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Vidovich Shows Force at Stockton

 
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.. (May 2, 2005) There is domination, and there is total domination. Auggie Vidovich of Lakeside, Calf.. totally dominated the 100-lap event this past Saturday at Stockton 99 (Calif.) Speedway in NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series action to claim his second consecutive victory and set the stage for a very interesting championship run that is only three races old.
 
"I am not ready to think about the championship," Vidovich said. "But we have the team that can do it. Mike Harvick knows these cars and I am just fortunate to drive it."
 
While Vidovich counts good fortune with Harvick turning the wrenches, he has also been the recipient of a little luck in the form of the invert that sets the grid after qualifying for each. Jeff Jefferson of Naches, Wash. topped the qualifying list with a quick lap of 13.692 seconds/65.732 mph around the tricky quarter-mile paved oval but drew a 6-car invert putting Vidovich on the outside front row. Local hero Burney Lamar from W. Sacramento, Calf.. qualified second quick with Boring, Oregon's Brandon Riehl clocking in with he third fast time. both would be a factor in the race.
 
Vidovich was determined to get the jump on pole sitter Rip Michels as the field took the green flag. Vidovich and Michels raced side-by-side into turn one, but Vidovich was able to claim the top spot as the duo exited turn two. Michels held on to second place over the next several laps but his car developed a loose condition almost immediately and he started to faded giving way to Riehl on lap 14.
 
Riehl dogged Vidovich and closed the gap on the front runner keeping pace with Vidovich. While Riehl reeled in Vidovich, 2004 Southwest Series champion Jim Pettit II steadily moved through the field from his tenth starting position moving into the top five by lap 35.
 
Riehl continued to work on Vidovich, catching him on lap 35. Riehl ducked under the 2003 Southwest Series champion several times, racing door handle to door handle for the next couple of laps. With each advance, Vidovich would slam the door and reassume the lead. On lap 39 Riehl got a great run as the pair exited turn four and was alongside down the frontstretch. The pair made contact in turn one causing Riehl's car to lose a valve stem and flattening his right front tire. Riehl lost three laps changing the tire and would finish 18th..
 
With Riehl's misfortune, Lamar entered the scene and pressured Vidovich through lap 70. Just when it looked like Lamar would make the pass for the lead his powerplant let go and he coasted to the garage with a disappointing 22nd place homecoming finish.
 
While bad luck sidelined the two fastest cars, Vidovich hoped good luck would prevail as Jefferson and M.K. Kanke took their turns at the 24 year old veteran. Jefferson was never able to make a solid charge at the top spot as lapped cars provided Vidovich all the cushion he needed. By lap 90 Jefferson had his hands full of Kanke and the long-time series veteran made the pass for second dropping Jefferson to third.
 
When the checkered flag dropped on race three of the season, Vidovich crossed the line 3.498 seconds ahead of Kanke. Jefferson finished third with Pettit and SUNOCO Rookie-of-the-Year contender Ryan Foster rounding out the top five finishers.
 
"This is a big win for our team," Vidovich said. "No wins are easy and to have a win like this at Stockton is pretty neat. We have a great team and I am as pumped about racing as I have ever been."
 
A second place finish may well signal that Kanke is back in form returning to the series full-time since 2001. "We had a great car tonight," Kanke said. "I wish the race was 125 laps."
 
Jefferson is attempting something that has never been done before and that is winning two series championships in the same season. He plans to defend his 2004 Northwest Series title and chase the Southwest Series crown this season. "One race at a time," Jefferson said. "We just need to be consistent and tonight was a real good points night for us and a great learning experience. We have the right team, the right cars, and the desire to win. I am thrilled to be so competitive for never being here before."
 
Defending Southwest Series champion Pettit is looking at the big picture. "We race one race at a time," Pettit said. "I am a little disappointed not to finish in the top three, but it is a long season and we are in good shape. Auggie (Vidovich) is certainly on a rail right now and we have our work cut out for us."
 
For top finishing SUNOCO Rookie-of-the-Year contender Ryan Foster, two top tens in two races makes racing exciting. "I have wanted to run the Southwest Series full-time but we have a real limited budget," Foster said. "It is a lot of fun racing with these guys and finishing well kind of makes you want more."
 

The race took just 35 minutes and 22 seconds to complete at an average speed of 42.423mph. The action was slowed five times for 29 laps of caution.  Mike Ledbetter won the $750 PowerAde Award for improving the most positions in the event (13), while Eddy McKean collected the $300 Featherlite Award for improving the most positions from the previous event. Jeff Jefferson claimed the $400 Bud Pole Award and Ryan Foster was the top finishing Sunoco Rookie-of-the-Year competitor. Mike Harvick claimed the Lunati Crew Chief-of-the-Race Award for preparing the winning car. Twenty of twenty-three cars were running at the conclusion of the 100-lap event.

 

Vidovich assumes the series point lead after three races on the strength of his two wins. Vidovich (481) leads Pettit (480) by one point with Kanke (462) moving into third. Lamar (447) falls from the point lead to fourth with Jefferson (412) moving up five spots to fifth.

 

The next event for the Southwest Series is Saturday, May 14 at Mesa Marin (Calif.) Raceway for the second of three visits the series will make to the high-baked half-mile oval. Auggie Vidovich dominated the action in the series’ last visit to MMR while four time MMR winner M.K. Kanke finished fourth.

