Jagger Jones won his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West race (Don Thompson photos)

Via All American Speedway Media

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (October 12, 2019) – Arizona’s Jagger Jones won his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West race while six NASCAR Home Tracks champions were crowned, during Saturday night’s NAPA AUTO PARTS / ENEOS 150 at All American Speedway in Roseville. A near capacity crowd witnessed eight main events including Jeremy Doss winning the $2,000 RT Painting 50 for the NASCAR Late Models as well.

A large crowd of race fans are expected at All American Speedway on Saturday night

Via All American Speedway Media

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (October 8, 2019) – Saturday night’s NAPA AUTO PARTS / ENEOS 150 will feature one of the largest racing events in the region, as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West roars into Roseville’s All American Speedway. Drivers from across the west will compete in side-by-side short track racing during the only national televised racing event in Placer County.

Hailie Deegan (L) and Derek Kraus (R) will battle at Roseville October 12th

Via All American Speedway Media

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (September 26, 2019) – One of the largest motorsports events in Northern California returns for the 21st appearance of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West in Roseville, when the NAPA Auto Parts / ENEOS 150 roars into the All American Speedway on October 12th. Exciting, door-pounding NASCAR short track racing comes to the one-third mile with the only national televised racing event in Placer County.

Via NASCAR Media

TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson was twice as nice for the Derek Kraus Saturday night.

The Stratford, Wisconsin, native swept the Port of Tucson Twin 100s for his third and fourth K&N Pro Series victories of the season and first wins on the West coast.

Coming off a win in the second 100-lap championship race last week at Virginia’s South Boston Speedway — giving him two NASCAR K&N Pro Series East wins — Kraus and the No. 16 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota established a goal to win both NASCAR K&N Pro Series West races and take command of the championship standings coming into Arizona.

They did exactly that.

“That was the goal coming into this race,” said Kraus in Victory Lane at Tucson Speedway. “Now we got the points lead going into the next K&N West race. That was really good and we’ll look to stay consistent the rest of the season. We just had to stay patient and it paid off at the end.”

In the first Tucson race, Kraus took the lead from pole sitter Tanner Gray going into Turn 1 and never relinquished the top spot, leading all 100 laps.

Gray, Hailie Deegan, Jagger Jones and Brittney Zamora rounded out the top five finishers in Race No. 1. Matt Levin, Trevor Huddleston, Todd Souza, Dustin Ash and John Wood completed the top 10.

Race No. 2 was a different story for Kraus, who didn’t grab the lead until past the halfway point. But once he did, it was smooth sailing to another victory.

“This one we had to work a little harder on,” he said following his fourth win this season and ninth of his career. “We didn’t get the lead until Lap 60 or so, but it was definitely a little more challenging than the first race. We saved a little bit of tires and them guys jumped out and used a little bit too much of the tires, they wore them out. And at the end we took advantage of that when we had good tires left.”

Gray came home second for the second consecutive race, with Zamora finishing a career-best third after leading 26 laps from the pole.

Trevor Huddleston and Matt Levin completed the top five, with Jagger Jones, Dustin Ash, Travis Milburn, Takuma Koga and Bill Kann rounding out the top 10.

Hailie Deegan, who entered the night leading the points, finished 15th after contact with Huddleston going into Turn 2 that spun her around and forced her behind the wall for repairs.

Kody Vanderwal finished 11th and 12th, respectively in the twin 100s, after sweeping the twin races last season at the 0.375-mile track.

Kraus, who leads the K&N Pro East standings by four points, has an 18-point cushion over Sunrise Ford/Bruncati Racing teammates Huddleston and Jones. Deegan fell to fourth, another five points back.

Port of Tucson Twin Race 1 is scheduled to be broadcast on NBCSN on Wednesday, May 22 at 4 p.m., with No. 2 scheduled to be broadcast the same day at 7 p.m.

The next K&N Pro Series West event will take place on Saturday, June 8 at Colorado National Speedway.

Contact:
Jason Christley
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
(386) 310-6094
jchristley@nascar.com

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST-Port of Tucson Twin 100s Race 1 Results
Saturday
At Tucson Speedway
Tucson, Ariz.
Lap length: 0.375 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (2) Derek Kraus, Stratford, Wis., Toyota, 100 laps, 60.838 mph.
2. (1) Tanner Gray, Artesia, NM, Toyota, 100.
3. (5) Hailie Deegan, Temecula, CA, Toyota, 100.
4. (4) Jagger Jones, Scottsdale, AZ, Ford, 100.
5. (3) Brittney Zamora, Kennewick, WA, Toyota, 100.
6. (11) Matt Levin, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 100.
7. (6) Trevor Huddleston, Agoura Hills, Calif., Ford, 100.
8. (10) Todd Souza, Aromas, Calif., Toyota, 100.
9. (7) Dustin Ash, Las Vegas, Nev., Ford, 100.
10. (14) John Wood, Eagle, ID, Chevrolet, 100.
11. (9) Kody Vanderwal, LaSalle, Colo, Ford, 95.
12. (18) Ron Jay, Victoria, BC, Ford, 93.
13. (16) Bobby Hillis Jr, Phoenix,Ariz, Toyota, 92.
14. (15) Austin Thom, Dundee, OR, Chevrolet, 89.
15. (13) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Toyota, 87.
16. (8) Travis Milburn, Eagle, ID, Ford, 68, accident.
17. (12) Bill Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Chevrolet, 65, overheating.
18. (17) Billy Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Chevrolet, 0, dns.

