bud Pole Award to set a new record for the series. Burney Lamar crossed the finish line in third, with Autometer Rookie-of the-Year candidate Rip Michels, and veteran Bob Lyon rounding out the top five finishers in the 125-lap contest.
Raudman again topped the speed charts when qualifying was concluded to score his third Bud Pole Award of the season and 28th pole of his career. He broke the record of long-time series standout M.K. Kanke. “This is an important record for me,” Raudman said. “Every time we come to the track we feel that we have the fastest car. Stockton is a tricky racetrack and to break the record here makes it all the more special.”
The top 16 cars qualified on time for the Budweiser “125”, with four provisional starting positions available to drivers and owners at the top of the point standings who did not qualify on time. That relegated ten drivers to a 15-lap non-qualifiers race that would transfer the top two finishers to the feature event. Track regulars Jeff Belletto and Tracy Bolin finished first and second sending Nick Joanides, M.K. Kanke, Jason Fensler, Stan Silva Jr., Todd Burns, John Moore, Richard Johnson, and Stephan Sadler home.
Autometer ROTY leader Rip Michels started on the pole after Raudman drew a six-car invert to start the race. Michels time at the point was short lived when outside pole sitter Eddy McKean grabbed the early lead as the duo raced into turn one. McKean lengthened his advantage over Michels during the next several laps. The first of four caution flags flew on lap three for Danny Burson as he made contact with the turn one wall ending his night on the hook.
The action stayed green for the next 44 laps until race McKean slowed when his driveline failed. After the race it was discovered that the heim joint on the third link separated causing the rear end to shift and pulling the driveline from its housing. “I have never seen that happen before,” McKean said. “I know this hurt us in the points, but this is just part of racing. We had a very fast car and we showed that tonight.”
Eric Holmes assumed the lead after McKean’s departure and held the point throughout the rest of the event. Holmes held off fierce charges by Pettit and Raudman over the next 71 laps, but slammed the door each time. Pettit got underneath Holmes on several occasions and the pair waged a spirited battle from lap 63 through lap 88. Pettit’s time at the front of the field ended on lap 90 for a cut right front tire. Pettit lost a lap to the field after pitting and finished the race in the 15th position.
Holmes held off Raudman over the closing laps to claim his first victory of the season. Raudman, Lamar, Michels, and Bob Lyon were the first five to the checkered flag. Greg Voigt had his best run of the season to finish sixth, with Steve Belletto, Doug McCoun, rookie Nick Lynch, and Ben Walker rounding out the top ten finishers.
Holmes knew a victory at Stockton will go a long way in his quest for his first series championship. “This was the last time I was going to race this car,” Holmes said. “I have a new car we just finished that we will use the rest of the season. This win is big for us. We needed a good finish to get us back in the points, and winning at Stockton is quite a thrill. We had some great battles on the track and I was just happy to hold off Raudman at the end.”
“We had a great car tonight,” Raudman said after finishing second. “We got a little roughed up early in the race, but it did not affect the handling of the car. I feel great and I am sure this puts us in the points lead. Racing at Stockton is a lot fun. You can have great side-by-side racing all night long; you just have to trust the other guys. My hat’s off to Eric and also Burney. It was a good night for the Victory Circle team.”
“I am so happy to have a good run,” Lamar said. “To have a top three finish at Stockton is very big for our team. Marc (Lundgren) and the whole team have put great cars under me all season so far, we just have not been able close the deal. I love racing at Stockton.”
After points were tallied, Raudman takes the top spot dropping Pettit to second. McKean maintains third, with Holmes moving up three spots to fourth and Holtz rounding out the top five. Lamar jumps to sixth place in the standings, with Ben Walker, Bob Lyon, Joe Herold, and Doug McCoun rounding out the NASCAR Top 10 after five events.
The race took 39 minutes and 23 seconds to complete at average speed of 47.609 mph. The action was slowed just four times for 26 laps of caution. Holmes led the most laps (71) en route a .062 seconds margin of victory of Raudman. Raudman collected $350 for winning his third Bud Pole Award of the season and 28th (record) of his career. Doug McCoun won the $750 PowerAde Power Move-of-the-Race Award for improving the most positions in the event (19th to 8th). Eric Holmes won the $300 Featherlite Award for improving the most positions from the previous race (24th to 1st). Rip Michels was the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Race with his fourth place performance.
The next event for the AutoZone Southwest Series is Saturday, May 29 at Irwindale (CA) Speedway.
NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series Stockton 99 Speedway UNOFFICIAL Results
STOCKTON,Calif. (May 8, 2004) Eric Holmes of Escalon, Calif. collected his fifth career NASCAR AutoZone Elite Davison, Southwest Series victory Saturday night at Stockton (CA) 99 Speedway leading the final 71 laps. Craig Raudman, Burney Lamar, Rip Michels, Bob Lyon rounded out the top five finishers in the fifth of 14 races on the 2004 championship schedule.
Holmes victory vaults him into fourth place in the standings, with Raudman claiming the top spot followed by Jim Pettit and Eddy McKean. Dan Holtz rounds out the top five in the standings as the AutoZone Southwest Series takes two weeks off before heading to Irwindale (CA) Speedway Saturday, May 29.
STOCKTON, CA (May 6, 2004) Thirty NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series teams have pre-entered this Saturday's $44,894 Budwieser "125" at Stockton 99 Speedway. Stockton 99 will host the AutoZone Southwest Series for the 22nd where Jim Pettit II from Prunedale, Calif. is the defending race champion. Pettit holds the point lead going into round five of the 14 race championship series.
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division
Southwest Series
Stockton 99 Speedway, May 8, 2004
Driver Roster 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. (02)Tracy Bolin, Bolin Builders/Pacific St. Bank/Farmers Chevrolet,
Valley Springs, 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. (5)Joe Herold, Quality Chevrolet/Classic Volkswagon Chevrolet, Poway,
Calif.
7. (6)Todd Souza, Sierra Mist/Money by Design/PRS/Golfland Chevorlet,
Aromas, Calif.
8. (9)Greg Voigt, Auto Pro Racing Engines Chevrolet, Santa Barbara, Calif.
9. (11)Todd Burns, Centrifugal Technologies/Villa Roma Sausage Chevrolet,
Riverside, Calif.
