Hailie Deegan Caps History-Making Season With Sunoco Rookie Honors

Hailie Deegan’s rookie season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West could best be summed up as “mission accomplished.”

Hailie Deegan wrapped up her 2018 season with the NASCAR K&N Pro
Series West Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award. (Meg Oliphant/NASCAR)

Deegan just wrapped up her first season driving the Bill McAnally Racing No. 19 Mobil 1/NAPA Power Premium Plus Toyota Camry in the West division of NASCAR’s top developmental series.

The 17-year-old from Temecula, California had a history-making season – becoming the first female driver to win a NASCAR K&N Pro Series race and first woman to win a pole award in the series. She also became the first woman to win the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.

“This year has pretty much been a dream season for me,” said Deegan, a member of the NASCAR Next program, which spotlights NASCAR’s rising stars. “Everything that I wanted to accomplish, we accomplished.

“It’s been a really good learning year for me,” she said. “Everyone surrounding me, we’ve had tons of positive people and tons of positive results. This year was definitely a successful year.”

HAILIE DEEGAN CAREER STATISTICS

Deegan capped her season off by clinching the rookie title in the final race of the year at Kern County Raceway Park on Saturday.

“We ended up winning the Rookie of the Year, which is pretty cool,” she said. “It was kind of like my last goal for the year.”

In addition to taking the rookie award, Deegan finished fifth in the overall championship standings. She had one win, two poles, five top-five finishes, and 12 top-10 finishes in 14 races.

“It’s been exciting to watch Hailie’s development in the NASCAR K&N Series this year,” said team owner Bill McAnally. “She made a big step in graduating to this series, but she demonstrated that she was ready for it. It’s been great to see her succeed.”

Deegan started off the season with top-10 finishes in the first three races. She stepped things up in the next two races, with back-to-back top-five finishes at Southern California’s Orange Show Speedway and Colorado National Speedway, just north of Denver.

She led the contingent of BMR drivers with a seventh-place finish on the road course at California’s Sonoma Raceway and then scored her first podium finish, coming home in the runner-up spot at Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Oregon.

Deegan’s only subpar finishes of the season were the result of contact in the two NASCAR K&N Pro Series East-West combination races – at Iowa Speedway and at Gateway Motorsports Park. Sandwiched between the two combo events, she had a seventh-place finish at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington. She captured the spotlight as the K&N West raced at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where she won the pole award and finished second.

Deegan grabbed even bigger headlines at the next event at Idaho’s Meridian Speedway, using a bump-and-run move on the last lap to win the race. She followed that up with a seventh-place finish at All American Speedway in Roseville, California.

Deegan garnered her second pole award in the season finale at KCRP near Bakersfield, California and went on to finish sixth, after contact from another car in the final laps.

In addition to racing the full schedule of 14 K&N West events this year, Deegan also competed in four races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East – racing at New Smyrna, Bristol, Memphis, and New Hampshire. 

Hailie Deegan, driver of the No. 19 Mobil 1 / NAPA Power Premium Plus Toyota,
 had a win, five top fives and 12 top 10s in 14 starts in her first year in the
NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. (Jonathan Moore/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Deegan, the daughter of legendary X-Games athlete Brian Deegan, won multiple championships in off-road racing – where she began her racing career at the age of 8. She transitioned to stock cars, racing in late models before making her debut this year in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.

Score one for the ladies!@HailieDeegan's victory at Meridian was historic, as she became the first woman in K&N Pro Series history to win. Her win is No. 5 on our list of top @NASCAR moments of 2018. pic.twitter.com/LQiY0E6rjd

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 13, 2018

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Derek Kraus Makes the Most Of His #NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Inauguration

Truck Newcomer Started and Finished Eighth

(Credit: Rolando / https://twitter.com/Rolando3818)

The 2017 KNWest Sunoco ‘Rookie of the Year,’ Derek Kraus made his Truck Series Debut yesterday. A member of 2018’s NASCAR Next’s, Kraus started the ‘Lucas Oil 150’ at ISM Raceway in his Bill McAnally No. 19 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Tundra last night.

