Moses Geared Up For Showdown

Bill McAnally Racing’s No 16 Hasa Pool Products Toyota team and veteran NASCAR Camping World Series West driver Moses Smith are ready for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. BMR is very proud to have Hasa Pool Products returning as the primary sponsor and race partner on the No. 16 Toyota Camry for the fourth season.

“I am looking forward to racing in this very prestigious race event,” said Moses Smith. “Hopefully this year’s showdown will yield us some great results.”

Smith finished the race in 12th last season in the showdown’s main event. “I’m looking forward to working with my crew chief Mario Isola. Our team really came together last season with Mario taking lead. This race will give us the momentum we need to be a contender in the chase for the 2010 championship title in the West Series.”

With years of experience in the swimming pool and water treatment field and superior production capability, HASA, Inc. remains dedicated to helping its customers enjoy clean, clear, and safe water for many years to come. Hasa has been a green company for over 45 years. HASA has taken the lead with thousands of Hasa customers attending West Series race events over the past three seasons. BMR is proud to have them return to sponsor the No. 16 Hasa Pool Products Toyota Camry with driver Moses Smith.

The NCWS race, the “NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown” will be on January 29-30 at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California. The seventh running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, which brings together the top racers from across North America, will be highlighted by the 225-lap Camping World Series all-star race. Each race winner during the 2009 Camping World Series season is eligible for a protected starting spot, as are the 2009 champions from each of NASCAR’s six regional touring series and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion.

In addition to eligible 2009 race winners and series champions, the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for Camping World Series regulars, and the last-chance "Open" race that provides drivers one final chance to make the grid.

The 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown schedule also includes 100-lap Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model and 75-lap Late Model races. Both nights of racing will air live on SPEED.

For more information on Bill McAnally Racing and our race partners, please visit our website at www.billmcanallyracing.com. BMR is also home to the BMR NAPA AutoCare where customers can have their vehicle serviced by a championship winning team. Check our website for our latest discount coupons and to make an appointment for service.

BMR would like to thank the continued support of our race partners. For more information on Moses Smith, please visit www.mosessmith.com. You can visit our sponsors’ websites at www.hasapool.com, www.whiteflyer.com, and www.tcitransportation.com .

SIRIUS XM Radio To Broadcast Toyota All-Star Showdown Live

Fan Appreciation Events Set For Jan. 27-28
Official Release
January 14, 2010 - 9:49am

NASCAR announced today that the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be broadcast live on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio on Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30.

The premier postseason event at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) attracts the top talent across North American for what drivers have dubbed the “Daytona 500 of short-track racing.” The seventh running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be highlighted by the 225-lap Camping World Series all-star race.

Among those scheduled to compete will include two-time race winner Matt Kobyluck, reigning NASCAR Camping World Series champions Ryan Truex (East) and Jason Bowles (West) and 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Joey Logano.

The 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown schedule also includes a 100-lap Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race on Friday, and a 75-lap Late Model race on Saturday.

SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, available nationwide on SIRIUS channel 128 and on XM channel 128 with the “Best of SIRIUS” programming package, will broadcast the action beginning at 7 p.m. PT on Friday and Saturday. Calling the action live from Irwindale will be SIRIUS NASCAR Radio host and short-track aficionado Pat Patterson, and two-time NASCAR Camping World Series West champion and current NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Brendan Gaughan.

In addition, Patterson will host live SIRIUS NASCAR Radio shows from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday from NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown fan appreciation events in the Los Angeles area.

On Wednesday, the show will air from Clubhouse 66 in Glendora, Calif. Featured drivers slated to attend include Truex and Bowles, as well as Drive For Diversity driver Mackena Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing developmental driver Matt DiBenedetto, and former track champion Rip Michels.

Thursday, Longo Toyota in El Monte, Calif., will host the fan gathering, which is scheduled to include Kobyluck, two-time NASCAR Camping World Series West champion Eric Holmes, 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West Sunoco Rookie of the Year Paulie Harraka, and 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Joey Logano.

There will be autograph signings and ticket giveaways, in addition to Patterson’s live broadcast. The events will run from 6-9 p.m. each night.

Patterson, also known as “The Racing Guy,” has been broadcasting racing for more than 25 years and brings a wealth of short-track knowledge to the radio booth. In addition to calling the live race, Patterson will host his regular SIRIUS NASCAR Radio show, The Front Stretch, live from the track on Saturday morning from 6-10 a.m.

Last year, SIRIUS NASCAR Radio broadcast the event for the first time and listeners were able to follow all the action including the wild, last-lap shootout between Logano and Peyton Sellers that left Kobyluck standing tall in Victory Lane.

SIRIUS XM is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of NASCAR, broadcasting every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race live on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, channel 128, the only radio channel dedicated to NASCAR 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

2009 In Review: NASCAR Camping World Series West

The NASCAR Camping World Series West featured plenty of
fireworks, both on and off the track, from the season opener through
the final race in 2009. Getty Images for NASCAR

From http://localracing.nascar.com

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 2009 season in the NASCAR Camping World Series West featured another year of great competition, with some dramatic finishes and many other memorable moments.

The battle for the championship was another close one that came down to the wire between Jason Bowles and Eric Holmes for a second consecutive year. In much the same way it did the previous year, momentum between the two drivers shifted midway through the season. Unlike 2008, when Holmes led early and held on to take the title, this time Bowles took command midway through the season and pulled away to win the championship.

As the year had progressed, it became apparent how Bowles – in his third season in the series – had developed into a contender capable of winning at each venue on the circuit. The three wins he scored in 2009 included one on the one-mile speedway of Phoenix International Raceway, one on the twisting road course of Infineon Raceway and one on the short track of Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.).