10. (12)Rip Michels, Stock Building Supply Chevrolet, Mission Hills, Calif.
11. (16)Ben Walker, Camacho's Cantina/LTR/TM Professionals Chevrolet, Sun
Valley, Calif.
12. (19)Eddy McKean, Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac, Jerome, Idaho
13. (21)John Moore, JM Environmental Chevorlet, Granite Bay, Calif.
14. (23)Dan Holtz, Rialto Concrete Prod./Pipeline Carriers/Thompson Mtrsprts
Ford, Pacific Palisades, Calif.
15. (24)Phil Perry, Perry Racing Chevrolet, Lincoln, Calif.
16. (28)Thomas Martin, Strictly Toy-Ondas Pontiac, Auburn, Calif.
17. (29)Nick Lynch, Mr. Gas/Yerf-Dog Chevrolet, Burley, Idaho
18. (30)Steve Belletto, California Hot Wood/Ashby Const./Pepsi Chevrolet,
Modesto, Calif.
19. (33)M.K. Kanke, Perricone Juices/Film Punk/K&M Motorsports Chevrolet,
Frazier Park, Calif.
20. (34)Doug McCoun, Dick's Valero/Truline/Wynns Chevrolet, Prunedale,
Calif.
21. (44)Bob Lyon, Alliance Rentals/LTR/Ron's Rear Ends Chevrolet, Aqua
Dulce, Calif.
22. (45)Kevin Para, QTM Inc./Royal Roof Chevrolet, Tustin, Calif.
23. (47)Richard Johnson, Radcap Products Chevrolet, Antioch, Calif.
24. (56)Danny Burson, Great Western Electric Chevrolet, Albuquerque, NM
25. (62)Eric Holmes, Wild Cherry Pepsi/Taco Bell Chevrolet, Escalon, Calif.
26. (68)Brandon Miller, Cal Spas/Grape King Pontiac, Bakersfield, Calif.
27. (75)Nick Joanides, Colorfast/Jackson Race Cars Chevrolet, Woodland
Hills, Calif.
28. (76)Jason Fensler, APEX Financial/Moore Grider & Co. Chevrolet, Wilton,
Calif.
29. (88)David Gilliland, Honda Cars of Corona/The Body Shop Pontiac,
Riverside, Calif.
30. (94)Darrell LaMoure, NAPA Auto Parts/Racing for the Missing Chevrolet,
Phoenix, Ariz.
NASCAR TOP 10 AT A GLANCE
A look at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 Drivers
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 7, 2004) - The following is a glance at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10 in the series championship standings heading into the Budweiser "125" at Stockton 99 Speedway Saturday, May 8. The race in Stockton, Calif. will be race five 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 leads the standings for the third straight race after surviving for a 7th place finish at Cajon April 3. Pettit hopes to keep his hot streak alive at Stockton after finishes of 3rd, 1st, 2nd and 7th in the first four races of the 2004 season. Pettit is the defending race winner at Stockton.
No. 2 - Craig Raudman (No. 2 HPS/Victory Circle Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 3rd. Raudman moves up one spot after a 4th place performance at Cajon Speedway April 3. Raudman sits just 20 points behind Pettit in the chase for the championship. Raudman is searching for his career leading 28th Bud Pole Award this weekend.
No. 3 - Eddy McKean (No. 19 Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac), McKean Racing. Last week's ranking: 2nd. McKean rallied to finish 10th at Cajon April 3 but dropped to third in the standings. McKean has four top 10 finishes in the first four races of 2004 as he eyes his second series championship.
No. 4 - Dan Holtz (No. 23 Rialto Concrete Products Ford), Thompson Motorsports. Last week's ranking: 5th. Holtz logged a sixth place effort at Cajon April moving him up one spot in the standings. Holtz has three top 10 finishes in the first four races. Holtz tested well at Stockton in April and looks forward to his first top five finish at the tricky quarter-mile oval.
No. 5 -Joe Herold (No. 5 Quality Chevrolet Chevrolet), Quality Racing. Last week's ranking: 11th. Herold nearly collected his first series victory at Cajon Speedway April 3, but had to settle for a career best second place finish. Herold jumps six positions in the standings to join the NASCAR Top 10 for the first time this year. Herold did not qualify for the Stockton event in 2003.
No. 6 - Ben Walker (No. 16 Camacho's Cantina Chevrolet), CBA Motorsports. Last week's ranking: 7th. Walker continues his solid string of finishes with a 9th place performance at Cajon April 3. Walker moved up one spot in the standings for the second straight race and is enjoying his best season on the series.
No. 7 - Eric Holmes (No. 62 Taco Bell Chevrolet), Beebe Racing. Last week's ranking: 4th. Holmes dropped three positions in the standings after a 24th place finish at Cajon Speedway April 3 for his first finish outside the top ten this season. Holmes finished 5th in last year's event.
No. 8- David Gilliland (No. 88 Honda Cars of Corona Pontiac), The Body Shop Racing. Last week's ranking: 13th. Gilliland moved back into the top ten with a 3rd place finish at Cajon Speedway April 3. Gilliland has two top five finishes in four races this season. Gilliland recorded a 6th place finish last season at Stockton.
No. 9 - Bob Lyon (No. 44 Alliance Rentals Chevrolet), Lyon Racing. Last week's ranking: 9th. Lyon maintained the 9th spot in the standings after a 14th place finish at Cajon Speedway. Lyon has returned to the series full-time in 2004 after making only a handful of starts in 2003. Lyon has 256 career starts in the series, the most of any driver active or retired.
No. 10 - Burney Lamar (No. 1 Groeniger Chevrolet), Victory Circle Racing. Last week's ranking: 8th. Lamar drops two spots in the NASCAR Top 10 after finishing 16th at Cajon Speedway April 3. Lamar joined the HPS/Victory Circle team for the 2004 season and teaming with former series champion Craig Raudman. Lamar has one top five and two top ten finishes in four 2004 starts.
Fast Facts
NASCAR Top 10 this week: 1. Jim Pettit II, 661; 2. Craig Raudman, 641; 3. Eddy McKean, 619; 4. Dan Holtz, 562; 5. Joe Herold, 527; 6. Ben Walker, 525; 7. Eric Holmes, 521; 8. David Gilliland, 505; 9. Bob Lyon, 501; 10. Burney Lamar, 496.
