Alonso Salinas Making ARCA Menards Series West Debut

With PP1M at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway

 

Alonso Salinas, a 24-year-old driver from Mexico, will drive the iconic No. 77 for Performance P-1 Motorsports (PP1M) in the 2026 ARCA Menards West Series season opening race at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. 

 

The goal is to be able to participate in the full season, subject to additional funding, and to win the Rookie of the Year title.

 

“I started competing at 12 years old and grew up watching all kinds of motorsports like Motocross and Supercross, F1, MotoGP, NASCAR and IndyCar,” Salinas said.

 

 

A champion in the Rotax Max Challenge Senior series in 2017 and 2020, he then moved to stock car racing in Mexico in the NASCAR Trucks Mexico Series in 2021. He won the championship in 2024. In 48 races, he has 4 wins, 22 top-5 finishes, and 35 top-10 finishes.

 

In 2025, he moved up to the NASCAR Mexico Challenge (a class integrated into the NASCAR Mexico Series) and in his first season, he finished in the top eight of the regular season and participated in the playoff final. In 14 races, he achieved four top-five finishes and 13 top-ten finishes with the Alpha Racing team.

 

What is Salinas’ goal at Bakersfield?

 

“Getting to know the car and the team. Also, the race regulations are different from those in Mexico, so finding my pace as quickly as possible,” Salinas said.

 

The No. 77 Toyota will be sponsored by King Taco, REX MD, and Wallace Signs. Other sponsors will be announced later. The experienced Roger Bracken will be his crew chief.

 

The 2026 ARCA Menards West Series championship will consist of 13 races between February and October, with appearances at prestigious tracks such as Phoenix Raceway and Sonoma Raceway.

 

 

Salinas will debut at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway half-mile paved oval in Bakersfield, CA on Saturday, Feb. 28, for the first race of the season, the Oil Workers 150 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame. 

The race will be streamed live on FloRacing.

 

 

source: ARCA Racing Media

NASCAR / ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Talladega SuperSpeedway & DuQuoin State Fairgrounds )

Winners: Ross Chastain (Cup); Noah Gragson (Xfinity); Nick Sanchez (ARCA Series) plus Landen Lewis (ARCA Series West) 

 

 

NASCAR Cup

Ross Chastain Converts Last-Lap Pass, Wins Talladega Thriller

 

One lap. That’s all it took for Ross Chastain to drop a watermelon and raise a trophy in celebration. The 29-year-old Floridian led only the last — typically frantic — lap in the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday to take his second career NASCAR Cup Series victory.

 

Chastain was running third behind Erik Jones and Kyle Larson with one lap remaining. Larson pulled out of line to the outside, poised to make a pass for the lead. But Jones pulled in front of Larson to block the momentum while Chastain kept his No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet steady below them maintaining pace, ultimately pulling away to the win as the other two cars lost momentum battling each other.

 

“Holy cow, we didn’t do anything,’’ Chastain yelled on his team radio after taking the checkered flag by a mere 0.105 seconds. “We just stayed down there.’’

 

Appreciation.

1 million @MooseFraternity members, America’s 🍉 farmers, all the men and women at Trackhouse. These wins are for all of us. @TeamTrackhouse @TeamChevy @WatermelonBoard #WatermelonEveryday | #FeelWhole pic.twitter.com/HCzdWHaGqv

— Ross Chastain (@RossChastain) April 25, 2022

 

Pole: Christopher Bell

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, May 1 for the DuraMAX Drydene 400 presented by RelaDyne at Dover Motor Speedway.

 

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Noah Gragson Holds Off Jeffrey Earnhardt, Wins in Talladega Overtime

 

It was an Earnhardt Saturday in Earnhardt country.

 

Grabbing the lead on a restart in the third overtime, Noah Gragson  — driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports — won the Ag-Pro 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series at Talladega Superspeedway.

 

Gragson beat Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, who was driving a black No. 3 Chevrolet in a special appearance for Richard Childress Racing, which fielded Dale Sr.’s car during his heyday.

 

“This team at JR Motorsports, they never quit,” Gragson said. “We’ve had a kind of a rough last month, just not getting the finishes that we wanted … I couldn’t make moves on the top there very much at the beginning of the race, so I just kept running the bottom — running the bottom — and we‘d get shuffled back and keep moving back up.