Bowles also developed another trait of a champion, running up front and finishing up front on a consistent basis. He collected 60 bonus points during the season for leading in 10 of the 13 races. In addition to his three wins, Bowles registered 10 top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.

Holmes, meanwhile, was dominant on the short tracks early in the season. After winning three of the first six races, it appeared he might be headed for a third series championship. But he was not able to keep pace with Bowles. Although he had top-10 finishes in all but one race down the stretch, Holmes failed to crack the top five in those final six races. Mechanical problems in the season finale ended any chance he had of coming from behind for the title.

While the battle between Bowles and Holmes captured the spotlight this season, two other drivers each came in under the radar and threatened to snatch the title away.

Veteran West Coast competitor Greg Pursley made his full-time return to the series this year, driving for the first-year team of car owner Gene Price. After winning the season opener with a dramatic last-lap pass, Pursley settled into the top five of the standings and remained there with a solid performance throughout the year. He concluded the season third in points.

David Mayhew, driving for his third different team in three years, also seemed to be overlooked early in the season. That did not deter him, however, from scoring two wins and remaining within striking range of the title until late in the season.

Competition for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award focused on two talented young drivers in 2009. Ironically, both are from the East Coast. Paulie Harraka – a participant in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, who drove for Bill McAnally Racing – is from Wayne, N.J. Blake Koch, driving for car owner Jim Offenbach on the Golden Gate Racing Team, is from West Palm Beach, Fla.

Harraka and Koch each showed great potential as they swapped the lead in the rookie standings back and forth throughout the year. Harraka came on strong late in the season, winning two of the final three races, to take the rookie title and finish fourth in the overall championship standings.

Beyond the challenge for the championship and the fierce rookie chase – there was plenty of tough competition in the 56th season of the West’s oldest stock car racing circuit.

The Phoenix race included a thrilling back-and-forth battle between Bowles and veteran East Coast driver Steve Park. Their competition at PIR could be compared to a high-speed chess match, with each driver employing different strategy and making different moves to gain an advantage.

Bowles ultimately prevailed after jumping into the lead on the final restart. Holmes took advantage of the wild scramble in the final two laps to gain second, with Park finishing third. Comments from Park during post-race media interviews reflect the respect East Coast and West Coast drivers have developed for each other since the former Busch North Series and Winston West Series were aligned together as one series six years ago.

“I enjoyed racing with Jason and Eric,” Park said. “I think the fans were treated to a real great show. I was slipping and sliding and these guys were running hard. We all raced door handle to door handle and came home with a great finish and a great clean race that was exciting for the fans.”

The Phoenix race was one of several events in 2009 to end with a green-white-checkered finish due to a late-race caution. Fans at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway witnessed a thrilling green-white-checkered finish in which Jim Inglebright dashed from third to first in the final two laps around the scenic road course.

It was great to see the series return to Portland this year and to view the turnout of NASCAR fans there. One side note was that the road course was only about a mile from where Portland Speedway was located. The historic half-mile oval was the site of many great NASCAR Camping World Series West races, with more than 50 events being held there between 1956 and 2000. Going back to Portland provided a connection to a big part of the heritage of the series.

And when it comes to the history of the series, there is only one driver whose racing career covers that entire span of time – Hershel McGriff. The legendary driver, who launched his racing career at Portland in 1945, returned to competition in the series in 2009 at 81 years of age. He had been away from the sport since 2002, but opted to return this year to run the road course events. In his return, McGriff attracted an overwhelming amount of media attention at all three races. He went above and beyond in responding to the numerous media requests, demonstrating why he has always been such a great ambassador for the series and this sport.

Another driver who attracted plenty of media attention in the series this season was Patrick Long, who also ran a handful of races in the NASCAR Camping World Series East. He jumped into a NASCAR stock car on his weekends off from his full-time effort as a Porsche factory driver. Having a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans competing in the series generated added media attention and Long was great about responding to those demands.

Concerning the media, it was great to see the opportunity that car owner and event promoter Bill McAnally provided to members of the media on the final weekend of the season. Radio and television personalities from the Sacramento, Calif., market were provided with a chance to get behind the wheel of an actual race car for a special media race at All American Speedway in Roseville. The event, and the training sessions that led up to it, provided these members of the media with some first-hand experience in a race car and memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to the battles on the race tracks, there were battles with Mother Nature on several occasions this season – with race teams and NASCAR officials working through a wide range of weather conditions. Despite the wet and very cold temperatures they faced during preparations for the series opener in Texas, there was a strong turnout of fans to see the curtain go up on another season of racing. It was the other extreme by the end of the season, but triple digit temperatures did not keep fans from packing All American Speedway to see an exciting season finale.

God's Speed Jason Mitchener

In January of 2009, NASCAR Race Mom had the pleasure of interviewing and reporting on her twitter buddy, Jason Mitchener. {Jason Mitchener - Obstacles Don't Get In His Way!}

Mitchener, a Phoenix, Arizona resident was born with a rare neuromuscular disease that confined him to an electric wheelchair and required him to use a ventilator to breathe. Nevertheless, while his body may have been confined, but his spirit soared free. He was a very upbeat and positive individual.

I was saddened to learn that Jason passed away on the 16th of December 2009 at 39 years of age.

He is survived by Julie Simmons (mother, Arizona) Greg Loucks (brother, Arkansas) David Loucks (brother, Arizona) Angie Loucks (sister-in-law, Arizona) John Erhardt (uncle, North Carolina) Lil Erhardt (aunt, North Carolina) Jack Mitchener (uncle, Indiana) Dave Erhardt (uncle, Washington) Marge Erhardt (aunt, Washington) Larry Erhardt (cousin, Washington) Lacy Kelly (cousin, Washington) Aubrie Byrne (cousin, Washington)and 24,378 twitter followers.