Races at No. 1: Jim Pettit II (3), Eddy McKean (1).
New arrivals in the NASCAR Top 10 this week: Joe Herold (5th)
Most weeks in the NASCAR Top 10: Five drivers tied at four races
Biggest mover among the Top 10: Joe Herold (11th to 5th)
Dropped out of the NASCAR Top 10 this week: Todd Souza (11th), Doug McCoun
(12th)
NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES DRIVERS LOOK BACK WHILE LOOKING AHEAD TO STOCKTON 99 SPEEDWAY
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 30, 2004) – For 59 years Stockton 99 Speedway has been a fixture in the motorsports scene on the West coast and Saturday, May 8, the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series returns for the 21st time since 1986 in the running of the Budweiser “125” presented by Havoline.
Stockton 99 Speedway was a mainstay in the series’ early years running two events per season from 1986 to 1993. The series made single visits to the quarter-mile oval from 1994 to 1996 but then was absent from the track’s schedule until 2002 when local hero Ron Strmiska Jr. stole the show as the AutoZone Southwest Series returned to one of the West’s oldest continually operated racing facilities.
Stockton 99 Speedway is a track the favors experience and series point’s leader, Jim Pettit II of Prunedale, Calif. has logged more laps than any series regular on the tight and tricky quarter-mile paved oval. More than thirty drivers from the Southwest Series will attempt to qualify for one of 22 starting positions in Saturday’s 125-lap race and vie for their share of $44,894 in posted awards in race five of the 14-race championship series.
The tight confines of Stockton 99 Speedway’s quarter-mile means there is action around every corner almost from the drop of the green flag. Pettit claimed his first career victory in last year’s event and looks forward to another perfect homecoming.
“Stockton is a special place for me,” said Pettit. “The track creates a lot of passing opportunities. You have to know the characteristics of the track and how to use them to your own advantage. When the sun goes down and the crowd gets into it, this place is electric.”
Ron Strmiska, the 2002 winner from Manteca, Calif. knows that qualifying will be tough, especially for the local guys. ”I have been going to Stockton for 30 years,” Strmiska said. “I started out as a crew chief for my dad, then later started driving, and all the experience in the world will not mean a thing if you don’t qualify. The local guys will race well, but it is qualifying that is going to make the difference.”
Last year Dan Holtz from Pacific Palisades, Calif. survived an action-packed 125-lap shootout to finish ninth and has gained confidence over the past year when it comes to the “bullrings”.
“When I started in the series I thought I had it all figured out,” Holtz said. ”I quickly realized I knew nothing. Guys like Craig Raudman, M.K. Kanke, and Bob Lyon have been running this series for a long time and they had a ton of notes on tracks like Stockton. I figured I needed help and looked no further then Jim Pettit. Jim has helped me with the set up and understanding the track. I tested really well and I owe a lot to Jim for all his advice and information.”
Raudman, of Bakersfield, Calif., finished last in last season’s event and would like nothing more then to make that nightmare go away. Raudman last won at Stockton back in 1996 and likes racing on the tight and tricky ovals. “Stockton is a blast to drive,” Raudman said. “There is a line around that place and if you’re on it, then you are going to be fast. The entry into turn three is the most important. If you get a good run on a guy into three, then you’ll make the pass out of turn four.”
“The local guys are always hard to beat at a place like Stockton,” Raudman said. “They have a lot of laps around that place, especially Jim Pettit, and that will make it tough for the rest of us.”
Former (2002) Southwest Series champion Eddy McKean from Jerome, Idaho likes his chances at Stockton. “We are getting considerably better on tracks like Stockton,” McKean said. “Qualifying is going to be important, because starting in the back there is no picnic.”
Other notable drivers that have experience at Stockton include Doug McCoun of Prunedale, Calif. Escalon, California’s Eric Holmes who sits seventh in the series standings has had success on the historic oval, and series Ironman Bob Lyon from Aqua Dulce, Calif. who has returned to form in 2004 and is poised for a return to the winner’s circle.
The Budweiser “125” presented by Havoline is set to take the green flag at 9:00 pm PST Saturday, May 8 where the action is never far away.
THE INSIDE LINE
The race within the race … Rip Michels (2004 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Sunbelt Regional champion) tops the Auto Meter Rookie-of-the-Year leader board after four events. Nick Lynch, Todd Burns (2004 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series ShorTrack Division national champion), and Stan Silva Jr. complete the standings.
How many cars? More than 30 cars have pre-entered the Budweiser “125” with several hometown heroes from the Stockton area. Drivers include Phil Perry, Tracy Bolin, and Jason Fensler. Series regulars Doug McCoun, Eric Holmes, and Jim Pettit II are also familiar names at Stockton. ... Auggie Vidovich Jr., the 2003 AutoZone Southwest Series champion will not defend his title in 2004, running only a partial schedule.
Drivers to keep your eye on: Joe Herold from Poway, Calif. Herold had a career best finish of second at Cajon Speedway on April 3 and has vaulted into 5th place in the point standings. Herold is in his fourth year on the Southwest Series. … Raudman is tied with Kanke, with 27 career Bud Pole Awards. Raudman already has two poles this season and looks to break the record at Stockton. … In 2004, drivers will once again be competing for an invitation to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown November 11-13 at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway. This invitational only event is for drivers who finish the season in the top ten in the final point standings in each of the four series which comprise the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division.
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
Danny Burson of Albuquerque, NM moved closer to the NASCAR Top-10 with a fifth place performance at Cajon Speedway April 3. Burson sits 13th in the overall point standings, 194 points behind Pettit. .
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Just when you get comfortable, Stockton can bite you.” – Dan Holtz (No. 23 Rialto Concrete Products Ford).
PAGE FROM THE PAST
Return to 1990 at Stockton 99 Speedway. It was May 12, 1990 when Troy Beebe picked up the win in race number four of 18 that season. Beebe edged Loren Kelley, Ron Hornaday Jr., Ken Boyd, and Ross Trent en route to .36 seconds margin of victory. Bryan Germone was the top finishing rookie with a 16th place effort. Steve Johnson set the qualifying record for the series with a record that still holds to this day. Johnson toured the ¼-mile in 13.232 seconds at 68.017 mph. The race took 32 minutes and 27 seconds to complete, and Hornaday left with 77 point advantage in the point standings.