The youngster from Wisconsin has just completed his second full-time season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. He finished fourth in the championship standings but topped the series with four wins and five poles.

Derek also led the most laps and collected eight top-five finishes and ten top-10 finishes in fourteen 2018 K&N Pro Series West races.

Kraus’ experience and adaptability emerged quickly. He was fifth on the speed chart in the final practice session earlier in the day.

Further, despite a spin during round one of qualifying, the seventeen-year-old, who managed to keep his truck out of the wall, went on to qualify eighth in time trials.

Derek charged up to fifth in the early laps of the race. After being shuffled back to fifteenth following pit stops at the end of Stage 1, he worked his way back into the top-ten during the second stage.

👏 to #NASCARNext driver @derek9kraus, who just cracked the top 10.

📺: @FS1
📱: https://t.co/QeaItH7YVB pic.twitter.com/0xplfKW6DK

— NASCAR Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) November 10, 2018

Kraus was as high as fifth on a restart three laps from the finish, then took the checkered flag in eighth following a fierce battle in the closing laps.

“It was a great run for our first time out,” Kraus said. “The BMR crew brought me a really good No. 19 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Tundra. It was a bonus for the end of the year that we had a really good run.”

Kraus said he plans to learn from this first venture into the truck series.

“I needed to be a little more aggressive on the restarts,” he said. “That would help a lot, to get spots early while tires are really fresh and cold. We will learn and adjust from this.”

(Credit: Rolando / https://twitter.com/Rolando3818)

Team owner Bill McAnally praised Kraus and the BMR crew for their success.

“Derek did an outstanding job in making his first truck series start such a success, especially considering it was his first time to race at ISM Raceway,” McAnally said. “He didn’t hesitate to challenge the veterans of the series and race door-to-door with them.

Ty Joiner served as the #19 crew chief with John Camilleri, who was Derek’s crew chief this year in the K&N West entries, will be the truck chief.

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NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Wraps-Up

Thorn Wins Championship / Kraus Wins Race / Deegan with Pole and ROY Honors

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West completed its 2018 season under the lights Saturday night at Kern County Raceway Park with the ‘NAPA AUTO PARTS 175 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame.’

Derek Thorn – 2018 K&N Pro Series Champion

After four years away from full-time action in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, Derek Thorn came back to the Sunrise Ford team to chase a championship.

With just one race left on the schedule, the Lakeport, California, driver found himself in the exact position he was hoping he would be in. Thorn entered last night’s race leading the championship standings by 26 points.

Derek Thorn Marches To Second K&N Pro West Championship#KNWest RACE RECAP: https://t.co/lwX4GlTGpX pic.twitter.com/ycMaxNZZ1V

— NASCAR Regional & Local Series (@NASCARHomeTrack) October 28, 2018

The forty points he earned after finishing fifth yesterday was more than he needed.

The five year hiatus we had, the guys have come a long way in the shop,” Thorn said. “There were some races we were competing for wins, and some we were competing just to finish in the top five. To keep a championship hope alive, you have be able to capitalize on every opportunity, and make the most of the bad days.”

The thirty-two-year-old Lakeport, California driver won his first championship in 2013. Impressively, in his three full-time seasons, Thorn can boast of two championships and a third-place series finish.

***********

Derek Kraus Wins the ‘NAPA AUTO PARTS 175 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame.’

Derek Kraus, just seventeen, won the season-finale, grabbing his fourth win and sweeping the two races at the California oval. The victory was the fifth consecutive at Kern for the No. 16 out of the Bill McAnally Racing stable — with Kraus winning the last three and former champion Todd Gilliland winning the two previous events.