Jason was interested in NASCAR Racing and religiously voted for Moses Smith for the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West Most Popular Driver award. Since Jason’s van had received its needed repairs, we had planned on him attending Moses’ race in Phoenix in 2010. You can visit Jason’s memorial site by clicking here .

His service will be held this coming Tuesday, Dec. 22nd at 2:00 PM at Sunnyslope Mennonite Church, 9835 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020 - (602) 997-7171

I’m just passing through
Another traveler on the road
And I hear your gentle voice
As it beckons me home.
Should I want to settle here
Like I know I’m bound to do,
Keep reminding me, Lord
That I’m just passing through.

- From the song, "Just Passing Through"
by Jason Mitchener and Kitty Hart

Rest in peace sweet friend - We will miss you Jason.

2010 Camping World Series West Schedule

2010 Camping World Series West Schedule Announced
Official Release
December 16, 2009 - 4:02pm

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 2010 NASCAR Camping World Series West schedule, highlighted by two visits to Phoenix International Raceway – including the championship season finale -- was announced today by NASCAR.

The 12-race schedule, with stops at 10 venues in seven states, also features a first-time visit by the series to the high-banked oval of Montana Raceway Park in Kalispell, Mont., on Aug. 7.

The season finale on Nov. 11 at Phoenix will be part of the big NASCAR week at PIR that includes the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The NASCAR Camping World Series West makes its first visit of the year to Phoenix on April 8, for a companion event also with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SCHEDULE

“The NASCAR Camping World Series West continues to visit key markets and top race tracks throughout the western United States,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations. “The 2010 calendar should make for another exciting season of tough competition,culminated by crowning our series champion at Phoenix in November.”

The schedule will once again include the annual combination race between the NASCAR Camping World Series East and West at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa on May, 23. Past winners of the prestigious event include Kyle Busch in 2009; Brian Ickler in 2008; and Joey Logano in 2007. The event has also attracted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standouts Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne.

Also in 2010, the NASCAR Camping World Series West will make its annual visit to Infineon Raceway on June 19 during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at the 1.99-mile road course in Sonoma, Calif.

Other 2010 highlights include:

• The NASCAR Camping World Series West will kick off its 57th season on March 27 with the first of two visits to All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. The historic fairgrounds track will host a second event on Oct. 16.
  
• The NASCAR Camping World Series West will visit Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) on July 3 for what has become a big Fourth of July holiday attraction for Southern California race fans.
  
• Two other popular short-track events on the 2010 schedule for the NASCAR Camping World Series West include a visit to Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Ore., on June 5 and a trip to Colorado National Speedway in Dacono, Colo., on Aug. 14.
  
• In addition to the race at Sonoma, the schedule includes two other road course events. A visit to Portland (Ore.) International Raceway is slated for July 18. The series will travel to Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah Sept. 12 for an event that will be part of a big weekend of racing for the Grand-Am Road Racing series.

NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown

NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown
January 29-30 - Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, California

Alex Kennedy, Moses Smith, Todd Souza
2009 Toyota Showdown

The seventh running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will bring together the top racers from across North America for the ”Daytona 500 of short-track racing.” It will be highlighted by the 225-lap Camping World Series All-Star race.

Each race winner during the 2009 Camping World Series East and Camping World Series West seasons is eligible for a protected starting spot, as are the 2009 champions from each of NASCAR’s six regional touring series and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion.

In addition to eligible 2009 race winners and series champions, the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for Camping World Series regulars, and the last-chance "Open" race that provides drivers one final chance to make the grid.
Rain plagued the 2009, Showdown.

Last edition of the Toyota All-Star Showdown was plagued by rain which caused a shortage lack of practice. Joey Logano, the 2007 Camping World East Series champion, crossed the finish line first in the Camping World Series race, but he never got to victory to celebrate.



NASCAR penalized Logano immediately following the finish of the 250-lap event for rough riding Peyton Sellers in the final turn, giving the victory to Matt Kobyluck. Logano was credited with a 40th place finish.

Moses Smith, in the #16 Hasa Pool Products Toyota Camry, had worked himself into a top-ten finishing position. However, all did not go according to plan. During the final restart, with just seven laps to go, the right rear tire went flat.

“It was all I could do to keep the car on the track.” Moses chuckled. “I almost lost it twice in turn four. It was pretty wild.” With so few laps to go, the team elected to stay out, and try to finish on the lead lap. Moses managed to keep the #16 Hasa Pool Product car on the lead lap for a respectable twelfth place finish.

The 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown schedule also includes 100-lap Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model and 75-lap Late Model races. Both nights of racing will air live on SPEED.

2010 Confirmed Drivers:
Steve Park
Ryan Truex
Jason Bowles
Matt Kobyluck
Greg Pursley
Eddie MacDonald

NASCAR Camping World Series West Offseason Musings

NASCAR Camping World Series West Offseason Musings
By Steven Blakesley

The NASCAR Camping World Series West is a series that many would consider the top series in the western United States. Hearing NASCAR announce at the regional awards banquet that the tour has only six confirmed races for 2010 sent a shockwave throughout the racing world.

I have had conversations with many people who have said "Did you hear the west series only has six races?" or "Why bother with the west series; it only has six races."

The confirmed dates for the NASCAR Camping World Series West are Phoenix in April, Iowa in May, Infineon in June, Irwindale in July, Portland in July, and Phoenix in November.

There is no way that anyone can actually think that this is the full 2010 schedule, yet by announcing this partial schedule it made many in the west series very worried.

