Friday, December 31, 2010

2010 Review:


A Look Back At K&N West Year

Busy year on and off the track as 57th season is celebrated


By Kevin W. Green, NASCAR
December 31, 2010 - 12:05pm

The 57th season of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West marked another great year for the West’s oldest stock car circuit – with a new series sponsor being announced, the crowing of a three-time champion and tough competition throughout. The 2010 season featured seven different race winners, including a couple of first-time winners, and eight different pole winners.


PICTURE THIS: THE BEST OF 2010 IN PHOTOS


Welcome K&N

The announcement at the beginning of the year that K&N Engineering, Inc., would be the title sponsor for NASCAR’s top developmental series met with great excitement, especially from teams on the West Coast who are delighted to have such a great sponsor right in their own backyard. The Riverside, Calif.-based K&N Engineering – which has grown from a family-run business to a global company – traces its involvement with NASCAR back to the days of supplying parts for races at the old Riverside International Raceway, which hosted events when the series was known as the NASCAR Winston West Series.

BMR domination on short tracks
Eric Holmes won his third championship in 2010 and delivered Bill McAnally his fifth title as a car owner. While Holmes scored his first win of the year at Phoenix International Raceway, it was his domination of the short tracks that paved his way to the championship. Holmes won four of the six short-track races – Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Ore.; Montana Raceway Park in Kalispell, Mont.; Colorado National Speedway near Denver; and All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. Bill McAnally Racing’s success on short tracks was evident with its other teams, as well, with Paulie Harraka winning one of the other two short track events to open the season.


Mayhew shadows Holmes
David Mayhew kept the pressure on Holmes throughout the year, often shadowing him as the pair battled for the 2010 crown. In three of the races Holmes won, Mayhew was filling up in his rear view mirror – coming across the finish line in the runner-up spot. Mayhew was not always trailing Holmes, however. Mayhew led seven races, more than any other driver – running out front for 345 laps. He finished ahead of Holmes on three occasions.


Turning around his season

After encountering all kinds of bad luck through much of the year, Greg Pursley and the Gene Price Motorsports team finally got things turned around late in the season – winning two of the final three races. Pursley led the championship standings early on – but after getting caught up in accidents in three of the first six races, he dropped to 10th by the midway point of the season. Pursley eventually rebounded, accumulating enough points in the final four races to move up to fifth in the final standings.

Newcomers

The 2010 season featured a large field of rookies. It’s always great to see new talent develop as they come into the series. Drivers competing in their first full season of competition had a good showing this year, taking the sixth through 12th positions in the final standings. Expect to see more from these drivers, particularly three of them who scored top five finishes during the season – Luis Martinez Jr., Jonathon Gomez and Michael Self. Martinez, who took home the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award, also won a pole award.

Series veterans prevail

While newcomers to the series made a strong challenge, it was the veteran drivers who prevailed in the end. Holmes, Mayhew and Pursley registered eight of the wins, with second-year driver Paulie Harraka also scoring a victory. Others to notch a win in the series in 2010 included Andrew Ranger, a two-time champion in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1; Patrick Long, a Porsche factory driver who races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series on his off weekends; and veteran West Coast driver Auggie Vidovich.

Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts Bonus Challenge

Drivers and teams had a little something extra to shoot for in 2010, thanks to a special bonus package put together by Bill McAnally Racing Promotions and sponsored by Toyota and NAPA Auto Parts. The Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts Bonus Challenge offered a variety of bonuses to teams who registered and competed in five select events on this year’s schedule. While Eric Holmes and his BMR team collected a $10,000 bonus for winning three of the five races, registered teams that raced all five of the events each took home a $3,000 bonus.

Teen Safe Driving Campaign

Bill McAnally Racing Promotions also stepped up to help put on a special teen safe driving presentation in conjunction with select NASCAR K&N Pro Series West events during the year. BMRP partnered with Impact Teen Drivers, a public awareness and education program, headed by Kelly Browning that focuses on distracted and reckless driving, and local safety organizations to deliver the message of teen safe driving to six communities in 2010. It’s great to see them use their racing platform to deliver such an important message to teenagers and their families.