What a year @BMR_NASCAR brought me a great car each and every race! Had a lot of ups and downs but finished off the year with a win! Thank you @ToyotaRacing and @NAPARacing for all you’re help!! pic.twitter.com/cLJMUCU2Wh

— Derek Kraus (@derek9kraus) October 28, 2018

He sweeps this years events @KernRaceway and ends the season with a 🏁.@derek9kraus wins the #NAPA175. pic.twitter.com/l2TgIfSNU3

— NASCAR Regional & Local Series (@NASCARHomeTrack) October 28, 2018

***********

Hailie Deegan Making NASCAR History

Hallie Deegan, who drives the No. 19 Mobil 1 / NAPA Power Premium Plus Toyota Camry had a record-setting season. The 17-year-old – who hails from Temecula, California – made history this year in by becoming the first female driver to win a series race and the first woman to win a pole award in the series. Yesterday’s pole proved that her success was not just a ‘fluke.’

With two laps remaining last night, Deegan suffered contacting with another competitor fighting for third. She would have to settle for a six-place finish. However, she took the coveted ‘Rookie of the Year’ Award with one win, five top-five, and 12 top-10 finishes.

DUDE.@HailieDeegan collects her second #KNWest pole tonight here @KernRaceway.

She will lead the field to green in tonight’s #NAPA175. You don’t want to miss this interview. 👇🏼👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/bNKsjkvqBM

— NASCAR Regional & Local Series (@NASCARHomeTrack) October 28, 2018

Congrats to @HailieDeegan on winning the #KNWest Rookie of the Year Award for 2018. #historymakingseason #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/XJQ5bOpygH

— Bill McAnally Racing (@BMR_NASCAR) October 28, 2018

Kraus and Deegan are both members of the NASCAR Next program that spotlights NASCAR’s rising stars. The finished fourth and fifth in the championship points standings respectively.

KNWest Final Championship Standings

	Driver	Races	Win	Points	Diff
1	Derek Thorn	14	2	586
2	Ryan Partridge	14	1	559	-27
3	Cole Rouse	14	1	557	-29
4	Derek Kraus	14	4	543	-43
5	Hailie Deegan	14	1	514	-72
6	Trevor Huddleston	14	0	504	-82
7	Kody Vanderwal	14	2	479	-107
8	Matt Levin	13	0	426	-160
9	Takuma Koga	14	0	399	-187
10	Todd Souza	9	0	272	-314
11	Bill Kann	8	0	258	-328
12	Will Rodgers	7	1	230	-356
13	Rich DeLong III	6	0	168	-418
14	Ron Norman	5	0	160	-426
15	Jesse Iwuji	6	0	156	-430
16	Travis Milburn	5	0	149	-437
17	Vanessa Robinson	4	0	143	-443
18	Devin Dodson	4	0	142	-444
19	Nick Joanides	4	0	139	-447
20	Cole Keatts	3	0	113	-473

Thorn, Kraus, and Deegan and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West top finishers and special award winners will be honored at NASCAR Awards Charlotte on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018.

Kern County KNWest Race Results

Fin	St	#	Driver	Car	Laps
1	2	16	Derek Kraus	Toyota	175
2	3	9	Ryan Partridge	Ford	175
3	6	22	Trevor Huddleston *	Ford	175
4	4	17	David Mayhew	Chevrolet	175
5	7	6	Derek Thorn	Ford	175
6	1	19	Hailie Deegan *	Toyota	175
7	5	99	Cole Rouse	Toyota	175
8	8	43	Kody Vanderwal	Ford	175
9	9	13	Todd Souza	Toyota	175
10	10	10	Matt Levin	Chevrolet	174
11	14	18	Bill Kann	Chevrolet	172
12	15	11	Takuma Koga	Chevrolet	168
13	13	77	Nick Joanides	Toyota	167
14	17	36	Taylor Canfield *	Ford	167
15	11	40	Ron Norman	Chevrolet	165
16	16	84	Rich DeLong III	Chevrolet	137
17	12	8	Travis Milburn	Toyota	31
18	18	39	Keith McGee *	Toyota	16

Source: https://hometracks.nascar.com

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Biggest Event Of The Year At All American Speedway On Saturday

Action Packed 11th Annual October Classic In Roseville

All American Speedway will hosts its biggest event of the year this week with the 11th Annual October Classic on the third-mile oval at the Grounds on Saturday, Oct. 13.The racing will be intense, with championships on the line for regional touring series and two local divisions competing for bonus awards.