Race Statistics
Time of Race: 0 hours 36 minutes 59 seconds
Margin of Victory: 4.433 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: T.Gray * (89.725 mph, 15.046 seconds)
Caution Flags: 2 for 15 laps.
Lead Changes: 0 among 1 drivers.
Lap Leaders: D. Kraus 1-100.
Standings: 1. D. Kraus, 131; 2. H. Deegan, 127; 3. J. Jones, 123; 4. T. Huddleston, 121; 5. M. Levin, 109; 6. T. Souza, 108; 7. B. Zamora, 108; 8. K. Vanderwal, 99; 9. T. Milburn, 95; 10. T. Gray, 85.

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST-Port of Tucson Twin 100s Race 2 Results
Saturday
At Tucson Speedway
Tucson, Ariz.
Lap length: 0.375 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (2) Derek Kraus, Stratford, Wis., Toyota, 100 laps, 58.772 mph.
2. (7) Tanner Gray, Artesia, NM, Toyota, 100.
3. (1) Brittney Zamora, Kennewick, WA, Toyota, 100.
4. (8) Trevor Huddleston, Agoura Hills, Calif., Ford, 100.
5. (6) Matt Levin, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 100.
6. (3) Jagger Jones, Scottsdale, AZ, Ford, 100.
7. (10) Dustin Ash, Las Vegas, Nev., Ford, 100.
8. (9) Travis Milburn, Eagle, ID, Ford, 100.
9. (13) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Toyota, 100.
10. (15) Bill Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Chevrolet, 100.
11. (11) Austin Thom, Dundee, OR, Chevrolet, 100.
12. (4) Kody Vanderwal, LaSalle, Colo, Ford, 98.
13. (14) Ron Jay, Victoria, BC, Chevrolet, 97.
14. (16) Bobby Hillis Jr, Phoenix,Ariz, Toyota, 96.
15. (5) Hailie Deegan, Temecula, CA, Toyota, 95.
16. (12) Todd Souza, Aromas, Calif., Toyota, 0, electrical.
17. (17) John Wood, Eagle, ID, Ford, 0, dns.
18. (18) Billy Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Chevrolet, 0, dns.

Race Statistics
Time of Race: 0 hours 38 minutes 17 seconds
Margin of Victory: 2.612 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: B.Zamora * (85.823 mph, 15.73 seconds)
Caution Flags: 4 for 20 laps.
Lead Changes: 3 among 3 drivers.
Lap Leaders: B. Zamora 1-19; D. Ash 20-54; B. Zamora 55-61; D. Kraus 62-100.
Standings: 1. D. Kraus, 179; 2. T. Huddleston, 161; 3. J. Jones, 161; 4. H. Deegan, 156; 5. B. Zamora, 150; 6. M. Levin, 148; 7. T. Souza, 136; 8. K. Vanderwal, 131; 9. T. Milburn, 131; 10. T. Gray, 127.

Via NASCAR Media

IRWINDALE, Calif. — Trevor Huddleston couldn’t have picked a more dramatic way to score his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series West win.

Trevor Huddleston has been knocking on the door of his first career victory for some time, and he earned it, barely, at his home track of Irwindale Speedway in a photo finish over Tanner Gray in the ENEOS NAPA Auto 150.

“I’m still in shock,” Huddleston said. “That was absolutely insane. Me and him were bouncing off each other, we were bouncing off the wall, I mean I didn’t know if we won. I hit the wall and got the freakin’ wind knocked out of me and I was like ‘did we win?’ and we won. Unbelievable.”

Huddleston battled a hit-or-miss transmission for the final 100 laps, forcing him to drive for most of the race with one hand on the steering wheel and one hand on the shifter.

Huddleston and Gray banged doors off Turn 4 to the start/finish line and the Augora Hills, California native was able to inch his No. 9 Sunrise Ford ahead of Gray’s No. 15 DGR Crosley Toyota. After claiming the checkered flag, Huddleston hit the wall and was unable to drive his machine back to Victory Lane.

Huddleston’s three Late Model track championships at Irwindale Speedway gave him a “one up on the field” leading into the 150-lapper. This event has been circled on his calendar for some time and to win his first race at the facility his father, Tim, operates made it that much sweeter.

“We’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time. I know this track hopefully better than anybody,” said Trevor Huddleston. “I’ve been raised here. To get this win means so much. To win in the K&N Pro Series is unbelievable. it’s got a stacked field. And to win like that, even better.”

In only his second career series start, Gray almost put it in Victory Lane. Coming from a drag racing background, he knew immediately he didn’t beat the No. 9 to the line but did all he could leading up to that.

“It was just really good racing between me, the No. 9 and the No. 16 (Derek Kraus),” Gray said. “This race track produces really good racing, Them putting PJ1 down on the bottom really helped. That was a lot of run. I feel like I was the only one who was really able to get down there and be as fast as I was. The deal we had coming to the line was unfortunate, but it was just both drivers coming using up all the race track trying to get there first. It wasn’t intentional; it’s racing.”