What NASCAR needed to say was that flying to the west coast multiple times to make a west schedule is a big expense. There is no longer a person like a Ken Clapp managing the west coast operations. The important meetings with Roseville, Roseberg, Colorado National, Stockton, Madera, and others will take place in Reno next week during the promoters workshops.

I predict a 10-12 race schedule and I think that's what we will get once its all announced.

On the drivers front, news already announced is that Lakeside, Calif.'s Auggie Vidovich will run full-time for Cass Racing in the #50 car. Unconfirmed but strongly rumored is that Luis Martinez, Jr. is taking over the #6 Bruncati entry from 2009 champ Jason Bowles. Bill McAnally Racing has not made any driver announcements but it would not surprise me to see 2009 NASCAR Whelen Rookie of the Year Jacob Gomes bring funding to the table for a seat. Perhaps even Johnathan Hale could end up in a BMR seat? The status of Moses Smith and 2008 champ Eric Holmes is unknown at this time.

Stay tuned for a full 2010 NASCAR Camping World Series West schedule, coming soon.

Most Colorful Fan Winner Cynthia Peace

M&M’S® TO FEATURE ITS MOST COLORFUL FAN® OF NASCAR®
WINNER IN NEW NASCAR HALL OF FAME

Cynthia Peace of Havana, Ill. to be Recognized
During Induction Weekend in May 2010

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. -- Mars Chocolate North America announced that Cynthia Peace of Havana, Ill., was selected as the grand prize winner of “M&M’S® The Most Colorful Fan® of NASCAR® Contest.” Peace bested thousands of other colorful NASCAR fans who participated in the 24-week contest at NASCAR.com/MostColorfulFan and will become the first fan recognized in the new NASCAR Hall of Fame™ when the Hall opens its doors on May 11, 2010.

Peace will be showcased inside the new 150,000-square-foot attraction in Charlotte, N.C., as part of an exhibit devoted to M&M’S Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR Contest. Peace’s colorfulness will also be honored with a VIP trip for two to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Ford 400 Championship weekend in Homestead-Miami.

“This is an exciting new extension to M&M’S Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR platform and is the ultimate “thank you” to all the fans for their year round colorfulness,” said Suzanne Beaudoin, vice president, Sponsorships and Sports Marketing, Mars Chocolate North America. “NASCAR was built on the passion of fans, so it’s fitting that our most colorful fan has an opportunity to be featured in a venue that features all things NASCAR.”

M&M’S Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR Contest, recognizes, celebrates and rewards all NASCAR fans for showcasing their colorful passion for the sport and drivers of NASCAR. The contest went live during the Daytona 500 on February 15, 2009, at NASCAR.COM, the official Web site of NASCAR. For 24 weeks, fans were able to showcase their unmatched love for the sport, as well as their favorite teams and drivers, by uploading their most colorful racing-themed photos to NASCAR.com/MostColorfulFan. More than seven million votes were cast over the duration of the contest this season, eclipsing the 2008 contest total votes of 360,000, a testament to the growth of the program and engagement by the race fans.

At the beginning of September, the 24 weekly winners were placed into a bracket-style “photo playoff” challenge, competing in a special head-to-head competition over a four week period where fans’ votes advanced the finalists to the next round until only three remained. The three finalists then battled it out for a chance to claim this year’s title. Along with the support of family and friends, Cynthia’s passion helped her stand out among the thousands of photos submitted, earning her the title of “The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR.”

“I’ve been a NASCAR fan over a decade,” said Peace. “I’ve been hooked ever since I attended my first Busch (now Nationwide) Series race in St. Louis. I’m especially excited to share this experience with my family members in California, Oklahoma and Texas who all love NASCAR!”

For more information about The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR Contest, visit facebook.com/colorfulfans or mms.com.


Congratulations to my good friend Cynthia Peace! Here are a couple of photos she posted on Facebook:

Photos From The Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala

Photos by "Timmy Q from The Third Turn"

Moses Smith, #16 Hasa Pool Products Toyota
2009 Most Popular Driver

Many thanks to Tim Quievryn for sharing these photos from the night of NASCAR Champions Touring Series Awards Gala. Tim took 1,293 pictures, photographed 256 people, and ate two desserts to die for! He attended the banquet in his capacity managing a local racing community called The Third Turn (www.thirdturn.wikia.com).

It’s all about the fans!

Moses Smith’s fans spoke through their votes, and he won the 2009 Most Popular Driver Award in the NASCAR Camping World Series West!

This makes Moses a two-time winner of the prestigious award. This year, Moses and the team are also to be congratulated on receiving the Featherlite Most Improved Driver of the Year Award.

For the first time, fans everywhere were invited to watch the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala live online presented by www.NASCARHomeTracks.com (the official online home of NASCAR’s developmental series.) NASCAR held a huge banquet of not one, but five series under one roof at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center in Concord, North Carolina.

In addition to the championship awards, the Most Popular Driver Awards for each series were also presented during the ceremony. The five drivers honored with the prestigious award were Ted Christopher in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Andy Seuss in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, Andrew Ranger in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Steve Park in the NASCAR Camping World Series East and Moses Smith in the NASCAR Camping World Series West.

While the Camping World Series West schedule are still being finalized, NASCAR Managing Director Of Racing Operations, George Silbermann did inform the competitors that the series will finish the 2010 season during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Phoenix International Raceway in November.

In addition, Mr. Silbermann confirmed the return of several traditional West dates like the April Phoenix race, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (California), and the Portland (Oregon) International Raceway road course. The series will also take part in the fourth annual combination race with the NASCAR Camping World Series East at Iowa Speedway May 23. Further dates and the complete schedule will be announced shortly.

Mr. Silbermann also reported that for the 2010 television packages. SPEED will once again return to broadcast the Camping World Series. The awards celebration capped a week of festivities in the Charlotte area aimed at providing the top drivers and track operators in NASCAR’s developmental series an up close and personal look at the hub of stock-car racing.