 
Updated 2005 Southwest Series Point Standings                                                                                  

Pos.   Driver                                                                   Pts        Dwn                                                                             

     1    Auggie Vidovich                                                    481            0      

     2    Jim Pettit, II                                                             480           -1     

     3    M K Kanke                                                             462         -19      

     4    Burney Lamar                                                       447         -34      

     5    Jeff Jefferson                                                       412         -69  

     6    Greg Voigt                                                             410         -71     

     7    Eddy McKean                                                        397         -84      

     8    Thomas Martin                                                       374       -107  

     9    Joe Herold                                                             366       -115     

   10    Nick Lynch                                                            361       -120      

   11    Greg Pursley                                                         359       -122   

   12    Bobby Lyon                                                           344       -137   

   13    Dustin Jones *                                                       333       -148  

   14    Brandon Riehl                                                        327       -154    

   15    Rip Michels                                                            316       -165 

   16    Ryan Foster *                                                        301       -180  

   17    Doug McCoun                                                        300       -181      

   18    Don Campbell *                                                      291       -190     

   19    Mike Ledbetter                                                       274       -207      

   20    David Mayhew *                                                    272       -209      

 

AutoZone Twin Championships presented by Havoline
NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES
Stockton 99 Speedway April 30, 2005

1. Auggie Vidovich, Lakeside Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, 42.413 mph, $2,500

2. M K Kanke, Frazier Park Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $1,600

3. Jeff Jefferson, Naches Wash., Dodge Intrepid, 100, $1,700

4. Jim Pettit, II, Prunedale Calif., Ford Taurus, 100, $1,600

5. *Ryan Foster, Anderson Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $1,100

6. Eddy McKean, Jerome Idaho, Pontiac Grand Prix, 100, $1,700

7. Rip Michels, San Fernando Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $1,375

8. Greg Voigt, Santa Barbara Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $1,350

9. Bobby Lyon, Aqua Dulce Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $1,300

10. Mike Ledbetter, Ceres Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $1,625

11. *David Mayhew, Atascadero Calif., Pontiac Grand Prix, 100, $850

12. *Dustin Jones, Tucson Ariz., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $800

13. Nick Lynch, Burley Idaho, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 99, $1,175

14. *Don Campbell, Campbell Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 99, $750

15. Thomas Martin, Auburn Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $1,100

16. Joe Herold, Del Mar Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $1,075

17. *Stephan Sadler, Brea Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $650

18. Brandon Riehl, Boring Ore., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 97, $625

19. Doug McCoun, Prunedale Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 94, $1,025

20. Richard Johnson, Antioch Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 94, $625

21. Dan Holtz, Pacific Palisades Calif., Ford Taurus, 81, Rear End, $625

22. Burney Lamar, W. Sacramento Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 70, Engine, $1,025

23. Greg Pursley, Canyon Country Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 53, Accident, $625

* Denotes Rookie of the Year Contender

Time of Race: 0 hrs., 35 mins, 22 secs Average Speed: 42.413 mph Margin of Victory: 3.498 Seconds

BUD POLE AWARD: Jeff Jefferson, 42 LeMay Auto Museum/Tri County Parts Dodge

FEATHERLITE AWARD: Eddy McKean, 19 Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac

POWERADE AWARD: Mike Ledbetter, 61 Pabco Gypsum/Bill's Drywall Chevrolet

LUNATI CREW CHIEF AWARD: Mike Harvick, 11 Centrifugal Technolgies Chevrolet

Caution Flags: Laps 3-7; 16-21; 35-38; 44-48; 54-62. 5 for 29 laps.

Lap Leaders: Auggie Vidovich 1-100.

Total Laps Led: Auggie Vidovich 100. 0 changes involving 1 drivers.

Top 10 Driver Points: Auggie Vidovich 481, Jim Pettit, II 480, M K Kanke 462, Burney Lamar 447, Jeff Jefferson 412, Greg Voigt 410, Eddy McKean

397, Thomas Martin 374, Joe Herold 366, Nick Lynch 361

Top 5 Rookie Points: Dustin Jones 26, Don Campbell 25, Stephan Sadler 21, Ryan Foster 20, David Mayhew 19.

Next Race: Mesa Marin Raceway May 14, 2005

 

NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Returns to Historic Stockton 99 Speedway

*  Burney Lamar Building Momentum Heading Home 

*  Auggie Vidovich Showing Centrifugal Force 

*Alumni Spotlight: Kurt Busch Shines in Desert under the lights

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ( April 227 , 2005) –  For the first time in Stockton 99 Speedway history, the historic quarter-mile paved oval will host both the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series and NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series on the same night - Saturday, April 30. Stockton 99 Speedway is celebrating 60 years of Motorsports entertainment and will host the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series two times in 2005. Along with playing before the hometown crowd, both events will be televised live, in high definition, on HDNet.

Burney Lamar, from nearby West Sacramento, Calif., returns home after recently moving back to Kernersville, N.C. to work full-time for Kevin Harvick Inc. This homecoming of sorts also sees Lamar leading the Southwest Series point standings after two events. While Lamar has never won at Stockton 99 Speedway in Southwest Series competition, he has scored top three top three finishes over the past couple of seasons and is looking to continue his momentum this Saturday night April 30.

"Stockton is pretty much where it all began for me and I really like running there. Even though I've not won, we've had good finishes. Maybe this time, I'll get that first 99 win", Lamar said. "We have been so close in the past and our team is really geared up this season. We all have a lot of confidence but the competition is tough in this series and Stockton is a place where Jim (Pettit) always runs well."

For Jim Pettit II, the defending Southwest Series champion, Stockton is considered his home track. The Prunedale, Calif. native scored his first Southwest Series victory and first Bud Pole Award at the tricky quarter-mile paved oval. "I have had a lot of success at Stockton over the years," Pettit said. "It is a special place to race and I have always had a lot of fans there. Ken Clapp and his team know how to bring fans to the track and we always provide a great race. This weekend will be no different."

While Lamar and Pettit look at Stockton as a homecoming, Lakeside, Calif. driver Auggie Vidovich is showing he is a force to be reckoned with this season in his Centrifugal Technologies sponsored Chevrolet. Vidovich, the 2003 Southwest Series champion, is back full-time this season after exploring options and rebuilding last year. Vidovich is fresh off a dominating performance at the series' last outing at Mesa Marin Raceway two weeks ago where he wore out the competition, leading all 150 laps of the event.

Vidovich's best Stockton performance was back in 2003 when his finished fourth. "Stockton is a tough track to race," Vidovich said. "It will bite you when you least expect it. There is not a lot of room for mistakes."

