ROCKLIN, California -- Austin Cameron and the #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS team were focused on bringing home back to back wins at the invitation only NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. Instead , the team’s race was cut short.
The #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS/NAPA Belts & Hose Chevrolet practice times showed the car to be very competitive with not only teams from the NASCAR West Series but also with the NASCAR Busch North Series. The #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS team qualified the car during the second qualifying race in fourth which put the team starting on the outside of row four in 8th. When the green flag fell for the main event, the #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet was heading for the front and by lap 13 was running in 5th. At lap 100, the yellow was displayed for a ten minute break. The #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet was on the board in 6th as the invert number of 8 was announced. With a few minor adjustments made to the #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS/NAPA Belts & Hose Chevrolet, Cameron was set for a repeat win with a starting position on the inside of row two.
At the restart, Cameron quickly moved into 2nd. At lap 102, the #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet was passing the leader in turn two when the #40 made contact on the left rear panel of the #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet causing a spin. Cameron was then hit head on by the rest of the field coming through the corner. The caution was thrown. Cameron was able to walk away from the incident but the #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet’s damage was to severe to return to competition. The team would finish 48 laps down in 23rd.
“The #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet was a bit tight during the first segment of the race,” said Cameron. “Doug George and the NAPA team did their magic and when we went back to racing, the #16 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet was perfect. It’s just disappointing what happened. We were the team to beat and we know we would have been up front at the checkered flag.”
“This was my last race with Bill McAnally Racing in the NASCAR West Series. I can’t thank Bill McAnally, NAPA AUTO PARTS and NAPA Belts & Hose enough for the faith they’ve shown in me as a driver. It’s been a great honor to be a part of team like Bill McAnally Racing.”
The 2005 NASCAR West Series begins at Phoenix International Raceway January 29, 2005. For more information on Bill McAnally Racing, please consult our webpage at www.billmcanallyracing.com.