Awards Gala To Be Streamed Live Online

NASCAR’s historic two-night celebration of its champions from across North America will feature another first – both the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala will be streamed live online at www.nascarhometracks.com.

The awards night for the NASCAR Camping World Series (the inaugural Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala) will be held November 14 at the Concord (N.C.) Convention Center at 6 p.m. EST. The event will bring the top drivers and car owners from NASCAR’s top developmental series on stage for one memorable evening.

Earlier this season, live audio of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race from New Hampshire was streamed on the website to an overwhelmingly positive fan response. In addition, the final two NASCAR Camping World Series East races – from New Hampshire and Dover – could be heard live online.

“NASCAR continues to look at ways to improve the championship racing experience for our fans and to elevate the stature of our developmental racing programs,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations. “We are very pleased to provide unprecedented access to these two special celebrations for the fans of local NASCAR short track racing and our five regional touring series.”

“With moving the banquets to the Charlotte area, we have received tremendous response from drivers, teams and sponsors who plan to attend. We realize, though, that fans do not have the opportunity to travel to North Carolina and be part of these two major events. Being able to view the awards ceremonies live online is a great way for fans across the United States and Canada, and literally around the globe, to become NASCAR VIP virtual guests at these ceremonies, and be able to cheer for their favorite drivers and hometown heroes.”

The NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Gala will feature the champions and top drivers from all of NASCAR’s North American regional touring series including invitees from the NASCAR Camping World Series East, the NASCAR Camping World Series West, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

NASCARHomeTracks.com provides NASCAR.COM with weekly touring series news, photos, standings and results, and features all the latest information from all of NASCAR’s developmental series.

Information harvested from Herald News Services.

News & Notes, Year EndNASCAR Camping World Series West

2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West Season Recap
by Kevin Green

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 2009 season in the NASCAR Camping World Series West featured another close chase for the championship, with the battle coming down to the wire between Jason Bowles (No. 6 Sunrise Ford.com Ford) and Eric Holmes (No. 20 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota) for the second consecutive year.

Although Holmes led the championship standings through the first half of the season, Bowles came on strong late in the year and clinched the title in the season finale by a 123-point margin.

Circumstances had been reversed in 2008, when Holmes led Bowles going into the final event and went on to win his second championship in three years by a 48-point advantage.

Bowles – a 26-year-old former open-wheel driver from Ontario, Calif. – was in his third season of competition in the series this year. In his first season in 2007, he won the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title and finished third in the overall standings.

Holmes, meanwhile, had won the 2006 series championship as well as the 2008 title. The 34-year-old driver from Escalon, Calif., had only competed in a handful of series events before 2006. Much of his racing focus prior to that was in the former NASCAR Southwest Tour.

While Bowles and Holmes led the championship chase nearly all year, David Mayhew (No. 17 MMI Services/Ron’s Rear Ends/KHI Chevrolet) and Greg Pursley (No. 26 Gene Price Motorsports/Star Nursery Chevrolet) were also in contention and remained within striking range of the title through much of the season.

In addition to the championship, there was a tough battle in the series for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award this year. Paulie Harraka (No. 12 NAPA AutoCare/Adaptive One Brakes Toyota) of Fairlawn, N.J., edged Blake Koch (No. 21 GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet) of West Palm Beach, Fla., late in the season to take the prestigious award.

The series kicked off its 56th season on March 14 at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas with an event that featured a wild scramble at the finish. Greg Pursley went from third to first on the final lap of the Allstate Texas Thunder 150 to record his first career series win. Moses Smith (No. 16 HASA Pool Products/White Flyer Toyota) was second, followed by Eric Holmes.

A dominant victory and repeat win by Holmes in the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 before a sold-out crowd at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., on April 4 appeared to set the stage for him to make a run for his third championship in four years. Bowles finished second, with Paulie Harraka close behind.

A visit to Phoenix International Raceway on April 16 for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 presented by Shamrock Farms featured a dramatic back-and-forth battle between Bowles and East Coast driver Steve Park that ended with a green-white-checkered finish. Bowles battled back in the final laps to take the win. Holmes took advantage of the scramble in the final two laps to gain second, with Park finishing third.

Holmes then padded his points lead in the championship chase by winning a fierce short-track battle at Madera (Calif.) Speedway on April 25. His victory in the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150 presented by Exclusive Energy Drink marked his second win in four races and stretched his lead to 66 points. David Mayhew took second, followed by Mike David. Bowles, who lost two laps due to a flat tire, charged back to finish seventh.

While Kyle Busch dominated the overall competition in the NASCAR Camping World Series East-West combination race at Iowa Speedway in May, David Mayhew came away with a win as the top finishing NASCAR Camping World Series West driver in the annual event in Newton, Iowa. Among West drivers – Mayhew finished third overall, followed by Paulie Harraka, who was fifth overall, and Brett Thompson (No. 61 RTT Chevrolet), who was seventh overall. The advantage Holmes had in the points standings took a hit, when an accident in the Iowa event left him to finish last among the 16 West drivers.

He rebounded at Douglas County Speedway, however. A year after overcoming a flat tire and fighting his way through the field at the Roseburg, Ore., track to get the victory, Holmes stayed out front all night and led all 150 laps en route to winning the Toyota/Bi-Mart 150 presented by NAPA on June 6. It increased his series points lead to 36 points over Bowles, who finished second. Mayhew was third.

The complexion of the championship chase began to change as the series visited Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., on June 20 for the first of three road-course events on tap in 2009. A wild finish there left Jason Bowles in Victory Lane as the repeat winner in the Bennett Lane Winery 200 presented by Supercuts. Bowles inherited the win following a last-lap incident between his teammate, Patrick Long (No. 9 Sunrise/AASCO Motorsports Ford), and race leader Joey Logano. Mayhew finished second and Holmes third.