Seifert Scores First Career NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Victory
DAYTONA BEACH, Fl. (April 5, 2004) Jeff Seifert, like most drivers, had always dreamed about winning the big one. That dream became a reality Saturday night when the Jamul, Calif. resident dominated the COORS Light “125” at Cajon Speedway to claim his first career NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series victory in front of 4,000 enthusiastic hometown fans. Seifert edge Poway, California’s Joe Herold by a mere .095 seconds. Herold’s second place finish was his best career performance in three full-time seasons on the series. David Gilliland, Craig Raudman, and Danny Burson rounded out the top five finishers in race four of the 14 championship series.
Burney Lamar of West Sacramento, Calif. topped the speed charts after qualifying with a quick lap of 16.138 seconds/83.653 mph around the tricky 1/3-mile paved oval. Teammate Craig Raudman qualified second quick, with local Late Model star Mike Mendenhall clocking in with the third fast time in his debut on the AutoZone Southwest Series. Nick Lynch and Seifert rounded out the top five qualifiers.
With only 24 starting positions available in the COORS Light “125”, eleven drivers were relegated to a 15-lap non-qualifiers race. The 15-lap sprint was mired in caution laps as several drivers had difficulty with the slick racetrack. Nick Joanides and Todd McLauchlan finished first and second respectively to fill the final two spots in the 24-car field sending Todd Burns, Richard Johnson, John Luecht, Stan Silva Jr., Thomas Martin, Don Kerr, Darrell LaMoure, Randy Nelson, and Eddie Bryans home early.
Joe Herold started the race on the pole after Bud Pole Award winner Burney Lamar drew a six-car invert putting the two-time 2004 fast time winner in the sixth starting position. Seifert started alongside Herold and quickly took the lead as the field exited turn two. Herold eased into the second position where he would ride the entire event.
The race stayed green for the first 38 circuits until Eric Holmes lost power and coasted to a stop on the backstretch bringing out the first of five caution periods. Mike Mendenhall’s debut also was side lined after breaking a throttle linkage. The race restarted on lap 46 with Seifert at the point followed by Herold, Nick Lynch, Lamar, Bob Lyon, Dan Holtz, Auggie Vidovich and Danny Burson.
The second caution flag flew after Travis Bennett tried a bold move inside of Doug McCoun. The move did not stick sending McCoun hard into the outside turn four wall. McCoun was unhurt, but his Chevrolet was heavily damaged in the lap 64 incident.
Seifert led the charge on the restart, with Herold tucked in close behind. Herold place his nose to the inside several times, but Seifert covered his play each time. The field quickly spread out single file with several drivers looking to make a move to the front. The third caution flew on lap 82 after Lamar closed on Lynch in the center of turn one making contact and causing Lynch’s Yerf-Dog Chevrolet to loose traction and spin. The result sent several cars scurrying for cover, but with nowhere to go. Greg Voigt, Todd Souza, Nick Joanides, Nick Lynch, Vidovich, and Ben Walker were all involved. Vidovich, Lynch, and Joanides all ended their evening on the hook.
The race restarted on lap 99 with Seifert still holding on to a slim lead over Herold. Lamar had moved into to third, with Gilliland, and Raudman rounding out the top five. Local legend Mark Meech was running sixth with Burson up to seventh and Holtz, point’s leader Jim Pettit II, and Eddy McKean completing sixth through tenth in the running order.
Seifert survived one more caution, which saw Lamar’s night end after contact with the turn four wall, to hold on for his first career AutoZone Southwest Series victory. Herold posted his best career finish in second, with Gilliland, Raudman, and Burson rounded out the top five finishers.
"I had a really good teacher in Mark Meech,” Seifert said. “He won this race last year (Meech) and told me what I needed to do. So I just figured I'd go out and do it. Mark left a note in my car that said I'll be seeing you in a little bit.”
"I have to thank Auggie Vidovich and Terry Henry for all their help. I think they might be happy. This was his car and probably about 80% of the reason I'm sitting here is because of them. Also Craig Raudman called me up yesterday and asked me how I was doing. He told me how to do my qualifying because I have been screwing that up. There were a lot of guys (who made this possible). I just hope I'm not missing anybody."
Joe Herold collected his best career finish of second and was more than thrilled about his performance. “I took a couple of shots at Jeff (Seifert), but I wasn’t able to get under his door,” Herold said. “I had a great time out there racing Jeff and trying to hold off the rest. This was a very important race for our team. I couldn’t be more proud of the whole team.”
With his third place finish, David Gilliland rejoins the NASCAR Top 10 in the eighth position. “It is always a tough race to finish here at Cajon,” Gilliland said. “We needed this race after what happened last week at Mesa Marin. I’m real happy to come out of here with a top three.”
Point’s leader Jim Pettit II lost ten points but was satisfied to rack up another top ten finish. “I am happy with a top ten, but kind of disappointed with how we ran,” Pettit said. " We are a much better team than this but a little luck helped get into the top ten.”
The race took 54 minutes and 52 seconds to complete at an average speed of 51.260 mph. Seifert’s margin of victory over Herold was a mere .095 seconds. The action was slowed five times for 45 laps of caution, while Seifert led all 125 laps. Rip Michels was the Autometer Rookie-of-the-Race with an 12th place finish, while Ben Walker drove his Camacho’s Cantina Chevrolet to a 9th finish and collected the $750 PowerAde Power Move-of-the-Race after starting in the 21st position. David Gilliland took home the $300 Featherlite Award for improving the most positions from the previous race, with Burney Lamar claiming his 2nd $350 Bud Pole Award of the season.
Pettit (661) maintains his point led over Raudman (641) who passed McKean (619) for second in the standings. McKean drops to third, with Dan Holtz (562) moving up one spot and Joe Herold (527) joins the NASCAR Top 10 for the first time this season. While Walker, Holmes, Gilliland, Lyon, and Lamar round out the top ten in the standings after four of 14 races.
The next race on the AutoZone Southwest Series schedule is Saturday, May 8 at Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, Calif. Jim Pettit II won in the series’ only visit to the central California quarter-mile bullring last season. This season, the AutoZone Southwest Series will make two stops at Stockton.