 “The success of this event is reflected in its popularity with the fans,” race promoter Bill McAnally said of the October Classic, which will again benefit the Placer Breast Cancer Foundation. “Everybody works very hard to put on the best show possible and it’s great to see the fans turn out to enjoy it and have such a good time.”

Again this year, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will headline the event with the NAPA AutoCare / Roseville Toyota 200 presented by TriCo Welding Supplies and the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. It’s the 13th event on a 14-race schedule this year for the West’s oldest stock car circuit.

Bill McAnally kicks off his annual auction to raise money for Placer Breast Cancer Foundation pic.twitter.com/fvj78qVz9W

— Bill McAnally Racing (@BMR_NASCAR) October 14, 2017

Hailie Deegan made history with a victory in the most recent series race, becoming the first female driver to win a NASCAR K&N Pro Series event. She and her Bill McAnally Racing teammates, who made for a 1-2-3 finish, will give Northern California fans plenty to cheer about.
 

“The NASCAR K&N West race at Roseville is one of the most exciting series races of the year,” McAnally said. “It gives fans the opportunity to see the exciting action of full-bodied NASCAR stock cars competing on a tight short track. And this year, fans get to see Hailie Deegan back in action after becoming the first woman to win in the series.”

For the second straight year, the October Classic will also feature the crowning of two champions – with the Pacific Challenge Series Late Models and the North State Modified Series each wrapping up their season.

“It’s great to have the PCS Late Models and North State Modifieds back again this year to conclude their seasons and decide their championships,” McAnally said. “Both of these touring divisions feature plenty of tough competition.”

Local divisions that will be racing as part of this week’s big event at Roseville include the Super Stocks A & B, as well as the Bandoleros/Mini Cups. Each Super Stock A and Super Stock B car that takes the green flag is to be awarded a Matco Tool Green Flag Bonus of $100.

“We’re excited to have these local divisions in this year’s October Classic,” McAnally said. “They’ve put on some great racing at the track this year and we’re pleased to have them be part of this big event.” In addition to all the action on the track, the midway will feature a variety of activities; including live music, a classic car show hosted by Alley Cats CarClub, and numerous vendors. Saturday’s event will be capped off with fireworks.

The ticket booth and front gate are scheduled to open at 4 p.m., with feature events set to get underway at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 for general admission; $30 for military, first responders, and seniors over 65; and $25 for kids between the ages of 6-12. Kids under 5 get in free. Admission for adults to the VIP Hospitality is $60, and $50 for kids.

General information about the speedway is available on the internet at www.allamericanspeedway.com. For additional questions about the speedway, call 916-786-2025.

Bill McAnally Racing Promotions signed a long-term agreement in May to operate all motorsports events at the All American Speedway. Placer County Fairgrounds, where the track is located, was renamed @the Grounds after Placer Valley Tourism took over management of the 61-acre property in 2017 and began a renovation project of more than $40 million for the repair and updating of existing buildings and parking lots.

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NASCAR Schedule for #MENCS & #NCWTS at Talladega

The #KNWest Series races at All American Speedway

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be in action at Talladega Superspeedway while the NASCAR Xfinity Series has the weekend off.

The Monster Energy Series heads to the second race of the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs, The Camping World Truck Series Playoffs enters the final race of the Round of 8.

Check out the full schedule below. (The schedule for the K&N Pro Series West is also listed below.)