Bowles benefited from a visit to his home track of Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) on July 4, scoring his third consecutive win on the half-mile track and taking over the lead in the championship standings. Bowles led 132 of 200 laps in taking the victory in the King Taco 200 before a Fourth of July capacity crowd. Jeff Barkshire was second, followed by Paulie Harraka.

The return of the NASCAR Camping World Series West to Portland International Raceway featured a thrilling dash to the finish on the final lap, with Jim Inglebright taking the win in the BI-MART Salute to the Troops 125 on July 19. Inglebright was third as the field thundered down the front stretch of the road course for a restart with two laps to go in a green-white-checkered finish. He charged to the outside of Brian Wong heading into the first turn. Then a lap later, he slipped to the inside of Greg Pursley heading to the checkered flag. Pursley, who slid wide in Turn 12 on the final lap, held on to edge out Wong for second. The event marked the return of the series to the 1.98-mile road course, which it last visited in 1986. Hershel McGriff, who won that race 23 years ago, was back at the age of 81 and finished 13th.

The series made a visit to Miller Motorsports Park on Aug. 1 for an event which Patrick Long dominated. He won the 41-lap event on the massive 14-turn road course by more than five seconds over Paulie Harraka, who had started at the tail of the field due to a transmission change. Jason Bowles was third.

Harraka held off a fierce charge by Jim Warn (No. 10 MJ2 Racing/GPI Peformance.com Chevrolet) to score his first career series win when the NASCAR Camping World Series West visited Colorado National Speedway near Denver on Aug. 15. His victory in the Toyota/NAPA 150 marked the first win in the NASCAR Camping World Series by a Drive for Diversity participant. Following Harraka and Warn across the finish line was Moses Smith.

There was no holding back David Mayhew when the NASCAR Camping World Series West returned to Iowa Speedway for the Central Iowa Building and Construction Trades 125 on Sept. 4. When Coors Light Pole winner Greg Pursley had to drop to the rear for the start, due to an engine change earlier in the day, it moved Mayhew up to start on the pole and from there he never looked back. He led all but one lap en route to the victory over Bowles and Max Gresham.

Bowles entered the season finale at All American Speedway on Sept. 26 needing only to finish 16th or better to wrap up the championship over Eric Holmes. As it turned out, Holmes encountered an early problem and fell back. While Bowles was clinching the championship, Harraka was out front dominating the action in the Toyota/Copart 150 – leading 149 of 150 laps. Eric Schmidt shadowed him for much of the race and finished second. Pursley took third.

Bowles raced his way to fourth at the finish, winning the championship over Holmes 2,158 to 2,035. Pursley concluded the season third in the standings with 1,978 points – followed by Harraka with 1,951 and Brett Thompson with 1,805. Completing the top 10 were David Mayhew at 1,799, Moses Smith at 1,766, Blake Koch at 1,726, Jim Warn at 1,590 and Jamie Dick at 1,423.

The season featured seven different race winners, including four first-time winners and six different pole winners.

Rolando T.'s First NASCARCamping World Truck Series Race

One of the things I love about “social networking” (Twitter and Facebook) is that you get to meet people you would ordinarily not meet. Such is the case with twelve-year-old Rolando T. from Harrisonburg, Virginia.

I first “met” Rolando on Twitter. Now we chat via facebook almost daily. He is in the seventh grade and enjoys his school activities. However, he finds the most joy watching his favorite Camping World Truck Series Driver, Colin Braun.

It was my pleasure to share in his excitement as his father brought Roland to his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race last weekend. Saturday's Kroger 200 was held at the Martinsville Speedway and was within driving distance from Rolando’s home.

Rolando’s favorite, Colin Braun, started the race from twelfth position and crossed the finish line in third. Kevin Harvick, who lost two laps after pitting under green on Lap 64 because of a flat tire, rallied to finish fifth. It was very exciting to watch race winner Timothy Peters scored his first win on his home track.

Interview with Rolando T.:

NASCAR Race Mom: I understand that you really like the Camping World Truck Races.

Rolando: Yeah there so fun! Martinsville is a cool track to go to.

NASCAR Race Mom: So you attend the Truck race at Martinsville last weekend?

Rolando: Yes, my dad took me.

NASCAR Race Mom: Can you tell me a little bit about your first truck race?

Rolando: Well it was cool. It rained for a long time. I got to buy some diecasts and see Aric Almirola driving in a golf cart. I got to take some pictures of Colin Braun's #6 truck. It was on display outside the track somewhere. It was a fun trip. I will try to go next year.

NASCAR Race Mom: Why was the race cool?

Rolando: Because you could get a great view of the whole track; also because my favorite truck driver Colin Braun finished 3rd. There was great side by side racing!

NASCAR Race Mom: How long have you be a Colin Braun fan?

Rolando: Almost since the end of the 2008 truck season.

NASCAR Race Mom: Why is Colin your favorite truck driver?

Rolando: Well, because he drives #6. . . also because he's a nice clean driver and cool. I never met him before. The first time I ever saw him in real life was at the Martinsville race, but I did not get to talk to him.

NASCAR Race Mom: If you could make a change to the way the Truck Races are run; what change would you make?

Rolando: I would make it to where you don't have to buy like a pit pass to get in the center of the track where all the haulers and pit crew guys are, because I really wanted to go see Colin in the pit.

NASCAR Race Mom: Do you have any Colin Braun fan gear?

Rolando: Yeah I have a hat and a shirt . . . also a diecast.