 

“I‘m living the dream here — I‘m just so thankful to get this opportunity,” said Earnhardt, whose crew chief, FOX Sports broadcaster Larry McReynolds, was serving his first stint on a pit box since 2000. “Thanks to RCR for building this amazing race car. We were fast all weekend long. “We just fell a little short there, but congrats to Noah. He‘s good at plate races.”

 

Great race today @NoahGragson! https://t.co/ZzKF4Qh9PE

— Bass Pro Shops (@BassProShops) April 23, 2022

 

Pole: Jeffrey Earnhardt

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, Apr. 30 for the A-GAME 200 at Dover Motor Speedway.

 

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, May 6 for the Dead On Tools 200 at Darlington Raceway.

 

 

 

ARCA

Nick Sanchez Slips Through to Steal Victory at Talladega for Second ARCA Menards Series Win

 

When Nick Sanchez got shuffled out of the lead pack with 11 laps to go in Saturday’s General Tire 200, it appeared his shot at winning at Talladega Superspeedway was over.

 

Two laps later, Sanchez made a daring, three-wide move to take the race lead moments before a caution flag waved to end the race early, allowing him to claim his second ARCA Menards Series victory dating back to last year and first of the 2022 season.

 

The ARCA Menards Series race at Talladega ended nine laps early so Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race could start on time. Prior to a restart with 13 laps left, teams were informed that the next flag – checkered or caution – would end the race.

 

“They told me the last caution was going to end it, so I was driving pretty aggressive just trying to get to the front before someone wrecked,” Sanchez said.

 

“It was kind of every man for himself right there,” Sanchez said. “Me and my Max Siegel No. 2 did great. Thank you Max Siegel, everyone from NASCAR Drive for Diversity and Team Chevy.”

 

Rev'd up for the #GeneralTire200 victory 🏆@Nicksanchez080 | @RevRacin pic.twitter.com/CFdiBTuvPX

— Talladega Superspeedway (@TALLADEGA) April 25, 2022

 

Pole: Drew Dollar

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, May 14 for the Dutch Boy 150 at Kansas Speedway.

 

 

 

ARCA - West

Landen Lewis Leans on Mentor Ron Hornaday Jr.’s Advice, Wins West Series Debut at Kern County

 

Less than a year after winning in just his second ARCA Menards Series appearance at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in Illinois, Lewis managed to take home a checkered flag in his ARCA Menards Series West debut Saturday evening in the Salute to the Oil Industry NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, California.

 

Although Kern County is more than 2,500 miles away from his hometown of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, Lewis quickly took a liking to the half-mile facility during the weekend and is eager to make more trips to the West Coast following his victory.

 

“I’m kind of speechless at the moment,” Lewis said in Victory Lane. “This place is pretty freaking awesome, and I’m definitely going to be making a trip back while also running on the West tour some more.”

 

Hear from @landenlewis99 after his @ARCA_Racing West win @KernRaceway in the #NAPAAUTOPARTS150 pic.twitter.com/XKP8z1AMmu

— Steven Blakesley (@StevenBlakesley) April 24, 2022

 

Pole: P.J. Pedroncelli

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, June 4 for the Portland 100 at Portland International Raceway.

 

Superstar Racing Experience

Next Race: The SRX Series will return on 06/18/2022 for the SRX Series Season Opener at Five Flags Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

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

🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts: 🏆 🏁

1. Thoughts from the #NCWTS Pole Winner - Todd Gilliland
2. NASCAR Truck Playoff Standing for Martinsville
3. NASCAR Driver Ryan Sieg Partners With Frank Foster For 'Til I'm Gone' Album Promotion At Kansas Speedway
4. eBay and NASCAR Launch First Joint Charity Sale
5. CMT Announces New Winter Programming Slate for “Racing Wives”

K&N Pro Series West Finale

Direction Bakersfield - Tale of Two Dereks!!!

By Vincent Delforge (alias nascar_vd)

That's it, it's the finale. This season in K&N Pro Series West has been very fast. With finally 14 races after the cancellation of the Spokane step, it was necessary to have zero problem and to be very regular to hope to obtain the title of champion.

And except for a huge disaster, and provided there are enough drivers involved (minimum 25 in the entry list), the title can hardly escape to Derek Thorn. He will not have been the most flamboyant on the track with 2 victories (like Kody Vanderwal), 175 laps led on 1872 possible. Only one pole ... But he will have been hyper constant and still in the top 10, still on the lead lap. With an excellent average finish of 3.0. It's experience more than the panache that will allow him on October 27 to obtain a second title of champion in West Series. But beware, this title is well deserved and Derek Thorn is a beautiful champion.