Thursday, October 11, 2018

• 12:00 PM Staging Begins for Track Drive Day
• 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Track Drive Day for Fans

Friday, October 12, 2018

• 7:00 AM Parking Areas Open
• 9:00 AM Fan Zone Open
• 9:05 AM - 9:55 AM First Practice | NCWTS
• 10:35 AM - 11:25 AM Final Practice | NCWTS
• 12:00 PM MENCS Hauler Entry | Crossover Gate V9
• 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Open NCWTS Garage for Infield Guests
• 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM NCWTS Autograph Session | Camping World Display
• 2:15 PM Tyler Dippel | Chevy Display
• 3:00 PM Justin Haley & Spencer Gallagher | Chevy Display
• 3:00 PM Kyle Busch Motorsports Drivers | Honda Generators Display
• 4:00 PM Grandstands Open | EP4
• 4:35 PM Qualifying | NCWTS
• 6:00 PM Pit Road Pickers Music | Infield Miller Lite Pavilion
• 7:00 PM The Big One on the Blvd
• 8:00 PM Pit Road Pickers Music | Infield Miller Lite Pavilion

Saturday, October 13, 2018

• 5:00 AM Parking Areas Open
• 8:00 AM Pre-Race Access Begins
• 8:00 AM Fan Zone Open
• 9:00 AM Grandstands Open
• 10:05 AM - 11:20 AM First & Final Practice | MENCS
• 10:15 AM Myatt Snider & Ben Rhodes | Ford Display
• 11:30 AM Driver Introductions | NCWTS
• 12:00 PM Fr8Auctions 250 | NCWTS | 94 laps
• 1:00 PM David Ragan | 1000Bulbs.com Display
• 3:35 PM Foodland/Food Giant Qualifying | MENCS
• 4:20 PM Aric Almirola | Honda Generators Display | Post-Qualifying
• 5:30 PM FREE Kids Movie Night
• 7:00 PM Chris Janson Concert pres. by Wind Creek Casino & Hotel

Sunday, October 14, 2018

• 5:00 AM Parking Areas Open
  
• 8:00 AM Pre-Race Pit Pass Access Begins
• 8:00 AM Fan Zone Open
• 9:00 AM Grandstands Open
• 9:00 AM Paul Menard | Ford Display
• 9:15 AM Joey Logano | Ford Display
• 9:15 AM Matt DiBenedetto | Can-Am Display
• 9:30 AM Tweetup | Fan Zone
• 9:30 AM Michael McDowell | Ford Display
• 9:30 AM Trevor Bayne | Benore Logistic Systems Display
• 9:35 AM Jamie McMurray | Chevy Display
• 9:45 AM Austin Dillon | Chevy Display
• 9:50 AM William Byron | Chevy Display
• 10:00 AM Ty Dillon | GEICO Display
• 10:20 AM Chase Elliott & Jimmie Johnson | Chevy Display
• 10:30 AM Grant Enfinger | Ford Display
• 10:34 AM Bubba Wallace & Richard Petty | Chevy Display
• 12:20 PM - 1:00 PM Driver Introductions | MENCS
• 1:00 PM 1000Bulbs.com 500 | MENCS | 188 laps

NCWTS: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
MENCS: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

Times listed are tentative and subject to change.
All times are local Central Time.

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T H I S I S T A L L A D E G A

It's officially race week here in Sweet Home Alabama! 🏁#1000Bulbs500 | #Fr8Auctions250 pic.twitter.com/ipNeueAFqM

— Talladega Superspeedway (@TalladegaSuperS) October 7, 2018

The K&N Pro Series will race on Saturday at All American Speedway. The schedule for the ‘Toyota/NAPA AutoCare 200 presented by TriCo Welding Supplies’ is below:

Saturday, October 13, 2018

• 10:00 a.m. Garage Opens
• 12:30-1:15 p.m. Practice
• 1:45-2:30 p.m. Final Practice
• 4:45 p.m. Qualifying
• 7:00 p.m. NAPA AutoCare/Roseville Toyota 200 presented by TriCo Welding Supplies & the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame (50 laps on a .333 mile paved track for 50.0 miles)

Remember you can ‘watch’ all the #KNWest action via Race Central Live .