NASCAR Race Mom: Do you watch Sprint Cup and Nationwide races also?

Rolando: Yeah I watch both of them on TV.

NASCAR Race Mom: Do you know anything about the Camping World Series West races?

Rolando: I know a little bit. I’m going to start following it a bit more next season.

NASCAR Race Mom: Who is your favorite Camping World Series West driver?

Rolando: Moses Smith!!!!!!!! :)

NASCAR Race Mom: What do you like about Moses?

Rolando: He's a great guy. Nice to his fans and a great racecar driver! But like I said this is my first year with this series.

NASCAR Race Mom: Very cool interview Rolando - do you have anything you would like to add or have mentioned in the post?

Rolando: Thanks! Yeah I would. I would like to say that Colin Braun and Moses Smith are some of the best drivers ever!

Rolando T’s Video Report From Martinsville:

Twittering To the "Pepsi 500" NASCAR Sprint Cup Race

NASCAR Race Mom (NRM) was taking a work break and checking in with her online twitter friends on Tuesday, when @PettyDrivingExp tweeted the trivia question “In what year did Richard Petty win his first Daytona 500?” The first five people to direct message with the correct answer would win four tickets to the NASCAR Cup race in Fontana, California.

The Auto Club Speedway is just an hour and a half from my home. I rushed to answer the trivia question. Within five minutes, @PettyDrivingExp congratulated me on my correct answer of 1964! NRM was going to the Pepsi 500!

We had just visited the Auto Club Speedway in July. My husband participated in the Richard Petty Rookie Experience there. You can read about that adventure at You’re Part Of The Petty Family Now. (Paul went around the track at 130 MPH; the NASCAR drivers were reaching 170 MPH.)

Race day could not arrive quickly enough for me. @PettyDrivingExp fed-ex’d us the tickets and parking pass in plenty of time. Auto Club Speedway sits on a five hundred and sixty-eight (568) acre site and seats 92,000 fans. The California weather proved perfect for race day; sunny and warm. The first thing we noticed upon arrival was the availability of parking close to the Speedway. The lots were not full.

We found our seats, Jesse McCartney performed the national anthem and Kelsey Grammer gave the command to “Start Your Engines.” The magnitude of the crowd was disheartening; the speedway was only at seventy-five percent of its capacity. Was this race a victim of the weakened economy?


What the crowd lacked in volume did not lessen the mass’ enthusiasm. NASCAR passion was everywhere. Since eventual race winner Jimmie Johnson is a local boy, it was not a surprise that his race gear (i.e. hats; jackets; cushions . . . . ) dominated the fan base. Every time the number 48 took the lead, the crowd cheers would crescendo.

The earliest part of the race found my two favorites battling each other for position. NRM was able to meet both Jamie McMurray and David Reutimann this year. They were both very fan friendly. Consequently, NRM has been cheering for them all year! It was awesome being able to watch them battle each other. Unfortunately, on lap 56 the number 26 had a tire let go. Jamie McMurray scraped the wall hard and brought out the first of seven cautions. His vehicle was not completive after the incident.

The 00 of Reutimann worked well on the long runs, but infuriatingly gave up precious ground on every restart. After the disappointing disqualification of his off-pole starting position, Reutimann’s eighteenth place finish had to be a double frustration.

Of course no driver could be more frustrated than Dale Earnhardt Jr. After racing in the top-ten for most of the race, his luck, or lack thereof found him entangled in the “big one.” The Pepsi 500 was red-flagged on Lap 245 due to the amount of debris the crash generated. This big wreck occured when Elliot Sadler got into the back of Dale Jr. and spun him in front of the field. Drivers involved include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Elliot Sadler, Kasey Kahne. A.J. Allmendinger, Reed Sorenson, Marcos Ambrose, Jeff Burton, Brian Vickers, and Matt Kenseth.

The racing was fun, but not as stimulating as the NASCAR Camping World Series West short track competition NASCAR Race Mom has grown accustomed to. At the Auto Club Speedway, the on-track action was mostly limited to the start and restarts. After ten laps, the field would be very strung out, and the leader would easily pull away from the field. However, the green flag pit stops were masterpieces to study!

Jimmie Johnson won the Pepsi 500 at Fontana. Jeff Gordon, Juan Montoya, Mark Martin and Tony Stewart rounded out the top five. @PettyDrivingExp promised to do more trivia contests in the future; be sure you follow them and get in on the fun!

If you are not familiar with Twitter click on Twitter Cheat Sheet.

Notes:

• All four RPM cars were involved in a Multi-car wreck with six laps to go.
• Jimmie Johnson defeated Jeff Gordon by 1.603 seconds.
• Juan Pablo Montoya, Mark Martin and Tony Stewart rounded out the top-five
• Johnson now holds a slim 12 point lead over teammate Mark Martin
• Johnson recorded his fifth victory of 2009 and 45th of his career
• The win was Johnson’s fourth at Auto Club Speedway
• The race featured 29 lead changes among nine drivers
• There was eight cautions for 30 laps
• The race lasted just short of 3.5 hours
• Race attendance was estimated at 70,000
• Next race is Saturday night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

Hershel McGriff - In His Own Words

Hershel McGriff and NASCAR Race Mom
Infineon Raceway, June 2009

Born December 14, 1927 in Bridal Veil, Oregon, Hershel McGriff launched his stock car racing career in September of 1945 at the dirt Portland Speedway. He finished thirteenth in his family’s sedan.

With 35 victories, McGriff has the most wins of any Winston West active competitor. He won the 1950 Mexican Road Race and competed in the first Southern 500 at Darlington International Raceway. McGriff also competed in a stock car at LeMans, France, in Australia and in Japan. He won the 1986 NASCAR Winston West Series Championship and tops the list of pole awards in Winston West Series poles with thirty -five. Additionally, Hershel McGriff was voted ‘Most Popular Driver’ twelve times over his long NASCAR career.