Derek Thorn - #6 Ford (Car Owner: Bob Bruncati)

It’s also a perfect combination between him and his owner Bob Bruncati and his crew chief Bill Sedgwick. Together they reiterate their feat of 2013. For Bob Bruncati, it will be the third title owner (Jason Bowles in 2009 and Derek Thorn in 2013). But far away of the 8 titles of BMR. For Bill Sedgwick, twice champion as a driver (1991 and 1992), it will be the 5th as crew chief (with Mike Duncan in 2004 and 2005, then Bowles 2009 and Thorn 2013). This will put him on par with Parky Nall (5 titles in the 60s) and it will be one more to equal the absolute record held by Richard Elder (6 titles). Congratulations to him, he enters the history of the NASCAR.

Derek Kraus - #16 Toyota (Car Owner: Mike Curb )

That said, personally, I’m a little disappointed because it’s not the "Derek" that I would have liked to see crowned 2018 West champion. Derek Kraus has known the opposite of Derek Thorn. He was incredible on track but lack of being regular. He leads the winner standings with 3 successes, poles with 5, laps led with 569. But he also suffered a crash in Las Vegas, a big mechanical problem in Iowa and finally victim of a collision in Roseville while he was still in the front of the pack at the time.

Luck. We could talk about it for hours. But without a little luck, difficult in motorsport to get the grail. We've seen it, for Derek, in the last two races in K&N Pro Series East. 2018 was not really a lucky year for Derek. This does not detract from his qualities. He demonstrated perfect control behind the wheel. A real mastery. Always impressive during his meteoric returns on the front lead as he makes his way through the pack after a pit stop or other reasons or problems.

Next year will be the last year with the current format for the K&N East and West series. NASCAR has bought ARCA, 2020 will mark a big change. For an old monkey like me, it will be the end of an era. A heartbreak for sure. I’m an eternal lover of the West Series. But wait to see, it may be the beginning of a brand new and beautiful adventure.

I have been wearing a beard for decades. But I'm ready to shave if Derek does not get a good ride for 2019.

So since I'm not in the secret of Gods ...

I formally ask Bill McAnally, for whom I have the greatest respect, but also the NAPA brand to give back the #16 to Derek in 2019 for him to win the title in K&N West. But I'm also asking David Gilliland and Bo LeMastus of DGR-Crosley to give him the #1 in K&N East to allow Derek to become the first driver to win the two K&N crowns the same year. Todd Gilliland had failed in the last race of East in 2017. Derek has the talent to get there and the bad luck will leave him alone. Believe me. Betting on Derek Kraus is an investment that will pay off. So to all who read this, share to the fullest, make your voice heard, express your desire to see Derek get the opportunity to become the champion he deserves to be.

Derek who is the master of Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, CA. In 3 participations here, he got a second place and two wins. Other drivers know they will have to outdo themselves if they want to visit Victory Lane instead of Derek Kraus.

It was my last editorial of the year, I wish you all a good race!

Vincent Delforge (alias nascar_vd)

#KNWest Drivers Chase Derek Thorn To Kern

PIT BOX has all the links, details & championship scenarios for Saturday's #NAPAAutoParts175: https://t.co/Pybz0YGve7 pic.twitter.com/Jv12cA95Kx

— NASCAR Regional & Local Series (@NASCARHomeTrack) October 22, 2018

🏁 🏆 Related Posts: 🏆 🏁

1. #NASCAR Weekend Schedule for Martinsville and Kern County Raceway Park
2. Martinsville Speedway Grandfather Clock Stands Out Among Trophies

#NASCAR Weekend Schedule for Martinsville and Kern County Raceway Park

Short Track Action

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) and Camping World Truck (NCWTS) Series will be in action at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. The NASCAR Xfinity Series is off.

MENCS heads to the first race of the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Playoffs. The NCWTS enters the first race in the Round of 6.

Also on Saturday, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (KNWest) will finish their season at Kern County Raceway Park. While Derek Kraus has the most 2018 series (3), consistency has Derek Thorn in the lead by twenty-six points (26).