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NASCAR Weekend of 1st - Weekend Racing Recap

Winners: Ryan Blaney (#MENCS); Hailie Deegan (#KNWest); Chase Briscoe (#NXS)

Ryan Blaney Scored his First #Win of the 2018 Season

Ryan Blaney is a key pillar of NASCAR’s youth movement. After starting ninth on the grid, he scored his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory with Team Penske in the inaugural ‘Bank of America ROVAL 400’ at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The win was his second victory in one hundred and nineteen (119) MENCS races.

When the race went back green on lap 104, Blaney fought his way into the top-three behind leader Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson. Coming to the final corner, Johnson, in a last-ditch effort to win the race, slid into Truex Jr., causing both cars to spin within sight of the finish line. 

Blaney avoided the incident and beat Jamie McMurray to the finish line to win, his first victory of the 2018 season.

"We restarted sixth the last one there and got to third with a couple of laps to go. I was really just riding there in third. We were good to go on points and was going to advance to the next round on points. They were so far ahead I wasn't even really trying to catch them and then I saw them close to each other through the oval track and I was like, ‘Oh, something might happen here.' I went down in there, they touched and I was lucky to sneak through there. I'd rather go out and dominate the race and win by a lap, but you've got to take them how you can get them. We put ourselves in position. We did a great job all day of winning a stage and putting us in a good spot for points. It just worked out for us." Ryan Blaney

THAT. WAS. INCREDIBLE! Retweet to congratulate Ryan @Blaney on his #ROVAL WIN.

Full results: https://t.co/6LWByjiE2G#Blaney | #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/78elVKLl80

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 30, 2018

Hailie Deegan - First Woman #Winner in the K&N Pro Series

The K&N Pro Series West was first formed in 1954. It soon became the proving ground for drivers from the western United States. Seventeen year old, Hailie Deegan took the checkered flag in the ‘NAPA Auto Parts/Idaho 208’ at Meridian Speedway in Idaho Saturday to become the series first female winner in its long history.

“Oh my god,” Deegan said in Victory Lane, “This has to be the best day of my life right here. It doesn’t get any better than this. People don’t understand how many days, how many hours I’ve put into this. How much work I’ve done to get to this moment. It’s just amazing … this is the happiest day of my life. We did it.”

Deegan's magical night adds to her dream season

📰[https://t.co/s3EIJSfNqh] pic.twitter.com/9g1C4qqwWQ

— Toyota Racing (@ToyotaRacing) September 30, 2018

Chase Briscoe Gets First Xfinity #Win

Driving the No. 98 Ford fielded by Biagi DenBeste Racing in collaboration with Stewart-Haas Racing, Briscoe claimed his first victory in the #NASCAR Xfinity series.

Chase Briscoe made the most of pit strategy that put him out front during Saturday’s inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course and lead the last twenty-four (24) of fifty-five (55) laps in the Drive for the Cure 200.

“This is unreal,” an elated Briscoe said after the race. “I was four seconds off in practice, and my guys stuck behind me and kept working with me. It’s just an honor and privilege to drive a race car and to do it for my hero, (Stewart-Haas co-owner) Tony Stewart, and get a win.

“I feel like my career was getting really bad this year, and I needed to get my stock back up, and I just can’t believe it. Thanks to all these fans for coming out-what an awesome crowd! I hope you all enjoyed that race. It’s going to be a good one tomorrow (Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event).”

"I need to thank @FordPerformance, @TonyStewart, Gene Haas, Fred Biagi, Bill DenBeste and everyone on the No. 98 and at SHR for the opportunity they gave me this year and this car today."@ChaseBriscoe5 wins the #BlueCrossNC200.https://t.co/5HPnc1cleX pic.twitter.com/Cp6Nq5097K

— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) September 30, 2018

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Kenny & Marylou - A Story of Love and Racing

Timeless Tale of Dedication and Devotion

Kenny Smith is seventy-two years young. For a lot of that time, he has had two loves – racing and his wife of fifty-two years.