Stockton 99 Speedway has hosted 22 Southwest Series races since the series was incepted back in 1986. Ron Hornaday Jr. tops the record books with three victories on the tricky quarter-mile paved oval, while Craig Raudman, Rick Carelli, Troy Beebe, Dan Press, and Ken Boyd have all claimed two wins apiece in Southwest Series competition. Stockton has always been stingy with and since the track has returned to the series schedule in 2002, there have been no repeat winners. Eric Holmes of Escalon, Calif. and Craig Raudman of Redding, Calif. split victories last season but will not compete this weekend.

The AutoZone Twin Championships presented by Havoline is race number three of the 14-race championship series and the first of two visits the Southwest Series will make to Stockton 99 Speedway this season.

Southwest Series Notes:

*Joe Herold will partner with Racing for the Missing, a division of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization (NMCO) for the 2005 racing season. Herold currently sits eighth in the championship standings after two events.

*Jeff Jefferson, the two-time and defending Northwest Series champion from Yakima, Wash., will run the entire Southwest Series schedule in 2005 driving for car owner Tony Finley. This weekend's event will be Jefferson's first trip to Stockton. Joining Jefferson from the Northwest Series will be Brandon Riehl from Boring, Ore.  will also compete full-time on the Southwest Series this season.

*Alumni Spotlight: Kurt Busch, the 1999 and youngest ever Southwest Series champion, dominated the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event this past weekend at Phoenix Int'l Raceway in the first NEXTEL Cup Series event ever run under the lights at PIR.

*Sunoco Rookie-of-the-Year Standings: Dustin Jones of Tucson, Ariz. tops a talented rookie class that includes Don Campbell, David Mayhew, and Ryan Foster.

*Lunati to honor top crew chief: Lunati, a subsidiary of Kentucky-based Holley Performance Products, will award a gift certificate valued at $50 off a purchase of $250 or more, or a $100 off a purchase of $500 or more, to the winning crew chief at each NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series race in 2005.

Fast Facts

What:  NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Race #3 of 14 

Where:  Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, Calif. 

When: Saturday, April  30   at  7:45  p.m. (approx.).

Posted awards: $ 46,271 

Race length: 100  laps,  25  miles

Track layout: . 25 -mile oval.

Pre-Race Schedule: Registration begins  8 :00  a .m., Practice  11:00a.m - 1:25  p.m., Bud Pole qualifying  4:45  p.m.

Top 10 Drivers:  1.  Burney Lamar 350, 2. Jim Pettit II 320, 3. Auggie Vidovich 301, 4. M.K. Kanke 292, 5. Greg Voigt 268, 6. Greg Pursley 265, 7. Thomas Martin 256, 8. Joe Herold 251, 9. Eddy McKean 247, 10. Jeff Jefferson 247.

Track Contact:  Ken Clapp , ( 925 ) 629-5803  552-9887 

For More Information, Contact:

Derrick Shannon
Media Coordinator
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series
Cell: 208/870-8066
Email: dshannon@nascar.com

PHOTO: Burney Lamar shows off his Bud Pole award at Mesa Marin Raceway (Motorshooters/NASCAR photo)

 

Southwest Tour Points

 
Rank Driver Points Starts Wins Top 5 Top 10 Winnings
1 BURNEY LAMAR 350 2 1 2 2 $11,200
2 JIM PETTIT, II 320 2 0 2 2 $3,900
3 AUGGIE VIDOVICH, II 301 2 1 1 1 $1,750
4 M K KANKE 292 2 0 0 2 $2,600
5 GREG VOIGT 268 2 0 0 2 $2,600
6 GREG PURSLEY 265 2 0 0 1 $1,900
7 THOMAS MARTIN 256 2 0 0 1 $2,300
8 JOE HEROLD 251 2 0 0 0 $2,400
9 EDDY MCKEAN 247 2 0 1 1 $5,400
10 JEFF JEFFERSON 247 2 0 0 1 $4,550
11 NICK LYNCH 237 2 0 0 1 $3,300
12 BRANDON RIEHL 218 2 0 0 0 $2,225
13 BOBBY LYON 206 2 0 0 0 $1,375
14 DUSTIN JONES 206 2 0 0 0 $1,575
15 DOUG MCCOUN 194 2 0 0 0 $1,700
16 TRAVIS BENNETT 192 2 0 1 1 $1,800
17 KEN SCHRADER 170 1 0 1 1 $6,500
18 RIP MICHELS 170 2 0 0 0 $1,700
19 DON CAMPBELL 170 2 0 0 0 $1,300
20 ERIC HOLMES 160 1 0 1 1 $4,100
21 GARY LEWIS 160 1 0 1 1 $0
22 RICHARD JOHNSON 158 2 0 0 0 $1,300
23 RYAN FOSTER 146 1 0 0 1 $0
24 DAVID MAYHEW 142 1 0 0 1 $0
25 MIKE LEDBETTER 140 2 0 0 0 $0
26 DAN HOLTZ 140 2 0 0 0 $1,300
27 STEPHAN SADLER 134 2 0 0 0 $1,300
28 DANNY BURSON 124 1 0 0 0 $1,800
29 JOHN DILLON 115 1 0 0 0 $1,675
30 MATT HALL 115 1 0 0 0 $0
31 KEVIN CLARK 112 1 0 0 0 $1,650
32 NICK JOANIDES 112 1 0 0 0 $0
33 GREG FOWLER 109 1 0 0 0 $2,875
34 DARRELL LAMOURE 106 1 0 0 0 $1,600
35 PETE HARDING 100 1 0 0 0 $2,050
36 RICK SURAN 97 1 0 0 0 $1,500
37 JIM INGLEBRIGHT 94 1 0 0 0 $1,475
38 ED BELEC 91 1 0 0 0 $1,450
39 DEXTER BEAN 88 1 0 0 0 $1,425
40 RICK CARELLI 85 1 0 0 0 $1,400
41 TREVOR MORRICAL 79 1 0 0 0 $1,350
42 KEITH SPANGLER 79 1 0 0 0 $0
43 DANNY MIENTKA 76 1 0 0 0 $1,325
44 KEVIN PARA 76 1 0 0 0 $0
45 MIKE GALLEGOS 73 1 0 0 0 $1,300
46 RANDY HVALL 70 1 0 0 0 $1,300
47 TODD SOUZA 58 1 0 0 0 $1,700
48 STAN SILVA, JR 55 1 0 0 0 $1,300
49 GARRETT EVANS 46 1 0 0 0 $1,800