Kraus came home third after leading a handful of laps, but he lost brakes with around 30 laps to go, allowing Huddleston and Gray to get by. Jagger Jones and polesitter Hailie Deegan rounded out the top five finishers.

Cole Cabrera, Matt Levin, Brittney Zamora, Dylan Garner and Jack Wood completed the top 10.

The ENEOS NAPA Auto 150 is scheduled to be broadcasted on NBCSN Wednesday, April 3 at 6 p.m.

The next K&N Pro Series West will take place on Saturday, May 11 at Tucson Speedway.

Contact:
Jason Christley
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
(386) 310-6094
jchristley@nascar.com

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST- ENEOS NAPA Auto 150 Results
Saturday
At Irwindale Speedway
Irwindale, Calif.
Lap length: 0.5 miles

(Start position in parentheses)
1. (4) Trevor Huddleston, Agoura Hills, Calif., Ford, 150 laps, 65.139 mph.
2. (3) Tanner Gray, Artesia, N.M., Toyota, 150.
3. (2) Derek Kraus, Stratford, Wis., Toyota, 150.
4. (5) Jagger Jones, Scottsdale, Ariz., Ford, 150.
5. (1) Hailie Deegan, Temecula, Calif, Toyota, 150.
6. (8) Cole Cabrera, Exeter, Calif., Ford, 150.
7. (12) Matt Levin, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 150.
8. (11) Brittney Zamora, Kennewick, Wash., Toyota, 150.
9. (6) Dylan Garner, Yorba Linda, Calif., Toyota, 150.
10. (7) Jack Wood, Loomis, Calif., Ford, 150.
11. (9) Todd Souza, Aromas, Calif., Toyota, 150.
12. (15) Armani Williams, Detroit, Michigan, Ford, 149.
13. (14) Travis Milburn, Eagle, Idaho, Ford, 149.
14. (22) Austin Thom, Dundee, Ore., Chevrolet, 149.
15. (16) Bill Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Chevrolet, 148.
16. (10) Joey Tanner, Portland, Ore., Ford, 148.
17. (18) Nick Joanides, Woodland Hills, Calif, Toyota, 146.
18. (13) Kody Vanderwal, LaSalle, Colo, Ford, 146.
19. (17) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Toyota, 145.
20. (19) Ron Jay, Eagle, Idaho, Ford, 144.
21. (20) Rich DeLong III, Santa Clarita, Calif., Chevrolet, 69, electrical.

Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 9 minutes 5 seconds
Margin of Victory: .030 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: H.Deegan (98.994 mph, 18.183 seconds)
Caution Flags: 3 for 12 laps.
Lead Changes: 3 among 3 drivers.
Lap Leaders: D. Kraus 1-25; T. Gray 26-77; D. Kraus 78-143; T. Huddleston 144-150.
Standings: 1. H. Deegan, 86; 2. T. Huddleston, 84; 3. J. Jones, 83; 4. D. Kraus, 83; 5. T. Souza, 72; 6. M. Levin, 71; 7. J. Tanner, 69; 8. B. Zamora, 69; 9. T. Milburn, 67; 10. K. Vanderwal, 66.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – After not visiting one of the most famous half-mile short tracks on the West coast last season, the K&N Pro Series West makes its highly anticipated return to Irwindale Speedway this weekend for round two of the 2019 season and the 26th event in series history at the California half-mile.

IRWINDALE 150 AT IRWINDALE

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Bill McAnally Racing’s trio of Hailie Deegan, Derek Kraus and Brittney Zamora will be up front: you can bank on that. The organization tested at Irwindale on March 7.

Last time the circuit went to the California half-mile, BMR secured three of the top four finishers. The only driver from BMR who competed in that event who will also be racing Saturday night is Kraus. He’ll look to improve upon his fourth-place effort at Irwindale in 2017, and his sixth-place finish after leading 60 laps in the season opening race in Las Vegas.

Deegan will look to build upon her early season momentum following the win at Las Vegas and go back-to-back. She is currently the points leader, becoming the first female in NASCAR history to lead the standings. Although she’s never raced at Irwindale in a K&N Pro Series vehicle, she does have some track time.

Zamora said all three BMR cars were within two tenths of each other when they tested. Having never raced on dirt before Las Vegas, she also is excited to be back on asphalt at a track she knows pretty well.

The Sunrise Ford duo of Jagger Jones and Trevor Huddleston may have more experience at Irwindale than anybody else in the field combined. Huddleston has won three track championships at the track (2015-2017) in a late model, and knows it like the back of his hand. His father, Tim, has also operated and managed the track since late 2018.

Jones is no stranger to the half-mile, either. He’s won there once in a late model and specifically pointed out this event as one he was looking forward to most leading into his rookie campaign. However, he still is new to these K&N cars. Luckily, he has a driver coach and spotter who knows a thing or two about racing at Irwindale in Ryan Partridge, who has never finished outside the top 10 in his three races.

Other drivers who competed in the 2017 event that will also be racing this weekend are Todd Souza (finished 10th), Matt Levin (finished 12th), Kody Vanderwal (finished 15th), Rich Delong III (finished 16th) and Takuma Koga (finished 19th). K&N East regular Tanner Gray will also make his first K&N West start, driving his No. 15 Toyota for DGR Crosley.