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series AutoZone "125" RESULTS
Madera Speedway, Madera, Calif., March 13, 2004
125-Laps/41.666-Miles on a 1/3-Mile Paved Oval, Purse: $44,726
Place Start Driver Car Laps Reason out Money Won
1. (8) Jim Pettit II, Ford, 125, Running, $2,900;
2. (15) David Gilliland, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $2,750;
3. (5) Bob Lyon, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $1,300;
4. (2) Danny Burson, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $1,900;
5. (9) Burney Lamar, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $1,500;
6. (17) Eddy McKean, Pontiac, 125, Running, $1,400;
7. (10) Craig Raudman, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $1,725;
8. (11) Eric Holmes, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $1,350;
9. (20) Todd Souza, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $900;
10. (3) Jeff Belletto, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $875;
11. (6) Nick Joanides, Chevrolet, 125, Running, $850;
12. (1) Darrell LaMoure, Chevrolet, 124, Running, $800;
13. (18) Dan Holtz, Ford, 124, Running, $1,175;
14. (14) Doug McCoun, Chevrolet, 124, Running, $1,150;
15. (21) Ben Walker, Chevrolet, 124, Running, $750;
16. (19) Greg Voigt, Chevrolet, 124, Running, $675;
17. (12) Travis Bennett, Ford, 124, Running, $650;
18. (7) Joe Herold, Chevrolet, 124, Running, $1,025;
19. (16) Thomas Martin, Pontiac, 123, Running, $625;
20. (13) Dave Byrd, Chevrolet, 120, Running, $625;
21. (4) M.K. Kanke, Chevrolet, 97, Suspension, $625;
22. (22) Rip Michels, Chevrolet, 13, Transmission, $675;
# Rookie-of-the-Year Contenders
Failed to Qualify: Todd Burns, Tracy Bolin, Jeff Seifert, Joihn Moore, Richard Johnson, Nick Lynch, John Luecht, Mike Price, Stan Silva Jr.
TIME OF RACE: 38 minutes, 53 seconds
AVERAGE SPEED: 64.294
MARGIN OF VICTORY: .188 seconds
BUD POLE AWARD: Craig Raudman, GHPS Mechanical/Victory Circle Chassis
Chevrolet 14.717 seconds/81.457 mph
POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: David Gilliland, Honda Cars of
Corona Pontiac
FEATHERLITE AWARD: Danny Burson, Great Western Electric Chevrolet
AUTOMETER ROOKIE-OF-THE-RACE AWARD: Rip Michels, Stock Building Supply
Chevrolet
CAUTION FLAGS: Three cautions for 21 laps (44-51, 102-109, 114-118)
LAP LEADERS: Two lead changes among three drivers. Bdarrell LaMoure 1-17,
18-92, 93-125
MADERA PRE-ENTRY
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (March 8, 2004) Eddy McKean, the 2002 Southwest Series champion, leads the point standings heading into this Saturday's race at Madera (CA) Speedway after a dominating performance in the season opening event at Phoenix. McKean may hold the edge in the point standings over Jim Pettit II of nearby Prunedale, Calif., but it is Eric Holmes of Escalon, Calif. that each will be gunning for in race number two of the 14-race championship series.
Holmes has two career victories at the third-mile paved oval along with two top five performances. Holmes also has his sights set on the season championship after narrowly missing the crown by 63 points in 2003.
The AutoZone "125" presented by Star Nursery.Com is set to take the green flag at 6:00 pm Saturday, March 13.
NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES DRIVERS LOOK TO SERVE SOME HOME COOKING AT 2004 TOYOTA ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 8, 2004) -The stars of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division have their eyes set on an return invitation to Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway this fall, the site of the second annual NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown on Nov. 11-13, 2004. More than $500,000 in prize money and live national television coverage on SPEED Channel await the 70 drivers who will be invited to compete in this one-of-a-kind All-Star NASCAR event.
This invitational event will once again feature the top 10 drivers from each of the four series that comprise the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division - which includes NASCAR's Midwest Series, Northwest Series, Southeast Series and Southwest Series - competing together in a single race.
The Southwest Series drivers left Irwindale Speedway last November, having been upstaged by the Midwest Series drivers - who claimed five of the top-10 finishing position at last year's event.
This time around, the Southwest Series drivers will try to even the score in the second edition of the All-Star event. Buoyed by his second place performance in last year's Showdown and coming off a third place finish in the 2003 championship standings, Jim Pettit II, of Prunedale, Calif., eyes nothing less than the top spot.
"The Showdown was an awesome deal," Pettit said. "The Midwest guys kind of stole the show in front of our hometown fans, but we had a great time and I can't wait for another shot against those guys."
With a second chance at the Toyota All-Star Showdown at season's end, Pettit has great optimism about the 2004 campaign. Pettit finished third in the season opener at Phoenix and recently purchased his own race team. Pettit sees all the pieces falling into place and only needs a full-time marketing partner to complete the puzzle.
"My family and I purchased the team I had been running for the past three years," Pettit said. "Owning my own team makes things a whole lot more complicated, but at the same time I could not be happier about the situation."
The next race for Pettit and his Southwest Series rivals is at Madera
(Calif.) Speedway this weekend, followed by a trip south to Bakersfield, Calif. for a 150-lap race at Mesa Marin Raceway March 28. Then the series heads to Cajon Speedway in El Cajon, Calif. for the 19th consecutive year, for a 125-lap clash on its tricky 3/8-mile layout.
Third-year driver David Gilliland says the Toyota All-Star Showdown is one his main racing goals in 2004. "I love racing at Irwindale. We have had a lot of success there in the past and having the Showdown back there again will be great," Gilliland said. "[The Southwest Series] had four guys in the top ten at that event and I want to hoist the trophy this time."
Gilliland ended the 2003 Southwest Series season with five wins and a sixth place finish in the championship. He backed up a fine season with a third place performance in the inaugural Toyota All-Star Showdown.
Bakersfield, Calif. driver Burney Lamar, the 2001 Southwest Series rookie of the year, is looking for an improved performance at this year's Showdown, after he posted a sixth-place result in 2003.
"I'm really excited about the Showdown this year. Irwindale is such a great place to race and last year's event was unbelievable," said Lamar. "I know that NASCAR, Toyota, and Irwindale have an even bigger show in store in November."