HPS Mechanical/Victory Circle "150"

NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES

Mesa Marin Raceway    April 9, 2005

Position/Driver/Hometown/Car Mfg./Laps/Money Won

  1.      Auggie Vidovich, Lakeside Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 150, 68.528 mph, $3,000

  2.      Burney Lamar, W. Sacramento Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 150, $2,500

  3.      Jim Pettit, II, Prunedale Calif., Ford Taurus, 150, $1,800

  4.      Gary Lewis, Bothell Wash., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 150, $1,200

  5.      Travis Bennett, Ellensburg Wash., Ford Taurus, 150, $1,300

  6.      M K Kanke, Frazier Park Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 150, $975

  7.      Ryan Foster, Anderson Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 150, $1,650

  8.      David Mayhew, Atascadero Calif., Pontiac Grand Prix, 150, $875

  9.      Greg Pursley, Canyon Country Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 150, $800

 10.      Greg Voigt, Santa Barbara Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 150, $1,175

 11.      Rip Michels, San Fernando Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 150, $1,100

 12.      Doug McCoun, Prunedale Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 149, $1,075

 13.      Bobby Lyon, Aqua Dulce Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 149, $600

 14.      Joe Herold, Del Mar Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 148, $990

 15.      Thomas Martin, Auburn Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 148, $980

 16.      Matt Hall, Spokane Wash., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 148, $570

 17.      Nick Joanides, Woodland Hills Calif., Pontiac Grand Prix, 147, $960

 18.      Don Campbell, Campbell Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 145, $550

 19.      Mike Ledbetter, Veres Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 144, $540

 20.      Dustin Jones, Tucson Ariz., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 127, $530

 21.      Brandon Riehl, Boring Ore., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 124, $520

 22.      Jeff Jefferson, Naches Wash., Dodge Intrepid, 117, Accident, $510

 23.      Richard Johnson, Antioch Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 106, $500

 24.      Nick Lynch, Burley Idaho, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 97, $875

 25.      Dan Holtz, Pacific Palisades Calif., Ford Taurus, 67, Accident, $450

 26.      Stephan Sadler, Brea Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 53, Ignition, $450

 27.      Eddy McKean, Jerome Idaho, Pontiac Grand Prix, 52, Rear End, $850

 28.      Keith Spangler, Chatsworth Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 46, Ignition, $450

 29.      Kevin Para, Anaheim Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 15, Suspension, $450

* Denotes Rookie of the Year Contender

Time of Race:    1 hrs., 5 mins, 40 secs       Average Speed: 68.528 mph Margin of Victory:      .353 Seconds

BUD POLE AWARD:  Burney Lamar, (1) HPS Mechanical/Victory Circle Chassis/Groeniger Chevrolet

FEATHERLITE AWARD:  Travis Bennett, (7) Grape King Ford

POWERADE AWARD:  Ryan Foster, (21) TM Kustom Signs/Golden Gate Chevrolet

Caution Flags:   Laps 51-61 (Accident); 68-74 (23 Spin); 80-83 (16 spin); 110-114 (Accident); 116-119 (Accident); 122-126 (55 Spins).  6 for 36 laps.

Lap Leaders:      Auggie Vidovich 1-150.

Total Laps Led:  Auggie Vidovich 150.  0 changes involving 1 drivers.

Top 10 Driver Points:   Burney Lamar 350, Jim Pettit, II 320, Auggie Vidovich 301, M K Kanke 292, Greg Voigt 268, Greg Pursley 265, Thomas Martin, 256, Joe Herold 251, Eddy McKean 247, Jeff Jefferson 247

Top 3 Rookie Points:   Dustin Jones 18, Don Campbell 18, Stephan Sadler 15, David Mayhew 10.

Next Race:          Stockton 99 Speedway   April 30, 2005

 

Mesa Marin Raceway Media Day and Practice

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 27, 2005) For the first time in Mesa Marin Raceway history, the half-mile oval will host both the NASCAR Grand National West Series and NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series on the same night Saturday, April 9. Mesa Marin Raceway is celebrating 28 years of motorsports entertainment and will host the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series three times in 2005.

Mesa Marin Raceway has hosted more Southwest Series races than any other track in Series history (60) and has been the proving ground for many of NASCAR's top stars. Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Matt Crafton, Ron Hornaday Jr., and Rick Carelli have all won at Mesa Marin Raceway in Southwest Series competition, while the next generation of NASCAR's future stars are looking to etch their names in the record books.

The HPS Mechanical/Victory Circle Chassis "150" is set to take the green flag Saturday, April 9 at 6:30pm PST at the famed high-banked half-mile and will be broadcast on HDNet. Check local cable and satellite listings for the broadcast schedule in your area.

Media Day / Open Practice

Friday, April 8, 2005

12 noon Park Haulers - NASCAR AutoZone Southwest

Series

1:00pm Park Haulers - NASCAR Grand National West

Series

Practice Sessions

2:00 - 2:30pm NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series

2:30 - 3:00pm NASCAR Grand National West Series

3:00 - 3:30pm NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series

3:30 - 4:00pm NASCAR Grand National West Series

4:00 - 4:30pm NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series

4:30 - 5:00pm NASCAR Grand National West Series

5:00 - 5:30pm NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series

5:30 - 6:00pm NASCAR Grand National West Series

6:00 - 6:30pm NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series

6:30 - 7:00pm NASCAR Grand National West Series

 

NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES NEWS & NOTES – MESA MARIN

* Exclusive group, M.K. Kanke, Bob Lyon, and Doug McCoun Shine at Mesa Marin

* Moving up: Burney Lamar leads point standings, eyes future

* What’s New: Mesa Marin Raceway new experience for some

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 22, 2005) – There is something to be said for experience. The term veteran usually conjures up images that include experience. When the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series heads to Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. Saturday, April 9, experience may well be the key ingredient for success.