First visit to Montana

The 2010 season included the inaugural visit by the series to Montana Raceway Park in Kalispell, Mont. With the Montana and Colorado events on back-to-back weekends, there were many in the series who opted to make this venture into a road trip and do some sightseeing during the week. After visiting Glacier National Park just to the north, Yellowstone National Park was a popular stop en route to Denver. For those who took the opportunity to make the drive, they saw some majestic scenery and came away with some great stories. Some also hauled home a load of souvenirs.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Friday, December 24, 2010

Team Beads of Courage

NASCAR’s Moses Smith Joins Team Beads of Courage
by Patty Lakinsmith on December 23, 2010

Moses Smith, recently voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for the second year in a row, has recently joined Team Beads of Courage! In November at the last race at the Phoenix International Raceway several special handmade beads accompanied Moses in car #16, the Hasa Pool Products Toyota Camry. The beads were later given to children in the Beads of Courage program, along with special encouragement notes.

“Carrying the Beads of Courage during the race gave me a boost of enCOURAGEment!” Moses said, after the race in which he safely finished in 10th place amidst a flurry of crashes. Moses Smith finished the year recently by winning the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award. The award is presented to a driver who demonstrates the most improvement in terms of finishing position from race to race. Congratulations, Moses!




*Note: Moses actually claimed his third Most Popular Driver Award on December 11th, at the series banquet held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.



Saturday, December 11, 2010

2010 NASCAR K&N Most Popular Driver
Moses Smith

Burt Myers, Ted Christopher, Moses Smith, Ryan Truex


For the third year, the fans were given the opportunity visit www.nascar.com and vote for their favorite driver for the 2010 Most Popular Driver of the Year Award in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

Also for the third year, #16 Hasa Pool Products / White Flyer driver, Moses Smith won the honor.

"WE DID IT!!! I just received the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series MOST POPULAR DRIVER AWARD...this makes it 3 years in a row...thanks to all of you that made this happen!" Moses exclaimed shortly after winning the award. "And a very special thanks to Mom...love you..."

Smith also collected the 2010 Featherlite Most Improved Driver award. He finished fourth in the K&N Pro Series West Championship.

Remembering Spencer Clark



Spencer Clark Driven Foundation




2006 recipient Mike Duncan presents the
2007 Spencer Clark Memorial Award to Eric Hardin


After years of involvement in open-wheel racing, I followed my son, Moses Smith, into the world known as NASCAR in 2006. While the differences between the two modes of motorsports were somewhat overwhelming at times; the sense of family among the competitors bridged the disciplines.

By 2006, Spencer Clark, age nineteen (19) had proved to be an immensely talented young race car driver. His passion and desire was evident to everyone who came in contact with him.

After fourteen (14) years, progressing from the Mickey Thompson’s PeeWee Motorcycles Series; to the Junior and Junior Sportsman Go-Kart Classes; the INEX Legend car series; the NASCAR Super Late Model series, and the ASA Speed Truck Challenge, Clark was preparing to race the entire K&N Pro Series West.


Sadly Spencer’s career and life were cut short on May 21, 2006 when he was a passenger in a fatal car accident outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Both Spencer and teammate Andy Phillips were killed when their vehicle rolled.

With hope for the future, the Spencer Clark Driven Foundation was established in the young racer’s memory and is fueled by his family and friends. The foundation is dedicated to helping young drivers, with the same passion and desire Spencer possessed, to achieve their goals in racing.

Past recipients of the award include Mike Duncan (2005 K&N Pro Series West Champion, Eric Hardin (a K&N Pro Series West driver who lost part of one leg to cancer as a youngster), and Bob and Kathy Butcher (MROA Chaplain/Pastor to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West).

While the Foundation has not done anything in 2010, NASCAR Race Mom has heard that they are getting ready to make a press release about 2011 very soon.

Although I did not have the honor of meeting Spencer Clark, I have had several conversations with his mom Debbie. Her strength and resolve has me wonder where Spencer Clark’s passion and desire would have taken him in his quest for a NASCAR career.



Spencer Clark is survived by his parents T.J. and Debbie Clark, his sister Candice, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins as well as his Allegiant Air race team, race fans and friends. Spencer will truly be missed on and off the track.





*****Congratulations to team owner, Bill McAnally, recipient of the 2010 Spencer Clark Award (K&N Pro Series West)

Moses Smith - Most Improved Driver Award


Moses Smith received the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award at the Grand Champions Breakfast this morning. Featherlite, the “Official Trailer” of NASCAR, is proudly presents the NASCAR /Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award following each NASCAR Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck Series and regional series races. The award is presented to a driver who demonstrates the most improvement in terms of finishing position from race to race. Moses won this year-end award in 2009 also.


Watch the K&N Pro Series West Banquet Live!


Fans throughout the U.S. and Canada, and around the globe, will again be able to watch the festivities via a live webcast on nascarhometracks.com. The Red Carpet Pre-Show begins at 6 p.m. and the banquets get underway at 7 p.m.

The NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala will feature the series champions and top drivers from NASCAR’s regional touring series including invitees from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1.


To learn more about Featherlite, please visit the Featherlite’s website and/or the Featherlite’s Specialty website .

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

NASCAR Night of Champions
Touring Awards Gala

K&N Pro Series West Teammates Moses Smith and Eric Holmes



On Saturday, December 11, 2010, the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala will bring together the series champions and top drivers from all seven of the NASCAR regional touring series. The NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala will include invitees from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, the NASCAR Mexico Series, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1.


For the first time, the banquet will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center's Crown Ballroom adjacent to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.


“With the recent opening of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, this is a tremendous opportunity to honor the top drivers throughout NASCAR’s developmental series in a most appropriate setting: the showcase of our sport’s history,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations.


Watch the K&N Pro Series West Banquet Live!

Fans throughout the U.S. and Canada, and around the globe, will again be able to watch the festivities via a live webcast on nascarhometracks.com. The Red Carpet Pre-Show begins at 6 p.m. and the banquets get underway at 7 p.m.



Photo by Geri Amani

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Win a 50" x 60" #16 Hasa Pools Products
Moses Smith Racing Team Fleece Throw


The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West has completed their 2010 race season. As the weather turns chilly, drivers are preparing for their year-end banquet to be held on December 11th at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC.

During this break in the on-track action, NASCAR Race Mom would like to introduce you to a friend, Personalization King. Personalization King has personalized photo gifts for everyone in your life; family, friends, teammates, sponsors - Photo blankets, mugs, cutting boards, mats and more.

When giving a gift, there's nothing like a gift that says, "You're one of a kind!" Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers - or every special event in between - a personalized gift always delivers the brightest smiles.

As an incentive to NRM’s readers to visit and explore Personalization King’s new website, we are offering a wonderful opportunity. Three lucky participants can win a 50" x 60" #16 Hasa Pools Products Moses Smith Racing Team Fleece Throw ; perfect for the colder weather.



Entering is easy. However, please be sure to follow the instructions below to be entered.

There are many ways to enter; but remember you only need one entry to win!


Giveaway Guidelines:

Giveaway ends Saturday January 8, 2011. There will be three (3) grand prize winners. Three lucky participants can win a 50" x 60" #16 Hasa Pools Products Moses Smith Racing Team Fleece Throw. (ARV $55.95) I love mine!


Main Entry – You must complete this entry in order for the extra entries to count:

Visit the Personalization King’s new website; look around and then leave a comment on this post describing another personalized item you would like to own.


Extra One-Time Entries:

  • Follow me (@zwriter) on twitter - and leave a comment on this post with your twitter identification. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment with your twitter identification. (One-time only)
  • Follow Personalization King (@yourphotogifts) on twitter - and leave a comment on this post with your twitter identification. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment with your twitter identification. (One-time only)
  • Publicly follow the NASCAR Race Mom blog (with Google Friend Connect on right side) and leave a comment on this post with your blog name. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment with your blog name. (One-time only)
  • Follow Personalization King on Facebook and leave a comment on this post with your facebook identification. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment with your facebook identification. (One-time only)

You can earn one extra entry per day:

  • Tweet using the words “ Three winners will receive a Personalization King’s Moses Smith Photo Throw – easy to enter http://tinyurl.com/2gyk6dp #nascar #contest ” @yourphotogifts ; then come back to this post and comment leaving the link to your tweet. (once per day)
  • Post on your Facebook wall, “Three winners will receive a Personalization King’s Moses Smith Photo Throw – easy to enter http://tinyurl.com/2gyk6dp ” then come back to this post and comment leaving the link to post. (once per day)

  • Extra Bonus Entry worth twenty (20) entries: Buy an item from the Personalization King; then come back to this post and comment telling us about the personalized item you bought!

    Rules:

    *** Important - Each entry must be left in a separate comment.

    ***Off topic – generic comments (such as “hope I win”) will be disqualified from the competition.

    Additionally,
  1. Make sure there is a way for NRM to contact you - if your email address is not on your profile or you are not a blogger, you may leave it in your comment. NRM hates to have to disqualify a potential winner because there is not a way to contact that winner – I will need your email address to contact you, should you be the winner.
  2. The winner will be chosen by Random.org.
  3. The winner will be announced on this post and be notified by email; if the winner does not respond WITHIN 7 DAYS, another winner will be chosen.
  4. NASCAR Race Mom not responsible for missing or incorrect contact information.