Full weekend schedule for Martinsville
(Photo Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images)

First Data 500 Weekend Schedule

FRIDAY, October 26

• 8:30 a.m.: NASCAR Credentials open
• 9:00 a.m.: Fan gates open
• 9:30 a.m.: NASCAR NCWTS garage opens
• 12:05 p.m.: NCWTS first practice
• 2:05 p.m.: NCWTS final practice
• 4:00 p.m.: NCWTS Autograph Session
• 8:00 p.m.: NASCAR MENCS Haulers enter

SATURDAY, October 27

• 6:00 a.m.: NASCAR Credentials open
• 6:00 a.m.: NASCAR MENCS garage opens
• 8:00 a.m.: NASCAR NCWTS garage opens
• 9:00 a.m.: Fan gates open
• 9:00 a.m.: MENCS 1st practice
• 10:05 a.m.: Qualifying for the Texas Roadhouse 200 Presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NCWTS Race
• 11:30 p.m.: Final MENCS practice
• 12:30 p.m.: Driver Introductions for the Texas Roadhouse 200 Presented by Alpha Energy Solutions
• 1:00 p.m.: Texas Roadhouse 200 Presented by Alpha Energy Solution NCWTS race
• 4:05 p.m.: Virginia Lottery Pole Award Qualifying for the First Data 500 MENCS race
• 5:00 p.m.: FANFEST - Turn 4 in tent behind Bill France Tower

SUNDAY, October 28

• 7:30 a.m.: NASCAR Credentials open
• 7:30 a.m.: NASCAR MENCS garage opens
• 9:00 a.m.: Fan gates open
• 1:50 p.m.: Driver Introductions for the First Data 500 MENCS race
• 2:30 p.m.: First Data 500 MENCS race

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West season concludes Saturday
at Kern County Raceway Park. (Jonathan Moore/Getty Images for NASCAR)

NAPA Auto Parts 175 presented by West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame Schedule

SATURDAY, October 27

• 10:30 a.m.: Garage Opens
• 1-1:45 p.m.: Practice
• 2:45-3:30 p.m.: Final Practice
• 6 p.m.: Qualifying
• 8:30 p.m.: NAPA Auto Parts 175 presented by West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame

Click Here for Live Timing

Schedules are subject to change

🏁 🏆 Related Posts: 🏆 🏁

1. Martinsville Speedway Grandfather Clock Stands Out Among Trophies

Gilliland Goes Back-to-Back

BMR Teammate Kraus Scores First K&N Pro West Victory

On a night where one Bill McAnally Racing teenager earned his first career win, another earned his second career NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship.

#KNWest @derek9kraus climbs out of the No. 19 @KernRaceway to celebrate his first ever K&N victory. #WestCoastHOF150 #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/t8ZfIL19lL

— NASCAR Home Tracks (@NASCARHomeTrack) November 5, 2017

Derek Kraus won the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame Championship 150 presented by NAPA Auto Parts at Kern County Raceway Park for his first career NASCAR K&N Pro Series West victory while Todd Gilliland won the 2017 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West title.

The night belonged to NASCAR Next driver Todd Gilliland. He brought his No. 16 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota home in second-place, but it was more than enough to clinch his second straight championship.

"It feels great," the 17-year-old from Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, said, soaked after a Victory Lane celebration. "All this hard work and dedication these guys put in, and it all comes down to this. To be able to get it done is very special."

Coming into Kern, Gilliland needed to finish seventh or better, regardless of what teammate and championship rival Chris Eggleston did. Unfortunately for Eggleston, a flat tire on lap 65 forced him to go behind the wall for repairs and fall multiple laps down. He wound up finishing in 20th, three laps down.

"I was pretty confident," Gilliland said of his mindset throughout the evening. "With the speed we had and the position we were able to ride in, I thought we were going to have a really good shot at the win. Always a little disappointed in that, but I'm very proud of our effort all season long. To be able to come home the 2017 champion two years in a row is really surreal, and we just have to take it all in."

The title is the eighth in Bill McAnally Racing history and third consecutive (Eggleston in 2015, Gilliland in 2016 and 2017). The last time BMR won three titles in a row was from 1999-2001, when Sean Woodside and Brendan Gaughan (twice) brought home the hardware.

BMR COMES AWAY WITH CLEAN SWEEP AT THE WEST COAST STOCK CAR HALL OF FAME 150 | kernraceway https://t.co/ZQJWBqDgLq

— Kern County Raceway (@KernRaceway) November 5, 2017

Kraus, Gilliland's teammate, stopped Gilliland from winning his third consecutive race at Kern. The 16-year-old rookie from Stratford, Wisconsin, took the lead with 44 laps to go and didn't look back. Kraus' first career K&N Pro Series West win has been a longtime coming, he earned three runner-up finishes this season and had a win in his grasp multiple throughout the year. Most recently at Idaho's Meridian Speedway, he had the lead on the final overtime restart, but it slipped away.