Likewise, 2003 Southwest Series champion Auggie Vidovich, of Lakeside, Calif., can't wait for November to arrive.
"Last year was kind of a disappointment at Toyota All-Star Showdown after the year we had," Vidovich said. "We are just focused on performance at each race. The Showdown is a neat deal for the Elite Division, everybody in our series wants an invitation. We are already talking about it and we have not even run the second race of the season."
Vidovich looks to get his season back on track after electrical problems sidelined him with a 40th place finish at Phoenix in the 2004 season opener. Vidovich's plans at present are undecided and may only run a partial Southwest Series schedule. Vidovich finished eighth in the Inaugural Toyota All-Star Showdown.
Bakersfield, Calif. racing veteran Craig Raudman, who finished 10th in the 2003 Southwest Series standings to secure an invitation to the 2003 edition of the Toyota All-Star Showdown, is determined to make the cut for this year's Toyota All-Star Showdown.
"I'd just as soon forget 2003, but I am focused on returning to the Showdown in November," Raudman said. "The Showdown is a big deal for the drivers and teams at our level. The whole racing world is watching us, what could be better?"
Raudman had a 12th place performance in last year's Toyota All-Star Showdown.
The driver selection process for this year's event will be the same as it was in 2003. In order to receive an invitation, NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division drivers must finish in the top 10 of the 2004 point standings for their respective series, resulting in a 40-car field for the Elite Division portion of the event.
NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES DRIVERS RETURN TO ACTION AT MADERA
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 8, 2004) - Since 1987, Madera Speedway has hosted the West coast's premier Late Model Touring series 12 times and only M.K. Kanke and Eric Holmes have been able to post multiple wins on the tricky one-third mile layout . This Saturday, March 13, the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series returns to Madera Speedway for the first of two races this season in the running of the AutoZone "125" presented by Star Nursey.Com.
It would stand to reason that track experience would make the biggest difference at Madera Speedway, but racing luck and a good starting position may see a first time winner as several locals attempt to upstage the series regulars. The AutoZone "125" has Southwest Series team's returning to action after a six week layoff following the season opening event at Phoenix Int'l Raceway in January.
More than 35 drivers are expected to attempt to qualify for one of 22 starting positions in Saturday's 125-lap race and vie for their share of $44,726 in posted awards in race two of the 14-race championship series.
Jim Pettit II, of Prunedale, Calif., has multiple wins and a championship at Madera Speedway while running the old Tri-Track series and currently sits third in the Southwest Series championship standings after round one. Pettit says you have to have a car that works on the outside groove and is hoping experience will pay off this Saturday as he looks for his second career victory.
"Madera is an exciting place to race," Pettit said. "In this series all the teams are so close in qualifying, so you really have to have your act together. We have not been very good with our qualifying package this season, but we are gaining on it. You can come from the back of the field, but you have to be smart about it."
2003 Southwest Series champion Auggie Vidovich, of Lakeside, Calif., may only run a partial schedule and knows that in order to win a second championship he will have to perform at the top of his game and have solid finishes at each race.
2003 Southwest Series Rookie-of-the-Year JR Patton, of Las Cruces, N.M., is looking forward to Madera Speedway. "I did not finish well last season at Madera," Patton said. "We know what to expect at Madera and it is going to be important to qualify well in order to have a good finish. Since we did not finish well at Phoenix, this race is critical to get our season back on the right track."
Other notable drivers that are looking for a solid finish at Madera Speedway including Dan Holtz, of Pacific Palisades, Calif., who continues to make a statement on the race track's of the Southwest Series. Burney Lamar,of Sacramento, Calif., has teamed up with 2001 Southwest Series champion Craig Raudman in a team car and plans an all out assault for the championship after three top ten final points finishes.
The AutoZone "125" presented by Star Nursery.Com is set to take the green flag at 6:00 pm this Saturday. Several of the series regulars have tested at Madera over the past many weeks in hopes of findings that competitive edge that will lead to victory. Or will luck prevail in the version of March madness.
THE INSIDE LINE
. The race within the race . Mike Price tops the Rookie-of-the-Year
leader board for the after the opener in Phoenix. Price finished 17th to lead fellow Rookies Todd Burns (2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series ShorTrack Division national champion), Nick Lynch (younger brother of 2003 NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series champion Scott Lynch), Rip Michels (2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Sunbelt Region champion), John Moore, and Johnny Antonino.
. How many cars? More than 35 cars have pre-entered the AutoZone "125"
presented by Star Nursery.Com.
. Seven current drivers have victories at Madera Speedway. Drivers
include: Burney Lamar, Eric Holmes, Bryan Germone, and M.K. Kanke. Kanke and Holmes are tied with two wins at the track.
. Eddy McKean dominated the opening event of the season at Phoenix
leading 99 of 100 laps.
. Pettit and Doug McCoun will make special appearances at two AutoZone
stores on Friday, March 12 from 6-9pm. Each driver will sign autographs for fans and display their race cars and haulers. Jim Pettit will be at the AutoZone store located at 211 N Gateway Drive, Madera, Calif. 93637, and Doug McCoun will be at the AutoZone store located at 4031 N. Marks Ave., Fresno, Calif. 93722.
. Driver to keep your eye on: Eric Holmes has two wins at Madera
Speedway with his last victory coming in July of last year.
. Hoosier Racing Tire is the official tire of the NASCAR 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. MOVING UP
. Todd Souza, of Aromas, Calif., has joined Fred Penney Racing for the
2004 season in the Sierra Mist/Golfland Chevrolet. Souza is searching for his first career win after three years in the series.
PAGE FROM THE PAST
16 years ago on May 14 Troy Beebe his second win of the 1988 season with a two car length victory over Loren Kelley in the Budweiser "100" at Madera Speedway. The race took 31 minutes to complete to set a new race record at the time. There were four caution flags for 18 laps and the race averaged 64.516 mph. Roman Calczynski led the first 80 circuits before Beebe took control of the race on lap 81. Jon Paques finished third, with Ron Hornaday Jr. and Jim Thirkettle rounding out the top five. Loren Kelley was the fast qualifier with a quick lap of 14.615 seconds/82.107 mph. Beebe left Madera with a 36 point lead over Calcyznski heading into the event at Shasta Speedway. Ray Hooper Jr. led the rookie standings. Chevrolet had won all six races thus far in the season.
NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES DRIVERS HEAD TO PHOENIX-AREA AUTOZONE STORES TO KICK OFF 2004 RACING SEASON
AutoZone to Host NASCAR Driver Appearances Friday, January 23
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 18, 2004) - In conjunction with the season-opening Winter Heat 100 at Phoenix International Raceway, several NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series drivers are scheduled to make special appearances at AutoZone stores in the Phoenix area on Friday, January 23. Drivers will be on hand to meet race fans and store customers, sign autographs and display their race cars.
The tentative schedule of store appearances is as follows:
q At the AutoZone store on 1705 E. Main St. in Mesa, Ariz., Randy
Nelson, driver of the No. 68 BCI Motorsports Ford is scheduled to appear from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Chris Hines, driver of the No. 96 Plateau Motorsports Chevrolet is scheduled to appear from 12-3 p.m. 2003 Rookie-of-the-Year JR Patton will also be on hand debuting his new new car and new look for 2004.
q At the AutoZone store at 8669 NW Grand Avenue in Peoria, Ariz., 2003
Southwest Series champion Auggie Vidovich, driver of the No. 59 PG Series/No Fear Chevrolet, is scheduled to appear from 12-3 p.m. Danny Burson, driver of the No. 56 Great Western Electric Chevrolet, is also scheduled to appear with Vidovich from 12-3 p.m.
q At 12230 N. Cave Creek in Phoenix, Jim Pettit II, driver of the No.
03 Pettit Racing Ford, is scheduled to appear from 12-3 p.m. Jeff Jefferson, driver of the No. 42 Morgan Transport Chevrolet, is also scheduled to appear at the store from 12-3 p.m. Jefferson, of Naches, Wash., is the defending champion of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Northwest Series.
Southwest Series teams and drivers begin their 2004 racing season at Phoenix International Raceway, with the Winter Heat 100 on Sunday, January 25. Tickets are available by calling (602) 252-2227 or online at www.phoenixraceway.com.
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division Southwest Series
Phoenix Int'l Raceway, January 25, 2004 Probable Driver Entry List
Car(#), Driver, Sponsor, Hometown
1. (1)Burney Lamar, HPS Mechanical/Victory Circle Chassis Chevrolet, W.
Sacramento, Calif.
2. (2)Craig Raudman, HPS Mechanical/Victory Circle Chassis/Melo's Gas & Gear
Chevrolet, Bakersfield, Calif.
3. (03)Jim Pettit II, Pettit Racing Ford, Prunedale, Calif.
4. (3)Michael Price, AMI Metals/Brek MFG Co. Chevrolet, Harbor City, Calif.
5. (4)Tommy Fry, Ron's Reear Ends Chevrolet, Simi Valley, Calif.
6. (5)Joe Herold, Quality Chevrolet/Ron's Rear Ends/Classic Volkswagon Chevrolet, Poway, Calif.
7. (6)Todd Souza, Sierra Mist/PRS/Golfland Chevorlet, Aromas, Calif.
8. (07)Kevin Clark, Sirius Satellite Radio/Kenwood Car Audio Chevrolet, Colorado Springs, Colo.
9. (09)Greg Voigt, Auto Pro Racing Engines Chevrolet, Santa Barbara, Calif.
10. (11)Todd Burns, Centrifugal Technologies/Condenser & Chiller Chevrolet, Riverside, Calif.
11. (12)Tim Schendel, Mathews Archery/Solocam/Midwest Fuels Chevrolet , Sparta, Wisc.
12. (15)Joey Miller, Great Clips/Country Joe Racing Chevrolet, Lakeville, Minn.
13. (16)Ben Walker, Camacho's Cantina/LTR/CBA Motorsports Chevrolet, Sun Valley, Calif.
14. (19)Eddy McKean, Wide World of Maps/Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac, Jerome, Idaho
15. (22)Branden Bonnett, Panasonic/Popeyes Chicken/Digital Imaging Pontiac, Tucson, Ariz.
16. (23)Dan Holtz, Rialto Concrete Prod./Pipeline Carriers/Thompson Mtrsprts Ford, Pacific Palisades, Calif.
17. (27)Jeff Bailey, Frank & Son Auto Body/Craig Racing Engines Chevrolet, Kennewick, Wash.
18. (28)Thomas Martin, Strictly Toy-Ondas Pontiac, Auburn, Calif.
19. (29)Nick Lynch, Mr. Gas/Yerf-Dog Chevrolet, Burley, Idaho
20. (31)Greg Potts, Gunsch Electric Chevrolet, Manteca, Calif.
21. (33)M.K. Kanke, K&M Motorsports Chevrolet, Frazier Park, Calif.
22. (34)Doug McCoun, Fitness One Gym/Ultra Pure Products/Truline/Wynns Chevrolet, Prunedale, Calif.
23. (37)Keith Spangler, LADCO/1st MED/Spangler Motorsports Chevrolet, Chatsworth, Calif.
24. (39)Pete Harding, LP Body Shop/Harding Forklift Chevrolet, Surrey, BC
25. (42)Jeff Jefferson, Morgan Transport Chevrolet, Naches, Wash.
26. (47)Richard Johnson, Auto Glass Authority/Radcap Products Chevrolet, Antioch, Calif.
27. (51)Kevin Vernon, Action Towing/Ted Davidson Equipment Chevrolet, Bakersfield, Calif.
28. (56)Danny Burson, Wide World of Maps/Great Western Electric Chevrolet, Albuquerque, NM
29. (59)Auggie Vidovich Jr., PG Series/Creative Touch/Ransom Brothers/Carquest Chevrolet, Lakeside, Calif.
30. (62)Eric Holmes, Wild Cherry Pepsi/Taco Bell/Kenko Chevrolet, Escalon, Calif.
31. (68)Randy Nelson, Nelson Motorsports Ford, El Cajon, Calif.
32. (71)Greg Fowler, Shed's R Us/Sunoco/REMAX Michelle Fowler Chevrolet, Longmont, Colo.
33. (75)Nick Joanides, KADEE Installation/Colorfast/Jackson Race Cars Chevrolet, Woodland Hills, Calif.
34. (76)Eddie Bryans, LTR Racing Engines Chevrolet, El Cajon, Calif.