     Bob Lyon, Doug McCoun, and M.K. Kanke all hold the prestigious title of “veteran” in the Southwest Series. Since 1986, the trio has competed in a combined total of 664 series races. Those number of starts have elevated the three to elite status in the series where younger drivers will seek there council.

            Since 1987, Lyon, of Agua Dulce, Calif., has started more races than any other driver in series history (272) and has made over fifty starts at Mesa Marin Raceway. Lyon’s lone victory at MMR came back in 1993 but he intends on adding another win to his career statistics soon.

“This is a tough series,” Lyon said. “We has struggled the last couple of season, but I feel we have what it takes to run up front again. If we run up front, then we can win.”

           McCoun calls Prunedale, Calif. home, and has made over forty starts at Mesa Marin. His last series victory came at MMR back in 2002.

“I really love running at Mesa Marin,” McCoun said. “This is a tough old track that forces you to save your tires to know when to make a run. I like coming here as the races always come right down to the end. Nobody generally runs away from the field.”

            By far the most successful of the three series veterans at MMR is Kanke, a resident of Frazier Park, Calif., who has scored four victories at the half-mile high-banked oval. MMR is also the site of his last Bud Pole Award which he won last season. Kanke sits second on the all-time Bud Pole list with 28 and would like nothing more than sweeping the action at MMR April 9.

            “I have run a partial schedule that last several years and I am excited to be back full-time and ready to return to Mesa Marin,” Kanke said. “Mesa Marin always produces great races; I plan to be there at the end.”

            While Lyon, McCoun, and Kanke can look at history to guide them, series point leader Burney Lamar from W. Sacramento, Calif. is living in the present. Lamar recently signed a development deal with Kevin Harvick Motorsports to drive in six NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series races and three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races this season. He also plans to chase the championship in the Southwest Series as long as he continues to stay in the point’s hunt. Lamar has eleven Southwest Series starts at MMR but has only produced one top five finish.

“I have had good runs going at Mesa, but something has happened late in the race,” Lamar said. “I am really looking forward to this year’s race. HPS and Victory Circle are my sponsors and they sponsor the race. Les (Denherder, team owner) is based here and it would be huge for his company if we were to win. I can’t wait.”

           

Ø       Jeff Jefferson from Naches, Wash. is the defending two-time champion of the Northwest Series and will run the entire Southwest Series schedule as well as the Northwest Series schedule in 2005. Jefferson finished sixth at Phoenix in round one and will visit Mesa Marin for the first time April 9. Brandon Riehl will join Jefferson on the Southwest Series in 2005. Riehl has been a regular on the Northwest Series the past two seasons.

Ø       Burney Lamar and team owner Les DenHerder of HPS Mechanical will donate all the winnings from the race to cancer research.  Lamar will also contest the NASCAR Grand National West Series “Lucas Oil 150” driving for team owner Kevin Harvick.  It will be Lamar’s first race driving for Kevin Harvick, Inc.

Ø       Joe Herold will partner with Racing for the Missing, a division of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization (NMCO) for the 2005 racing season. Herold from Del Mar, Calif. currently sits 11th in the 2005 point standings and has three career top ten finishes at MMR.

Ø       The 2004 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series National champion Greg Pursley returns to the Southwest Series full-time in 2005 driving for Craig Keough’s Star Nursery Motorsports team. Pursley finished 12th at Phoenix and has two runner-up finishes at MMR.

Ø       Both Series - The first time in Mesa Marin history, the half-mile oval will host both the NASCAR Grand National West Series and NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series on the same night.

Ø       Television Coverage - Both the NASCAR Grand National West Series “Lucas Oil 150” and the NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series “HPS/Victory Circle 150” will be nationally televised on HDNet.

Ø       Mesa Marin Raceway will hold a press conference featuring the drivers of the NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series on Thursday, April 7 at: Superkart Racing located at 7021 B Schirra Ct., Bakersfield, CA 93309--- Directions from Hwy 99: Exit Hwy 99 at White Lane West on White Lane to Ashe Rd.Left on Ashe Rd. 1 block to Schirra Ct. Right on Schirra Ct. 1/4 mile to Superkart Racing on left.

Ø       Mesa Marin will hold a special Media Day and race practice on Friday, April 8 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Haulers will park at 12 noon.

Fast Facts

 The race: HPS Mechanical/Victory Circle 150. (Race No. 2 of the 2005 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series season.)

 The track: Mesa Marin Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif. (Half-mile paved oval.)

 The date/time: Saturday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. (PT).

 TV: HDNet, 6:30 p.m. (PT). Tape Delayed

  Race length: 75 miles, 150 laps.

 2004 winner: Craig Raudman

 2004 polesitter: Craig Raudman

 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series Top 10:  1. Burney Lamar 180; 2. Ken Schrader 170; 3. Eddy McKean 165; 4. Eric Holmes 160; 5. Jim Pettit II 155; 6. Jeff Jefferson 150; 7. Nick Lynch 146; 8. M.K. Kanke 142; 9. Thomas Martin 138; 10. Greg Voigt 134.

 Track contact: Larry Collins (661) 377-3951; lcollins@mesamarin.com.

 For more information contact:  Derrick Shannon, NASCAR Public Relations, (208) 870-8066 or dshannon@nascar.com.

NASCAR Elite Division
AutoZone Southwest Tour News:
 Hit Counter

Lamar Post First NASCAR Victory of 2005 at Phoenix

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (January 30, 2005) Burney Lamar of W. Sacramento, Calif. scored his fourth career win and first for new car owner Kevin Harvick. Lamar led 58 laps en route to a .320 second victory over Ken Schrader in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series portion of the Copper World Classic at Phoenix Int'l Raceway Sunday afternoon,

Three-time PIR winner Eddy McKean finished in the third position for his ninth top three finish in the last ten PIR races. Eric Holmes, and 2003 series champion Jim Pettit II rounded out the top five finishers in the 75-lap event.

 

NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series

Copper World Classic "75"

Phoenix Int'l Raceway, Phoenix, January 30, 2005

75-Laps/75 miles on a One-Mile Paved Oval, Purse: $110,000

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

out, money won.