McGriff was inducted in the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in its first class in 2002. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2006. McGriff, who had retired from driving at age 74 (in 2002) said, "This is fantastic, getting in the Hall of Fame, but, hey, I might not be through yet. When I turn 80 [in two years], I just might go out to a short track and show the young guys that I can still do it."

True to his word, NASCAR Race Mom had the pleasure of first meeting Racecar Driver McGriff at the NASCAR Camping World Series West Infineon Race on June 20, 2009. The eighty-one year old had enough of retirement, and the legendary driver made his return behind the wheel for the Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts. Unfortunately, Hershel McGriff failed to make the field.

Not to be discouraged, on July 19, 2009 McGriff qualified his 04 Park Corporation Chevrolet in twenty-first position and finished thirteenth. A couple of weeks later, he qualified twenty-second at 2.2-Mile Road Course of Miller Motorsports Park and took the checkered flag in nineteenth place after suffering a late race flat tire.

Moses Smith, z. & McGriff
Miller Motorsports Park, August 2009

In His Own Words - Hershel McGriff

NRM - What is the biggest difference between when you returned to racing after not racing for around 10 years in 1967 and your return to the NASCAR Camping World Series West in 2009?

Hershel McGriff – “The biggest difference would be rules pertaining to the race cars - in the 60's & 70's, we ran stock body cars as they came from the factory, so that made it easy to get a car and enter races. Now, they are more technical with rules which makes it expensive to race, especially when the purses don't amount to much. Also, a big difference in my latest return was press coverage because I'm 81, what's the big deal?"

NRM - What do you do to keep yourself race ready?

Hershel McGriff - "I keep busy, get up early, ride a bicycle 4 or 5 times a week. I still work, and my wife watches my diet."

NRM - What does the Most Popular Driver Award, which you have won twelve times, mean to you? "

Hershel McGriff - “The most popular driver award means a lot when your competitors are the ones voting. It was quite an honor to win it twelve times in a row. Maybe I didn't ruffle any feathers, so they voted for me. HA!"

NRM - What is your advice to the current drivers in the Camping World Series West Championship?

Hershel McGriff - "My advice to the younger drivers in the West series is to not drive like it's a destruction derby. These cars are expensive to fix. The old saying, "you can't win on the first lap" is true."

NRM - What are you plans for 2010

Hershel McGriff - “I would like to run all road courses for both East & West series. I'm working on it now.”

Send NASCAR Race Mom to NYC for the Premiere of MOTHERHOOD

NASCAR Race Mom is in the running to win a trip to New York City for the Premiere of Motherhood. What could be better than to have a NASCAR Mom represent NASCAR at the premiere of this Uma Thurman movie.

However, NRM needs your help. This is a very short voting contest; with only three days left. It is an easy vote:

Please go to:

http://www.babybjornmotherhood.com/essay

You will need to login and vote.

The essay is entitled "Oma's Love, Security and Warmth" by z. Smith

Thank you very much for the support and help. NASCAR Race Mom is currently in second place. Should NRM win this contest, NASCAR Race Mom Goes to NYC for the Premiere of MOTHERHOOD will be blogged live!

Top Five In Finale

Photo by Jeannie Broussal

The 2009 championship in the NASCAR Camping World Series West was decided in the season finale, the Toyota/Copart “150,” on Saturday night at the All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. The #16 Hasa Pool Products Driver Moses Smith qualified his Toyota in second position.

"The car was awesome," Moses reported. "We had a little too much rear brake bias and I chattered the rear-end going into turn two and that let a couple guys get by. I think we were faster, but we just didn't have enough to get by. It was a good race. It was fun. We were in the thick of thing the whole time."

Moses took the checkered flag in fifth. With this finish, he earned his second Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award, racing his #16 HASA Pool Products/White Flyer, Toyota Camry. With five top-five and nine top-ten finishes in the thirteen race championship.

Moses finished the season in seventh place. Moses and the Team gives a special thanks to their sponsors: Hasa Pool Products, White Flyer, and TCI Transportation.

At The Track Toyota/Copart 150

NCWS West September 26, 2009 - NASCAR Home Tracks Page

Click here for the full entry list

RacingWest Fantasy Racing Game

Tweeting the Toyota/Copart 150

As in the past, the ‘At the Track’ segment will be blogging all the pre-race activities of the NASCAR Camping World Series West Race.

******* NASCAR Race Mom will also be tweeting Moses’ Race, green flag to checkered!

You can follow the action on twitter by following @MosesRace.

You can also read the updates on the live blog above.

If you want to participate in the action:

1. Leave a tweet using the #MosesRace hashtag. Your tweet will automatically be posted to the live blog also. Tweets will appear in the live blog almost immediately.
   
   Tweet any questions you have to @MosesRace.. (Please do not leave a dm - it is usually too dark at the track to switch back and forth.)
   
   
2. You can also leave a post in the comment box located at the bottom of the live blog. (However tweeting is much faster)
   

Important – when NASCAR Race Mom signs off the blog - please feel free to leave any comments and questions while we are gone - NRM will see them as soon as we log back in. If you are a first time user, your input might not appear on this blog until we return and approve them. However, rest assured that they will be saved and answered.

NASCAR Race Mom will be checking for activity on this Blog frequently!

If you are not familiar with Twitter, click here for a cheat sheet.

PitCrewTV Interview with NASCAR Race Mom, Z. Smith

I met Christine Jerritts and the PitCrewTV crew at Colorado National Speedway on August 15, 2009. They talked me into this interview. It was fun to do. NRM hopes you enjoy watching it.