"That Meridian race was actually going through my mind those last 30 laps," Kraus said in Victory Lane next to his No. 19 Carlyle Tools Toyota. "But it's been a really good night with getting Rookie of the Year and getting a race win, my first race win. That's really great for me and my career, and will help boost me into next season." 

.@derek9kraus Nets First K&N West Win, @ToddGilliland_ Second Series Title: https://t.co/CpBTLBsFha pic.twitter.com/fJ9EZPaJBe

— Speed51.com (@speed51dotcom) November 5, 2017

The win allowed Kraus to clinch the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award over Will Rodgers, who he'd been battling with down the stretch. Kraus finishes the 2017 season with nine top fives, 10 top 10s, one pole and one victory.

Riley Herbst continued the BMR podium sweep finishing third while Michael Self and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East regular Dillon Bassett rounded out the top five.

Derek Thorn, Buddy Shepherd, Will Rodgers, Max Tullman and Nicole Behar completed the top 10.

The West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame Championship 150 is scheduled to air on NBCSN Friday, Nov. 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

TX winner @KevinHarvick & @MattYocum host #HappyHours Tues, 7p ET! We'll recap TX & preview PHX. Guests: @CharlieDaniels & @ToddGilliland_ pic.twitter.com/k4efGDrD0Z

— SiriusXM NASCAR (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 6, 2017

Source

Related Posts:

1. Jimmie Johnson Will Arrive At Phoenix Raceway In A Must-Win Situation
2. Texas Motor Speedway, Levy Restaurants Set To Make Earnhardt Jr.'S Final Race Gr-Eight
3. JR Motorsports Rides High Atop The Xfinity Playoff Standings Entering O’Reilly Auto Parts 300
4. Drive The Track Sale Returns - Kentucky Speedway
5. Bell Eyes Texas Sweep At Jag Metals 350 Driving Hurricane Harvey Relief

Title To Be Decided Between McAnally Teammates – Gilliland and Eggleston

#KNWest Series To Wrap Up Season At Kern County Raceway Park

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship will be decided between Bill McAnally Racing drivers Todd Gilliland and Chris Eggleston as the circuit closes out its season under the lights at Kern County Raceway Park near Bakersfield, California on Saturday.

Gilliland leads Eggleston by 11 points, with their BMR teammate Derek Kraus third in the championship standings, as the series visits the high-banked, half-mile track for the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame 150 presented by NAPA AUTO PARTS.

Gilliland, the defending champion, can clinch the title by finishing seventh or better. He and Eggleston, the 2015 champion, have combined to win 10 of 13 races so far this season. They’re in position to deliver BMR a third consecutive and record eighth overall series championship.

Gilliland has six wins, 10 top-five, and 12 top-10 finishes in 13 series starts this season behind the wheel of BMR’s No. 16 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry. The 17-year-old third-generation driver has scored two wins at KCRP, one last year and another earlier this season. A member of the NASCAR Next program, he is coming off a second-place finish at Roseville, California.

Born in the Golden State, Gilliland moved with his family to North Carolina when he was a youngster. In addition to racing in the West division of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series this year, he also ran the full schedule in the East division – where he finished second in the championship standings.

Brainstorming some @NAPAKnowHow with crew chief Ty Joiner and spotter Loren Hill before second practice. No. 99 was P3 in first practice. pic.twitter.com/qPBg6Qd2Lg

— Chris Eggleston (@chriseggleston_) October 14, 2017

Eggleston – driver of the No. 99 NAPA Filters / H20 Fire Protection Toyota Camry – has four wins, along with a series-leading 11 top-five and 13 top-10 finishes. The series veteran from Erie, Colorado has recorded three top-five finishes in three starts at the Kern County track, with his best being a fourth-place finish there earlier this year. He is coming off a third-place finish at Roseville. 

Kraus – a 16-year-old series rookie from Stratford, Wisconsin who drives BMR’s No. 19 Carlyle Tools Toyota Camry – has eight top-five and nine top-10 finishes in the series. He’s registered three runner-up finishes this year, including one at KCRP in March. In addition to being third in the overall standings, he’s the leading contender for this year’s rookie title. Kraus is coming off a third-place finish at Roseville.

The #KNWest Season Finale @KernRaceway is Stout! #StackedField pic.twitter.com/fIV8FDSvAR

— Chris Wright (@CAWR1GHT) October 30, 2017

Watch it Live via Race Central Live 2017

As the presenting sponsor of the championship race, NAPA AUTO PARTS will be well represented at Kern. NAPA guests will have the opportunity to view the race action from a VIP suite. BMR will provide NAPA guests with a special VIP pit tour, as well as a special meet-and-greet with the team’s drivers.