1. (3) Burney Lamar, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $11,200;

2. (19) Ken Schrader, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $6,500;

3. (2) Eddy McKean, Pontiac, 75, Running, $5,400;

4. (4) Eric Holmes, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $4,100;

5. (1) Jim Pettit II, Ford, 75, Running, $3,900;

6. (37) Jeff Jefferson, Dodge, 75, Running, $4,550;

7. (7) Nick Lynch, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $3,300;

8. (16) M.K. Kanke, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,600;

9. (11) Thomas Martin, Pontiac, 75, Running, $2,300;

10. (6) Greg Voigt, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,600;

11. (5) Joe Herold, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,400;

12. (43) Greg Pursley, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,900;

13. (8) Danny Burson, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,800;

14. (14) Auggie Vidovich Jr., Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,750;

15. (29) Brandon Riehl, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,225;

16. (41) John Dillon, Pontiac, 75, Running, $1,675;

17. (18) Kevin Clark, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,650;

18. (30) Greg Fowler, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,875;

19. (10) Darrell LaMoure, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,600;

20. (38) Dustin Jones, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,575;

21. (33) Pete Harding, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,050;

22. (20) Rick Suran, Pontiac, 75, Running, $1,500;

23. (40) Jim Inglebright, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,475;

24. (22) Ed Belec, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,450;

25. (36) Dexter Bean, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,425;

26. (21) Rick Carelli, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,400;

27. (12) Bob Lyon, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,375;

28. (32) Trevor Morrical, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,350;

29. (23) Danny Mientka, Pontiac, 73, Running, $1,325;

30. (25) Mike Gallegos, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,300;

31. (28) Randy Hvall, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,300;

32. (9) Doug McCoun, Chevrolet, 72, Running, $1,700;

33. (15) Richard Johnson, Chevrolet, 72, Running, $1,300;

34. (27) Don Campbell, Chevrolet, 67, Running, $1,300;

35. (35) Todd Souza, Ford, 61, Running, $1,700;

36. (17) Stan Silva Jr., Chevrolet, 49, Accident, $1,300;

37. (13) Dan Holtz, Ford, 42, Accident, $1,300;

38. (31) Stephan Sadler, Chevrolet, 38, Running, $1,300;

39. (34) Garrett Evans, Chevrolet, 18, Engine, $1,800;

40. (39) Tim Schendel, Chevrolet, 1, Accident, $2,550;

41. (42) Rip Michels, Chevrolet, 1, Accident, $1,700;

42. (26) Travis Bennett, Chevrolet, 0, Ignition, $1,800;

43. (24) Mike Ledbetter, Chevrolet, 0, DNS, $0;

# Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year Contenders

Failed to Qualify: None

TIME OF RACE: 49 minutes, 48 seconds (Race Record)

AVERAGE SPEED: 90.361 mph

MARGIN OF VICTORY: .320 seconds

BUD POLE AWARD: Field set per NASCAR Rulebook dut to inclement weather. Jim

Pettit II started from Pole.

POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Jeff Jefferson, LeMay Museum Dodge

FEATHERLITE AWARD: Burney Lamar, Groeniger Chevrolet

ROOKIE-OF-THE-RACE: Dustin Jones, A Atlas Chevrolet

CAUTION FLAGS: Three cautions for 19 laps (3-8, 44-49, 51-57)

LAP LEADERS: Two lead changes among three drivers. Jim Pettit II start,

Eddy McKean 1-17, Burney Lamar 18-75.

AUTOZONE SOUTHWEST SERIES TOP 20

Driver POINTS(WINS)

1. Burney Lamar 180 (1)

2. Ken Schrader 170 -

3. Eddy McKean 165 -

4. Eric Holmes 160 -

5. Jim Pettit II 155 -

6. Jeff Jefferson 150 -

7. Nick Lynch 146 -

8. M.K. Kanke 142 -

9. Thomas Martin 138 -

10. Greg Voigt 134 -

11. Joe Herold 130 -

12. Greg Pursley 127 -

13. Danny Burson 124 -

14. Auggie Vidovich 121 -

15. Brandon Riehl 118 -

16. John Dillon 115 -

17. Kevin Clark 112 -

18. Greg Fowler 109 -

19. Darrell LaMoure 106 -

20. Dustin Jones 103 -

ROOKIE-OF-THE-YEAR STANDINGS

Name Pts

Dustin Jones 10

Stephan Sadler 9

 

MANUFACTURE' STANDINGS

MFG Pts

Chevrolet 9

Pontiac 6

Ford 4

Dodge 3

FEATHERLITE AWARD STANDINGS

Name Pts

Burney Lamar 1

BUD POLE AWARD STANDINGS

Name Pts

Jim Pettit II 1

POWERADE MOVE OF THE RACE

Name Pts

Jeff Jefferson 1

NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES NEWS & NOTES – PHOENIX

• Pettit is looking for back-to-back championships

• Schrader set to battle series regulars in season opener

• McKean is the master of the Phoenix mile, looking for fourth victory

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2005) – Jim Pettit calls Prunedale, Calif. home, but through much of his 2004 campaign the real estate at the front of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series field become Pettit’s residence. Claiming the 2004 series championship on the strength of four wins, Pettit hopes to flex some muscle and find victory lane this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.

The NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series will kick off its 20th season of competition at PIR as part of the Copper World Classic on Jan. 29-30. For most of the years over the past two decades, PIR has been the season opening event for the Southwest Series, but this season marks the return of the popular Copper World Classic event.

Pettit will try to become only the second driver to win consecutive series championships since Ron Hornaday accomplished that feat in 1992-93. Pettit knows you have to start the season out right at PIR. “Sometimes this track just means survival,” said Pettit. “Last season we had top five runs at Phoenix. It’s time to find victory lane.”

In three Phoenix races last season, Pettit finished 3rd, 5th, and 4th.

Another drive hoping to find Phoenix success is Greg Voigt. Voigt is fresh off his best season to date in Southwest Series competition where he finished the 2004 campaign eighth in the final standings.