Fans who can’t make it to Irwindale on Saturday will get a chance to watch it live on FansChoice.TV. The race will air as a one-hour broadcast on NBCSN on Wednesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. ET.

RACE FACTS

RACE
IRWINDALE 150
PLACE
Irwindale Speedway

DATE
Saturday, March 30

TIME
9:45 p.m. (approx.)

TELEVISION
FansChoice.TV (live), 7 p.m.; NBCSN – Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m.

TRACK LAYOUT
Half-mile paved oval

2018 WINNER
N/A

2018 POLE
N/A

EVENT SCHEDULE
Garage opens: 10:30 a.m.; First practice: 1:15-2 p.m.; Final practice: 2:15-3 p.m.; Group qualifying: 5 p.m.; Driver autograph session: 5:30 p.m.; Driver introductions: 6:30 p.m.; Irwindale 150: 7 p.m.

TWITTER
@TheEIC

HASHTAG
#Irwindale150, #KNWEST

RACE CENTER

CREW CHIEF HANDOUT:
The starting field for the Irwindale 150 is 22 starters, including provisional positions. The first 20 drivers will secure starting positions based on group qualifying for the Irwindale 150. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process

Each vehicle’s starting position will be determined by their fastest lap in qualifying.

The Irwindale 150 will be 150 laps (75 miles).

The Irwindale 150 is to be run in two (2) segments. There will be a five (5) minute break at or near the conclusion of lap 75. Once the yellow flag is displayed at the start/finish line, the caution vehicle will pick up the field. The “Free Pass” vehicle will be moved past the caution vehicle to the outside. Once pit road is open, vehicles electing to pit may enter pit road. No work is to be performed until authorized by NASCAR Officials. A maximum of four (4) uniformed crew members will be allowed in the vehicle servicing area. The time will start when the last vehicle stops on pit road and the NASCAR Official authorizes work to begin. At the three (3) minute mark, start moving your vehicle onto the track behind the caution vehicle. The caution vehicle will roll at the five (5) minute mark and any vehicle that is not on the track may be assessed a penalty. At the end of the breaks, vehicles will line up with lead lap vehicles to the front. Lead lap vehicles that elected to pit will line up behind the lead lap vehicles that elected not to pit in order of running. Lap down vehicles that elected to pit will line up behind the lap down vehicles that elected not to pit in order of running. Fuel may only be added during the breaks.

The maximum tire allotment available for this event is: Four (4) tires for practice, four (4) tires for qualifying and heat races and to begin the feature, and two (2) additional tires to use during the break for a total over ten (10) tires.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Derek Thorn’s return to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West ended with another championship celebration.

After stepping away from full-time competition at the end of the 2013 season, Thorn got the urge to return to action for Bob Bruncati’s Sunrise Ford team, and rolled to his second championship this season.

The Lakeport, California, driver concluded a season filled with success, scoring two wins and top-10 finishes in all 14 events. He finished fifth in the season-finale at Kern County Raceway Park on Saturday.

Derek Kraus 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.

Thorn’s previous K&N Pro Series West title came in 2013, and in his three years of full-time racing, he has two championships and a third-place finish in the standings.

“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.”

Thorn’s 2018 championship run included two victories — one at Colorado National and another at Evergreen Speedway. He finished inside the top five in all but one race, and ended with an average finish of just over three. In the final championship standings, Thorn defeated his Sunrise Ford Racing teammate, Ryan Partridge, by 27 points, completing a clean sweep of the top two spots for Bob Bruncati.

“The No. 22 (Trevor Huddleston) and the No. 9 (Ryan Partridge) teams deserve a lot of credit, without the team dynamic, I don’t think we would be here,” Thorn said. “It’s awesome to be able to win this right in front of the hometown crowd.”

Trevor Huddleston, who charged through the field late, tied his best career finish with a third. David Mayhew was fourth, just ahead of Thorn.

Hailie Deegan, who clinched the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, finished sixth. Cole Rouse was seventh, followed by Kody Vanderwal, Todd Souza and Matt Levin.

Thorn, his entire Bob Bruncati team, 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.

Contact:
Jason Christley
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
(386) 310-6094
jchristley@nascar.com

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST-NAPA Auto Parts 175 presented by West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame Results
Saturday
At Kern County Raceway Park
Bakersfield
Lap length: 0.5 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (2) Derek Kraus, Stratford, Wis., Toyota, 175 laps, 65.584 mph.
2. (3) Ryan Partridge, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Ford, 175.
3. (6) Trevor Huddleston, Agoura Hills, Calif., Ford, 175.
4. (4) David Mayhew, Atascadero, CA, Chevrolet, 175.
5. (7) Derek Thorn, Lakeport, CA, Ford, 175.
6. (1) Hailie Deegan, Temecula, CA, Toyota, 175.
7. (5) Cole Rouse, Fort Smith, Ark., Toyota, 175.
8. (8) Kody Vanderwal, LaSalle, Colo, Ford, 175.
9. (9) Todd Souza, Aromas, Calif., Toyota, 175.
10. (10) Matt Levin, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 174.
11. (14) Bill Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Chevrolet, 172.
12. (15) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Chevrolet, 168.
13. (13) Nick Joanides, Woodland Hills, CA, Toyota, 167.
14. (17) Taylor Canfield, San Diego, CA, Ford, 167.
15. (11) Ron Norman, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 165.
16. (16) Rich DeLong III, Santa Clarita, Calif., Chevrolet, 137, oil leak.
17. (12) Travis Milburn, Eagle, ID, Toyota, 31, suspension.
18. (18) Keith McGee, Eagle River, AK, Toyota, 16, clutch.

Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 20 minutes 3 seconds
Margin of Victory: 1.496 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: H.Deegan * (98.452 mph, 18.283 seconds)
Caution Flags: 4 for 17 laps.
Lead Changes: 5 among 3 drivers.
Lap Leaders: H. Deegan 1-3; D. Kraus 4-20; H. Deegan 21-43; D. Kraus 44-104; D. Thorn 105; D. Kraus 106-175.
Standings: 1. D. Thorn, 586; 2. R. Partridge, 559; 3. C. Rouse, 557; 4. D. Kraus, 543; 5. H. Deegan, 514; 6. T. Huddleston, 504; 7. K. Vanderwal, 479; 8. M. Levin, 426; 9. T. Koga, 399; 10. T. Souza, 272.

Via NASCAR Media

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 15, 2018) – The nine drivers who comprise the 2018 NASCAR Next class are no strangers to accolades. This year’s group of emerging stars includes the Rookies of the Year in both the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, as well the ARCA Rookie of the Year, a former USAC Midget Champion and Lucas Oil Off Road Driver of the Year.

Now in its eighth year, NASCAR Next spotlights the best and brightest young stars in racing. Alumni of the program include current Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series stars Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, William Byron, Matt DiBenedetto, Chase Elliott, Gray Gaulding, Erik Jones, Corey LaJoie, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suárez, and Darrell Wallace Jr.

“NASCAR Next highlights emerging talent who have shown the talent and intangibles it takes to achieve success at the highest levels or our sport,” said Jill Gregory, NASCAR executive vice president & chief marketing officer. “Alumni of the program are currently making their marks across NASCAR’s three national series and we believe members of this year’s class have potential to do the same.”

The NASCAR Next selection process includes input from industry executives, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Drivers Council and media members. Drivers must be between the ages of 15-25, aspire to compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and show potential – on and off the track – to reach that goal.

The following drivers have been chosen for the 2018 NASCAR Next class:

Anthony Alfredo (@anthonyfalfredo), NASCAR K&N Pro Series East – Driving full-time this year for MDM Motorsports in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Alfredo is also a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The 19-year-old Ridgefield, Connecticut, native recently competed in various late model divisions across the country, driving for JR Motorsports.

Hailie Deegan (@HailieDeegan), NASCAR K&N Pro Series West – The 16-year-old Temecula, California, native returns to Next for a second year, driving for Bill McAnally Racing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. The daughter of FMX legend and Monster Energy athlete Brian Deegan, Hailie was the 2016 Modified Kart champion in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series and was named the Lucas Oil Off Road Driver of the Year.

Riley Herbst (@rileyherbst), ARCA Racing Series – Returning to Next for a second year, Herbst is running full-time for Joe Gibs Racing in the ARCA Racing Series, where he won Rookie of the Year honors a year ago. The 19-year-old Las Vegas native captured his first big-track win last June at Pocono, along with six top fives and 10 top 10s.

Derek Kraus (@derek9kraus), NASCAR K&N Pro Series West – The reigning NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Rookie of the Year, Kraus claimed his first win and a pole award, along with nine top fives and 10 top 10s in 2017. Driving full-time for Bill McAnally Racing, the 16-year-old Stratford, Wisconsin, native has already captured a fourth-place finish at New Smyrna and a win at Kern County this year.

Chase Purdy (@chasepurdy12), ARCA Racing Series – Purdy returns to Next for a second year after capturing NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Rookie of the Year honors in 2017. The 18-year-old from Meridian, Mississippi, finished fourth in the standings last year, tallying five top fives and eight top 10s. This year, Purdy is racing full-time in the ARCA Racing Series for MDM Motorsports.

Will Rodgers (@willrodgers65), NASCAR K&N Pro Series – The 23-year-old Maui, Hawaii, native made two NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts in 2017 and won them both. Starting on the pole at the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Sonoma, he finished runner-up to Kevin Harvick. Running all 14 races out west, Rodgers notched nine top fives and 12 top 10s, finishing fifth overall.

Zane Smith (@zanesmith41), ARCA Racing Series – Back for a second year in Next, Smith, 18, from Huntington Beach, California, has captured his first two career ARCA victories early in 2018 (Nashville and Talladega). Smith finished ninth in the ARCA standings a year ago, posting two poles, seven top fives and 11 top 10s. In his initial foray in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, Smith ran twice in the East, posting top-10 and top-five finishes, and once in the West, scoring another top-five showing.

Tanner Thorson (@Tanner_Thorson), NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – A former USAC Midget Champion, the 22-year-old Thorson brings his dirt racing experience to Next as he prepares to run various Touring Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races throughout the year. The Minden, Nevada, native also ran two ARCA races in 2017, claiming a top-10 finish in just his second series appearance.