Born on September 25, 1946, he just celebrated his birthday. However, that is not all he celebrated.

Kenny & Marylou

You see, Kenny is not only winning races in the Sharky’s Spec Late Model Division at Irwindale Speedway* in California; just three days shy of his birthday, Smith won the track championship to become the oldest champion in the track’s nineteen-year history.

Irwindale had to rearrange the race schedule however. Smith who had set the fastest qualifying time during afternoon qualifying, rushed to the hospital to be with his wife. Marylou, who has suffered from some medical issues with Kenny by her side all the way, collapsed in the pits and was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. (Doctors diagnosed dehydration as the cause, but kept her for observation)

“We had a wild week end at Irwindale speedway it started very good we got fast time qualified #1 we were at autograph session about 6:30 pm and Marylou said she felt like she was going to faint so Cindy Philps took Marylou to the pits by the time it took to get there she was totally past out thank you to the Irwindale speedway fire and rescue team they responded very fast I went to the hospital with her she was dehydrated about 1hour after she told me to go back to Irwindale and win the race and the championship thank you Tim Huddelston and all the team at Irwindale speedway ps Marylou is doing very will” Kenny Smith via Facebook

Track officials moved Smith race from third in the order to last, which gave him time to be with his hospitalized wife and still get back to the track to not only compete, but unbelievable maintain the strength of mind to win!

Results of Sharky’s Spec Late Models
Main Event - September 23, 2018

Pos	No.	Name	Laps	Total  Tm	Avg.   Speed
1	43	Kenny Smith	25	08:45.9	85.568
2	98	John Watkinson	25	08:47.0	85.394
3	13	Shannon Millen	25	08:48.0	85.231
4	55	Dean Thompson	25	08:48.7	85.107
5	19	Robert Arevalo	25	09:06.1	82.402
6	29	Jason Delong	23	09:24.0	73.398
7	50	Craig Yeaton	11	09:13.6	35.766

On his way to the championship, Kenny, driving his No. 43 Chevrolet, won four of the races on the eight-race schedule.

Sharky’s Spec Late
Models 2018 Points

Pos	Car#	Name	Total
1	43	Kenny Smith	442
2	24	Craig Yeaton	350
3	29	Jason DeLong	336
5	98	John Walkinson	272
4	19	Robert Arevalo	252
8	55	Dean Thompson	226
17	13	Shannon Millen	176
6	59	John Butler	148
7	21	Rich DeLong III	82
16	50	Brad DeBerti	50
9	19	Todd Conrad	46
10	21	David Hibbard	42
11	19	Tony Jackson	42
12	29	Matt Tsau	38

Smith is not new to racing. In fact, in the nineties, before many of his competitors were born,  he ran some NASCAR Winston West Series events. Kenny participated in the series, now known as the K&N Pro Series West from 1994 until 2000.

During that period, he raced against some familiar names including:

• Greg Biffle

  

  Kenny back in the day.

• Brett Bodine
• Kurt Busch
• Bill Elliott
• Brendan Gaughan
• Butch Gilliland
• David Gilliland
• Kevin Harvick Lance Hooper
• Ron Hornaday Jr.
• P.J. Jones
• Hershel McGriff
• Roger Mears Jr.
• Jerry Nadeau
• Boris Said
• Ken Schrader
• Mike Skinner
• Lake Speed
• Kenny Wallace
• Mike Wallace

Smith executed smoking donuts in the infield prior to his finish-line interview with pit announcer/co-track promoter Tim Huddleston. Fans applauded and cheered loudly when told he was about to turn seventy-two.

“Just as soon as I’m finished here I’m taking this trophy to her (Marylou) in the hospital,” Smith proclaimed tearfully.

*Irwindale is located right in the center of the Los Angeles basin, the very heart of the San Gabriel Valley... Irwindale Speedway is easy to get to from anywhere in southern California.

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