Saturday’s race is the season finale of a 14-race schedule. It’s scheduled to be televised on NBCSN on Nov. 10 at 12:30 p.m. PT.

Source

Related Posts:

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Confesses #IWreckedEm
2. Dale Jr.'s #88 Justice League Car Does Not Comply with #NASCAR Rules
3. Blaney Survives Martinsville Mayhem with Eighth-Place Finish
4. Kyle Busch Wins Wild Race at Martinsville
5. Kevin Harvick Bobblehead Showcases ‘Freaky Fast’ Driving Skills

#NASCAR K&N Pro Series Racing at Kern Today

BMR Teammates Chris Eggleston and Todd Gilliland Are the Drivers to Watch

 

Just five days after kicking off the 2017 season at Tucson Speedway, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West teams will be put to the test with three races in a three-day span to close out the NAPA 500 Challenge series.

Today, the series will compete at the Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, California, for the ‘NAPA Auto Parts 150.’

The maximum starting field is twenty-six (26) cars, including provisionals. The first twenty-two (22) cars will secure starting positions based on the group qualifying process. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process.

The NAPA Auto Parts 150 will be 150 laps (75 miles) with a five-minute break occurring at or near the conclusion of lap seventy-five.

The two most recent champions in the K&N Pro Series West, Bill McAnally Racing teammates Chris Eggleston and Todd Gilliland, were the class of the field in the season-opening event at Tucson Speedway. 

Epic battle between @BMR_NASCAR teammates @ToddGilliland_ @chriseggleston_ @NAPARacing @NAPAKnowHow @MrsDGilly @DavidGilliland pic.twitter.com/ZtbAz5u1bo

— Sal Sigala Jr. (@Sal_Sigala) March 21, 2017

Eggleston was fastest in practice, Gilliland won the pole and the two drivers started on the front row, led all the laps and were running first and second at the checkered flag. Teammate Derek Kraus finished sixth. As they head into the three events this week, history is also on their side. Of all active drivers in the series, only Eggleston (Kern) and Gilliland (Kern, Irwindale) have wins at either of the two tracks.

Chris Eggleston (No. 99 NAPA Filters Toyota)

• Has six career K&N West wins with 20 top fives and 23 top 10s in 32 career starts.
• Was the 2015 series champion as a rookie for Bill McAnally Racing.
• Won the season opener at Tucson after leading a race-high 80 laps.
• Has finished fifth in each of his two career starts at Kern, where he’s never started worse than third.
• Has one career win at Irwindale in two starts, having finished third at the track last year.

Todd Gilliland (No. 16 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota)

• Won six of 14 races last season with 11 top fives and 13 top 10s en route to the K&N West championship, becoming the youngest champion in NASCAR touring series history at 16 years, five months, and joined his grandfather Butch Gilliland as a K&N West champion (1997).
• Finished second in the season opener at Tucson.
• Won the pole and the race last season in his only career start at Kern.
• Also won the pole and the race last season in his only career start at Irwindale.
• Plans to run both the K&N West and K&N East schedules in 2017.

Click Here for Race Central Live Race Coverage

 

NAPA Auto Parts 150

• PLACE: Kern County Raceway Park, Bakersfield, California
• DATE: Thursday, March 23
• TIME: 7:45 p.m. PT/10:45 p.m. ET
• AIRDATE: Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
• TRACK LAYOUT: .500-mile banked asphalt oval
• 2016 WINNER: Todd Gilliland
• 2016 POLE WINNER: Todd Gilliland

EVENT SCHEDULE

• Thursday, March 23
• Garage opens: 11 a.m.
• Practice: 2-3:30 p.m.
• Group qualifying: 4 p.m.
• Driver autograph session: 6:15 p.m.
• NAPA Auto Parts 150: 7:45 p.m.

Click Here for Entry List

The series will move on to the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, California, for the NAPA Auto Parts Twin 100s on Saturday, March 25.

Related Posts:

1. Jeffrey Earnhardt Welcomes K1 Speed Karting Partnership
2. McDowell and Leavine Family Racing Unveil Special Paint Scheme
3. #NASCAR and Saving Lives
4. K&N Pro Series West Heads To Kern For Special Thursday Event
5. RCR Celebrating Ryan's Win with Free Shipping for Fans