Ryan Vargas (@The_Rhino23), NASCAR K&N Pro Series East – Hailing from La Mirada, California, Vargas is competing full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for REV Racing. The 17-year-old finished third overall in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series for California in 2017, racking up two wins, 15 top fives and 23 top 10s. Vargas is also a 2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity class member.

Since its inception in 2011, 39 of the 51 drivers who have been selected for the program have progressed to compete in one of NASCAR’s three national series, while a quarter have gone on to compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

The last four Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookies of the Year are NASCAR Next alumni, as are top contenders for the award this year: William Byron and Darrell Wallace, Jr. The last five Sunoco Rookies of the Year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and four of the last five Sunoco Rookies of the Year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series are also alumni of the NASCAR Next program.

For more information, visit NASCAR.com/Next and make sure to follow the drivers on Twitter and on the track. Join the social conversation by using #NASCARnext.

Via NASCAR Media

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Kern County Raceway Park is in Kevin Harvick’s hometown, but the track is clearly Derek Kraus’s kingdom.

Kraus solidified his claim to the throne by use of force en route to his second straight NASCAR K&N Pro Series West win at Kern County Raceway Park in the Bakersfield 175 presented by NAPA Auto Parts.

Battling Harvick for the lead on the final restart, Kraus’ Toyota pushed Harvick up the track in Turn 4 and knocked the hottest driver in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series out of contention.

Harvick slide back to ninth, while Kraus’ teammate, Cole Rouse, took the lead in that melee. But Rouse eventually ceded it to Kraus in lapped traffic on Lap 159.

“That was really fun,” Kraus said. “Going into 3 and 4 inside of Kevin, I really didn’t mean to get into him. I thought we were three ride and I entered a little higher than I normally would with a guy inside of me. I hate it for him, but that’s short track racing so you’ve got to get through that.”

Harvick spent the past week championing grass roots, short track racing and his entry in the Bakersfield 175 helped pack the grandstands Thursday night. And all signs pointed to a happy Harvick homecoming as he started from the pole and led the first 132 laps.

When asked if he was surprised about the final restart, Harvick said he “was surprised I got run over” but thanked the fans who came out for the 2018 K&N Pro Series West season opener.

For Kraus, he started his 2018 right where he left off last year: In Victory Lane at Kern. The 16-year-old from Stratford, Wisconsin, capped his 2017 Sunoco Rookie of the Year campaign with his first career series’ win in the finale, and looked ready to assume the mantle of the No. 16 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota. Kraus moved into the ride vacated by two-time series champion Todd Gilliland, who has moved up to the national series.

Derek Thorn finished second, followed by Rouse. Without a caution in the closing laps to close the field, Harvick was only able to get back to fourth at the finish. Ryan Partridge rounded out the top five, setting the stage for what looks like a year-long battle between Bob Bruncati’s Sunrise Ford team with Thorn and Partridge, and the Bill McAnally Racing stable that saw Kraus and Rouse running up front.

In fact, Bruncati’s third car of Trevor Huddleston finished sixth, while BMR’s Hailie Deegan was seventh in her series debut. Fellow rookies Austin Herzog, Rod Johnson Jr. and Reid Lanpher followed to round out the top 10.

Fans can watch all of the action at 11 p.m. ET, March 20 on NBCSN.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West returns to the track on Saturday, May 5 with twin 100-lap features at Arizona’s Tucson Speedway.

Contact:
Jason Christley
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
(386) 310-6094
jchristley@nascar.com

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST-Bakersfield 175 presented by NAPA Auto Parts Results
Thursday
At Kern County Raceway Park
Bakersfield
Lap length: 0.5 miles

(Start position in parentheses)
1. (6) Derek Kraus, Stratford, Wis., Toyota, 175 laps, 64.762 mph.
2. (12) Derek Thorn, Lakeport, Calif., Ford, 175.
3. (2) Cole Rouse, Fort Smith, Ark., Toyota, 175.
4. (1) Kevin Harvick, Charlotte, NC, Ford, 175.
5. (5) Ryan Partridge, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Ford, 175.
6. (9) Trevor Huddleston, Agoura Hills, Calif., Ford, 175.
7. (8) Hailie Deegan, Temecula, Calif, Toyota, 175.
8. (11) Austin Herzog, Clovis, Calif., Ford, 175.
9. (14) Rod Johnson Jr., Canyon Country, Calif., Ford, 175.
10. (10) Reid Lanpher, Manchester, Maine, Ford, 175.
11. (13) Matt Levin, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 174.
12. (3) David Mayhew, Atascadero, Calif., Chevrolet, 174.
13. (16) Ron Norman, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 174.
14. (19) Bill Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Chevrolet, 174.
15. (18) Travis Milburn, Eagle, Idaho, Chevrolet, 174.
16. (4) Will Rodgers, Solvang, Calif., Ford, 174.
17. (23) Salvatore Iovino, Los Angeles, Calif., Ford, 160.
18. (21) Rich DeLong III, Santa Clarita, Calif., Chevrolet, 155.
19. (22) Andrew Tuttle, Eagle, Idaho, Chevrolet, 155.
20. (20) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Chevrolet, 132.
21. (7) Kody Vanderwal, LaSalle, Colo, Ford, 128, overheating.
22. (15) Todd Souza, Aromas, Calif., Toyota, 89, accident.
23. (17) Jesse Iwuji, Carrolton, Texas, Chevrolet, 78.

Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 21 minutes 4 seconds
Margin of Victory: 1.154 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: K.Harvick (99.124 mph, 18.159 seconds)
Caution Flags: 5 for 21 laps.
Lead Changes: 2 among 3 drivers.
Lap Leaders: K. Harvick 1-132; C. Rouse 133-158; D. Kraus 159-175.
Standings: 1. D. Kraus, 47; 2. D. Thorn, 42; 3. C. Rouse, 42; 4. K. Harvick, 42; 5. R. Partridge, 39; 6. T. Huddleston, 38; 7. H. Deegan, 37; 8. A. Herzog, 36; 9. R. Johnson,Jr., 35; 10. R. Lanpher, 34.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Derek Kraus had a hard-fought battle to earn the 2017 K&N Pro Series West Sunoco Rookie of the Year title.

While the rookie had a successful rookie season with Bill McAnally Racing amassing one win, nine top-five and ten top-10 finishes, it seemed like fellow rookie Will Rodgers was always right behind him.

“The season went well,” the 16-year-old said. “We had a lot of top five and top three finishes. It was a tight battle with Will throughout the entire season. We had no break. But it helped motivate us and it kept us going throughout the year and we finished on a high note.”

The high-note the Stratford, Wisconsin, native is referring to is his first series career victory at the season finale at California’s Kern County Raceway Park.

“It was great finishing the season that way,” Kraus said. “I learned a lot throughout the season, like what it takes to be competitive, lead laps and ultimately win races. So, to get that victory really got the monkey off our backs.”

Kraus came close to earning his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series West win multiple times throughout the year, but was denied a trip to Victory Lane by Todd Gilliland, the 2017 K&N Pro Series West champion, and Chris Eggleston.

“It was amazing to finally get it done after finishing second or third to our BMR teammates throughout the season. It was the dream way to end my rookie year.

“While I don’t know what my plans are for next season as of now, earning not only my first win but also the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title definitely helps my confidence.”

The newly minted rookie of the year has plenty of people to credit for his success.

“I wouldn’t have accomplished anything close to this without my parents and the entire BMR team,” Kraus said. “I also have to thank Toyota, Carlyle Tools, Marilyn Fanetti and everyone else who has supported me throughout my racing career.”.

Contact:
Brooke Franceschini
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
(704) 720-3178
bfranceschini@nascar.com

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- 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.

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.

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."

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.


Contact:
Brooke Franceschini
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
(704) 720-3178
bfranceschini@nascar.com

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST-WEST COAST STOCK CAR HALL OF FAME 150 presented by NAPA AUTO
PARTS Results
Saturday
At Kern County Raceway Park
Bakersfield
Lap length: 0.5 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (2) Derek Kraus, Stratford, Wis., Toyota, 150 laps, 68.948 mph.
2. (1) Todd Gilliland, Sherrils Ford, N.C., Toyota, 150.
3. (3) Riley Herbst, Las Vegas, Nev., Toyota, 150.
4. (8) Michael Self, Park City, UT, Ford, 149.
5. (6) Dillon Bassett, Winston-Salem, NC, Toyota, 149.
6. (9) Derek Thorn, Lakeport, CA, Ford, 149.
7. (7) Buddy Shepherd, Bakersfield, CA, Ford, 149.
8. (12) Will Rodgers, Solvang, Calif., Ford, 149.
9. (16) Max Tullman, Chester Springs, PA, Ford, 149.
10. (11) Nicole Behar, Spokane, WA, Toyota, 149.
11. (19) Rod Johnson, Jr., Canyon Country, CA, Ford, 149.
12. (10) Julia Landauer, New York, N.Y., Ford, 148.
13. (17) Todd Souza, Aromas, Calif., Toyota, 148.
14. (24) Stafford Smith, Eagle, Idaho., Ford, 148.
15. (20) Davey Hamilton, Boise, ID, Ford, 148.
16. (22) Jesse Iwuji, Carrolton, Texas, Chevrolet, 148.
17. (21) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Chevrolet, 148.
18. (23) Kody Vanderwal, LaSalle, Colo, Ford, 148.
19. (15) Blaine Perkins, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet, 148.
20. (5) Chris Eggleston, Erie, Colo., Toyota, 147.
21. (26) Bill Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Chevrolet, 147.
22. (25) Jerry DeWeert, Aartselaar, Belgiuim, Ford, 129.
23. (4) Ronnie Bassett, Jr, Winston-Salem, N.C., Toyota, 110, brakes.
24. (14) Ron Norman, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 103.
25. (18) Matt Levin, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 73, electrical.
26. (13) Trevor Cristiani, Boise, Idaho, Chevrolet, 33, engine.
27. (27) Jonas Fors, Stockholm, Sweden, Toyota, 1, vibration.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 5 minutes 16 seconds
Margin of Victory: .549 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: T.Gilliland (0.000 mph, 18.2 seconds)
Caution Flags: 4 for 22 laps.
Lead Changes: 5 among 4 drivers.
Lap Leaders: T. Gilliland 1-2; D. Kraus 3-5; D. Bassett 6-23; C. Eggleston 24-59; D. Bassett 60-105; D. Kraus 106-150.
Standings: 1. T. Gilliland, 610; 2. C. Eggleston, 581; 3. D. Kraus, 533; 4. M. Self, 522; 5. W. Rodgers, 520; 6. T. Souza, 468; 7. J. Landauer, 451; 8. N. Behar, 444; 9. K. Vanderwal, 440; 10. B. Perkins, 436.