35. (77)Ray Skillman, Dupont/Kendall Motor Oil Ford, Grenwood, Ind.
36. (81)Craig Smith, B&J Asphalt & Concrete Chevrolet, Godfrey, Ill.
37. (86)Russell Blakely, Blakely Motorsports Chevrolet, Delavan, Wisc.
38. (89)Bryan Germone, Wine.com Chevrolet, Winsor, Calif.
39. (91)A.J. Frank, Tri County Parts Chevrolet, Bluffton, S.C.
40. (94)Darrell LaMoure, NAPA Auto Parts/Yerf-Dog Fun Karts Chevrolet, Phoenix, Ariz.
41. (96)Chris Hines, Beaudry RV/ Iron Eagle Motorcycles/Plateau Motorsports Chevrolet, Chandler, Ariz.
42. (97)JR Patton, Las Cruces Motorsports/Patricks Motorsports Chevrolet, Las Cruces, NM
43. (99)Ken Schrader, Federated Auto Parts/Valvoline/Budweiser Chevrolet, Fenton, Mo.
44. (12x)Rip Michaels, Stock Building Supply Chevrolet , Mission Hills, Calif.
WINTER HEAT KICKS OFF 14-RACE NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES SCHEDULE
Southwest Series Opens 19th Season January 25 at Phoenix
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 9, 2004) – When the newly re-named NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series takes the green flag for its traditional “Winter Heat” season opener at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway on January 25, the start of the 100-lap event signals not only the beginning of a new racing season, but the dawn of a new era for NASCAR’s regional touring divisions as well. It is the first event under the division’s all-new title sponsorship from AutoZone, the nation’s leading auto parts retailer.
"We are excited about our new partnership with NASCAR and the beginning of the 2004 racing season,” said Lisa Kranc, senior vice president of marketing for AutoZone. "We welcome the opportunity to work with NASCAR to grow the AutoZone Elite Division – where the NASCAR stars of tomorrow get their start."
After Phoenix, the series shifts to short tracks, with events at Madera
(Calif.) Speedway (March 13), Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. (March 28), Cajon Speedway in El Cajon, Calif. (April 3), Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, Calif. (May 8) and Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway May 29.
On June 26, the Southwest Series participates in one of its higher profile events, at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. The annual road course race will be held in conjunction with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, which tackles the 2.52-mile course June 27.
Following Infineon, the Southwest Series resumes its 2004 campaign at Madera
(Calif.) Speedway July 17. The second half of the Southwest Series schedule includes a return to Stockton July 31 and two more events at Phoenix.
“Every year, the Southwest Series provides some of our best racing, and with this challenging schedule, we’re sure the 2004 season will be no exception,” said Chris Boals, NASCAR’s director of regional touring. “The addition of AutoZone makes the start of the 2004 season even more special and we’re ready for another terrific year for the Southwest Series.”
The Southwest Series – one of four series which comprise the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division – enters its 19th season in 2004. Since 1986, the Southwest Series has been a prime training ground for some of NASCAR’s biggest stars. Matt Crafton, Kurt Busch, Ron Hornaday Jr. and Kevin Harvick all competed in the series before moving up to NASCAR’s three national series. "The Southwest Series is probably one of the best series from an educational standpoint,” said Busch. “You have such diverse tracks, from ¼-mile, to road courses up to the mile oval at Phoenix where we race – there’s just such a multitude of tracks that it makes it a great training ground for young drivers."
Today, a new generation is seeking to follow the same path to racing success. Lead by defending series champion Auggie Vidovich Jr., of Lakeside, Calif., the cast of 2004 contenders also includes, among others, 2002 champion Eddy McKean, 2001 champion Craig Raudman, Dan Holtz, Eric Holmes and David Gilliland.
In addition to competing for the series championship, Southwest Series drivers are also racing for an invitation to the prestigious NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. The top 10 drivers in the final 2004 point standings will get a chance to race in this special All-Star event.
“Our series has really good competition,” said Vidovich. “All the tracks we go to, everyone has been to before, so everyone has good setups and the racing is really close.”
Top newcomers to the series include two graduates of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. Rip Michels, of Mission Hills, Calif. and Todd Burns, of Riverside, Calif., have both announced plans to compete for the Southwest Series rookie of the year title in 2004. Michels, a two-time Super Late Model track champion at Irwindale, was the 2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Sunbelt Region champion and Burns, a multi-time Irwindale Late Model champion, was the 2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series ShorTrack Division national champion. With these impressive championship credentials, both drivers are strong favorites to win this year’s Southwest Series rookie award.
2004 AutoZone SWT Schedule:
Date Track/Location Laps Track Size
Sun., Jan. 25 Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix, Ariz. 100 1.0
Mile
Defending Champion: Bryan Germone
Sat., March 13 Madera Speedway, Madera, Calif. 125 1/3
Mile
Defending Champion: Race not held in 2003
Sun., March 28 Mesa Marin Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif. 150 1/2
Mile
Defending Champion: Dan Holtz
Sat., April 3 Cajon Speedway, El Cajon, Calif. 125
3/8 Mile
Defending Champion: Mark Meech
Sat., May 8 Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, Calif. 125
1/4 Mile
Defending Champion: Jim Pettit II
Sat., May 29 Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, Calif. 150 1/2
Mile
Defending Champion: David Gilliland
Sat., June 26 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. 64 2.52 Mile R/C
Defending Champion: Kevin Harvick
Sat., July 17 Madera Speedway, Madera, Calif. 125 1/3
Mile
Defending Champion: Eric Holmes
Sat., July 31 Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, Calif. 125 1/4
Mile
Defending Champion: Race not held in 2003
Sat., Aug. 21 Colorado National Speedway, Erie, Colo. 150 1/2
Mile
Defending Champion: David Gilliland
Sat., Sept. 18 Tucson Raceway Park, Tucson, Ariz. 150 3/8 Mile
Defending Champion: Eddy McKean
Sun., Oct. 3 Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix, Ariz. 100 1.0
Mile
Defending Champion: David Gilliland
Sat., Oct. 16 Mesa Marin Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif. 150 1/2
Mile
Defending Champion: Kevin Vernon
Thurs., Nov. 4 Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix, Ariz. 125 1.0
Mile
Defending Champion: Eddy McKean