Voigt now knows you need seat time and experience to be successful at Phoenix. Three years ago he made his first trip to the one-mile paved oval and got “schooled” – as he put it. This weekend he hopes to write a new chapter in his racing career.

“I have always been successful and never thought you had to test,” Voigt said. “The Southwest Series is a tough deal. I underestimated what it took to run up front and it has taken me three years to figure it out. We have a new car, and more importantly we have a lot more experience, so this weekend should play out a lot better for us.”

Voigt finished the 2004 season with a career best second place race finish at Tucson Raceway Park, and his knows he a top five runs this weekend will go a long to propel his season. “Since I am self sponsored,” Voigt offered. “Every race takes on special importance.”

While Pettit is looking for repeat success and Voigt seeks the front of the pack, Eddy McKean, the 2002 Southwest Series champion, is hands down the hottest series regular at Phoenix. McKean has eight top three finishes including three victories in the last nine Southwest Series races staged at Phoenix. McKean found victory lane in two of three visits to PIR last season and could be considered the odds on favorite this weekend.

“I don’t know what it is, I just have a good feel for the place,” McKean said of PIR. “Phoenix is a track where I just feel comfortable, and in a racecar that is a real good feeling.”

Other notable drivers expected to compete at PIR include the 2004 series Rookie-of-the-Year Rip Michels of San Fernando, Calif. Eric Holmes of Escalon, Calif. who claimed a wire-to-wire victory at PIR last October returns looking for win number two. Darrell LaMoure from Phoenix, Ariz., track record holder Dan Holtz from Pacific Palisades, Calif. and 2003 champion Auggie Vidovich of Lakeside, Calif. are all set to compete this weekend.

Leading the Colorado contingent into Phoenix is former series champion

(1991) and affectionately known as the High Plains Drifter, Rick Carelli of Arvada, Colo. Joining Carelli from Colorado are Ed Belec, Mike Gallegos, Greg Fowler, Danny Mientka, and Kevin Clark.

Long-time series veterans Doug McCoun of Prunedale, Calif., Bob Lyon of Aqua Dulce, Calif., and M.K. Kanke of Frazier Park, Calif. are also entered in the season opening event.

Joining the entry list from the Northwest Series are two-time and defending Northwest Series champion Jeff Jefferson of Naches, Wash., Four-time Northwest Series champion and former Phoenix winner Garrett Evans of East Wenatchee, Wash. 1999 Northwest Series champion Pete Harding of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, 1990 Northwest Series champion John Dillon of Eagle, Idaho, 2004 championship runner-up Travis Bennett of Ellensburg, Wash., and Late Model hotshoe and third year Northwest Series driver Brandon Riehl of Boring, Ore.

Newcomers to the series include two Dustin Jones from Tucson, Ariz., Don Campbell of Campbell, Calif. and Stephan Sadler of Brea, Calif.

The 75-lap marks the first the Southwest Series has competed at that distance at PIR. The past ten events have either been 100 or 125 lap races.

NEWS & NOTES

Ø The race … This event is the first race on the NASCAR AutoZone Elite

Division, Southwest Series schedule for 2005. It is the first of two series visits to Phoenix International Raceway this season, with the series finale slated for November.

Ø The track … PIR is a one-mile superspeedway with turns one and two

banked 11 degrees, turns three and four banked nine degrees and two degrees of banking in the dogleg. The track has hosted 31 previous Southwest Series events.

Ø The event … As part of the Copper World Classic at PIR, the

Southwest Series will share the stage with the NASCAR Grand National, West Series as well as USAC’s Midget and Silver Crown cars.

Ø Last year’s race … Burney Lamar claimed the Bud Pole Award and led

the field to green. Lamar managed to lead only one lap giving way to Eddy McKean who dominated the next 99 laps en route to the victory. Tim Schendel, Jim Pettit II, Jeff Jefferson, and Craig Raudman rounded out the top five finishers. Mike Price was the top finishing rookie with a 17th place effort. Eventual 2004 Rookie-of-the-Year winner Rip Michels finished a disappointing 31st.

Ø The Mile Master … Eddy McKean has only finished outside the top

three at PIR two times in his last ten starts.

Ø Multiple winners … Scott Hansen and Rick Carelli each have four wins

at PIR with Eddy McKean and Ken Schrader sharing three wins apiece. Dick Trickle, Ron Hornaday, and Garrett Evans each of two victories at Phoenix.

Ø Top marks … Eddy McKean holds the mark for the most top-five

finishes in the series at PIR, with eight.

Ø Return performance … Doug McCoun has taken the green flag at PIR

more than any other driver in the series. The veteran driver has competed in twenty race staged at PIR in Southwest Series competition.

Ø The manufacturers … Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Ford have all claimed

wins at PIR.

Ø From the history books … Ron Hornaday won the 50-lap Copper World

Classic event from the pole position on February 5, 1995. Garret Evans, Bob Lyon, Brett Bell, and Jeff Krogh rounded out the top five finishers. Jason Fensler was the top finishing rookie with a tenth place performance. Hornaday led three times for 26 laps. Rick Crawford led twice for 24 laps.

*** Southwest Series Driver appearance at the AutoZone store located at

8669 NW Grand Avenue, Peoria, Ariz ON FRIDAY January 28 from 12:00-2:00 p.m.-Where two-time and defending Northwest Series champion Jeff Jefferson will be on hand along with Southwest Series star Greg Voigt. 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 Copper World Classic "75" at Phoenix International Raceway Saturday and Sunday, January 29-30 - a great opportunity to meet and develop stories on these talented NASCAR drivers.

News of Note

Danny Grill of Acton Calif. returns to the Southwest series as Series Director after two years with the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series. Grill got his start in the Southwest Series on the other side of the pits where he spent seven years as crew chief with Ron Hornaday that included two series championships.