Bakersfield, Calif. (March 23, 2017) - It wasn't easy, but Thursday was Todd Gilliland's day at Kern County Raceway Park.

After winning the only practice of the day at the California track, the 16-year-old from Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, piloted his No. 16 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota to his eighth career 21 Means 21 Pole Award in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. He then backed it all up with the victory in the NAPA Auto Parts 150.

The win, his eighth in the series, keeps his chances alive to compete for a $10,000 prize in the NAPA 500 Challenge. He must finish in the top three in the next two races at California's Irwindale Event Center to win the bonus money.

Going into overtime after multiple late-race cautions, the 156-lapper came down to Billy McAnally Racing teammates Gilliland and Derek Kraus. Though 15-year-old Kraus made some gutsy moves to get his No. 19 Carlyle Tools Toyota alongside Gilliland in the closing stages, the Stratford, Wisconsin, driver came up short, finishing second in only his second K&N Pro Series West start.

Kraus was not the only one to contend with Gilliland, however, as Michael Self was the top driver for the first half of the race in his No. 9 Sunrise Ford/Eibach Springs/Lucas Oil Ford. Leading 84 laps, the early pace soon atrophied for the 26-year-old from Park City, Utah, as he lost the lead to Gilliland on Lap 95 and fell outside the top three. Shortly after, the six-time K&N Pro Series West race winner battled with Chris Eggleston and Will Rodgers to come home in sixth.

The night went much worse for a few other series talents, as Brandon Schilling brought out two cautions throughout the night after losing his No. 30 Family Air/Tucson Speedway Ford in Turn 2. Julia Landauer, who qualified seventh, ran as high as second in her No. 6 Sunrise Ford/Eibach Springs/Lucas Oil Ford. The run came to an end on Lap 97 when she crashed with Matt Levin, later ending her night in the 12th spot.

Rounding out the top-five behind Rodgers and Eggleston was 10-time series race winner, David Mayhew. He was followed by Nicole Behar, who rallied from the rear of the field after an unapproved adjustment, in seventh with Blaine Perkins, Kody Vanderwal and Todd Souza completing the top-10.

The NAPA 150 from Kern County Raceway Park will air on NBCSN Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will be back in action Saturday at Irwindale Events Center for the NAPA Twin 100s.

Contact:
Brooke Franceschini
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
(386) 631-6142
bfranceschini@nascar.com


NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST-NAPA Auto Parts "150" Results
Thursday
At Kern County Raceway Park
Bakersfield
Lap length: 0.5 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (1) Todd Gilliland, Sherrills Ford, N.C., Toyota, 156 laps, 66.905 mph.
2. (6) Derek Kraus, Stratford, Wis., Toyota, 156.
3. (3) Will Rodgers, Murrieta, Calif., Ford, 156.
4. (2) Chris Eggleston, Erie, Colo., Toyota, 156.
5. (9) David Mayhew, Atascadero, CA, Chevrolet, 156.
6. (5) Michael Self, Park City, UT, Ford, 156.
7. (23) Nicole Behar, Spokane, WA, Toyota, 156.
8. (8) Blaine Perkins, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet, 156.
9. (12) Kody Vanderwal, LaSalle, Colo, Ford, 156.
10. (11) Todd Souza, Watsonville, Calif., Toyota, 156.
11. (13) Johnny Borneman, Ramona, CA, Ford, 156.
12. (7) Julia Landauer, New York, N.Y., Ford, 155.
13. (16) Rich DeLong III, Santa Clarita, Calif., Chevrolet, 155.
14. (14) Ron Norman, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 155.
15. (4) Matt Levin, Tucson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 154.
16. (20) Jesse Iwuji, Carrolton, Texas, Chevrolet, 154.
17. (19) Bill Kann, Scottsdale, Ariz., Toyota, 154.
18. (10) Garret Archer, Maple Valley, Wash, Ford, 154.
19. (21) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Chevrolet, 153.
20. (17) Salvatore Iovino, Los Angeles, Calif., Chevrolet, 150.
21. (18) Dan Phillippi, Los Angeles, Calif., Ford, 145.
22. (15) Brandon Schilling, Sierra Vista, Ariz., Ford, 142, accident.
23. (22) Justin Funkhouser, Paradise, CA, Chevrolet, 73, overheating.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 9 minutes 57 seconds
Margin of Victory: .419 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: T. Gilliland (98.847 mph, 18.21 seconds)
Caution Flags: 6 for 25 laps.
Lead Changes: 2 among 2 drivers.
Lap Leaders: T. Gilliland 1-10; M. Self 11-94; T. Gilliland 95-156.
Standings: 1. T. Gilliland, 90; 2. C. Eggleston, 88; 3. D. Kraus, 80; 4. W. Rodgers, 80;
5. N. Behar, 71; 6. K. Vanderwal, 71; 7. B. Perkins, 69; 8. G. Archer, 67; 9. J.
Landauer, 64; 10. M. Levin, 60.