 

NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division Southwest Series Copper World Classic "75"

Phoenix Int'l Raceway, January 30, 2005

Entry List Based on Pre-Entry

Car(#), Driver, Sponsor, Hometown
1. (03)Jim Pettit II, California Hot Wood/Jim Pettit Racing Ford, Prunedale, Calif.
2. (04)Stephan Sadler, Padco Carpet Cushion Inc. Chevrolet, Brea, Calif.
3. (4)Danny Mientka, RE/MAX Advantage/ Wreckmaster Pontiac, Colorado Springs, Colo.
4. (5)Joe Herold, Quality Chevrolet/Classic Volkswagon Chevrolet, Poway, Calif.
5. (05)Rick Carelli, Xtreme Signs and Graphics Chevrolet, Arvada, Colo.
6. (6)Todd Souza, Money by Design/Golfland/Sierra Mist Chevrolet, Aromas, Calif.
7. (06)Mike Gallegos, MJ Dixon & Associates/DC Racing Engines, Wheat Ridge, Colo.
8. (07)Kevin Clark, Sirius Satellite Radio/Kenwood Car Audio Chevrolet, Colorado Springs, Colo.
9. (9)Greg Voigt, Auto Pro Racing Engines Chevrolet, Santa Barbara, Calif.
10. (11)Auggie Vidovich Jr., Centrifugal Technologies Chevrolet, Lakeside, Calif.
11. (12)Rip Michels, Stock Building Supply/LADCO/Victory Circle Chassis Chevrolet, Mission Hills, Calif.
12. (14)Ed Belec, Arvada Excavating/DC Racing Chevrolet, Lakewood, Colo.
13. (16)Doug McCoun, Camacho's Cantina/TM Professional/CBA Chevrolet, Prunedale, Calif.
14. (19)Eddy McKean, Wide World of Maps/Magic Valley Pipe & Steel Pontiac, Jerome, Idaho
15. (20)Jim Inglebright, Wunder Bar Chevrolet, Fairfield, Calif.
16. (23)Dan Holtz, Rialto Concrete Prod./Pipeline Carriers/Thompson Mtrsprts Ford, Pacific Palisades, Calif. 17. (25)John Dillon, Frontier Equipment/Toyota Industrial Equipment Pontiac, Boise, Idaho
18. (26)Dustin Jones, A Atlas/Desert Valley Landscaping Chevrolet, Tucson, Ariz.
19. (29)Nick Lynch, Mr. Gas/Yerf-Dog Chevrolet, Burley, Idaho
20. (32)Travis Bennett, Zebs Truck Stop/Knudsen Lumber Chevrolet, Ellensburg, Wash.
21. (33)M.K. Kanke, Perricone Juices/Sims Trucking/RPM Motorsports Chevrolet, Frazier Park, Calif.
22. (39)Pete Harding, LP Body Shop/Harding Forklift Chevrolet, Surrey, BC
23. (42)Jeff Jefferson, Tri County Parts Dodge, Naches, Wash.
24. (44)Bob Lyon, Alliance Rental Solutions/LTR/Ron's Rear Ends Chevrolet, Aqua Dulce, Calif.
25. (47)Richard Johnson, Radcap Products/ShellDust Inc. Chevrolet, Antioch, Calif.
26. (51)Dexter Bean, 5 Star Telecom Chevrolet, Westby, Wisc.
27. (55)Don Campbell, GKI/Courtesy Chevrolet, Campbell, Calif.
28. (62)Eric Holmes, KENCO/Paul Oil Co./Taco Bell Chevrolet, Escalon, Calif.
29. (64)Garrett Evans, Leonard Evans Hyundai Chevrolet, Wenatchee, Wash.
30. (65)Stan Silva Jr., A&S Metals/Stan Silva Jr. Trucking Chevrolet, Castroville, Calif.
31. (69)Brandon Riehl, Aero Turbine/Darrel's Economy Muffler Chevrolet, Boring, Ore.
32. (71)Greg Fowler, Shocked by R2/Sheds-R-Us/Sunoco Chevrolet, Longmont, Colo.
33. (94)Darrell LaMoure, NAPA Auto Parts/Racing for the Missing Chevrolet, Phoenix, Ariz.
34. (99)Ken Schrader, Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet, Fenton, Mo.

NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES CHAMPION GREG PURSLEY RETURNS

TO NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES IN 2005

 

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2005) – 2004 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion Greg Pursley, of Santa Clarita, Calif., will race for another NASCAR title in 2005, this time in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series.

 

Pursley, who raced to the 2004 Sunbelt Region and national championships at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway, will now drive the No. 70 Star Nursery/DZ Motorsports Chevrolet. The team kicks off its season Jan. 29-30 in the Copper World Classic at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway. The Phoenix race marks Pursley’s return to the Southwest Series, where he competed in 1999-2001.

 

“This is a great opportunity,” said Pursley. “I have a chance to return to the Southwest Series with a championship-caliber team and I can’t wait to get started. It’s an honor to return to the track as the reigning NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion and I hope I can represent the title well.”

 

The Southwest Series now boasts several NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series regional and national champions among its ranks. Along with Pursley, the Southwest Series roster includes 1985 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion Doug McCoun (No. 16 Camacho’s Cantina Chevrolet), 1984 regional champion Jim Pettit II (No. 03 Jim Pettit Racing Ford), 1991 and 1996 regional champion Eddy McKean (No. 19 Wide World of Maps Pontiac) and 2003 regional champion Rip Michels (No. 12 STOCK Building Supply Chevrolet).

 

Pursley’s previous Southwest Series team was also sponsored by Star Nursery and they have reunited for the 2005 campaign. Many other notable drivers have raced for the Nevada-based garden supply company in the Southwest Series, including 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Kurt Busch, 2004 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown winner Eric Holmes and NASCAR Late Model Stock Car standout Frank Deiny Jr. Pursley’s new team will be based at the Victory Circle Chassis shop in Bakersfield, Calif. Pursley’s father, Russ, will serve as crew chief.

 

Pursley’s best Southwest Series season was in 2000, when he finished 5th in the point standings with one win, five top-five finishes and one Bud Pole Award. Pursley has two Southwest Series wins to his credit, both at Irwindale. After one season in the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series in 2002, Pursley raced in Irwindale’s Super Late Model division for the 2003-04 seasons.

SWT 2004 Articles

SWT 2003 DRIVER ROSTER and PIX

2003 SWT Pages

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