ANTELOPE, California — They say everything is bigger in Texas. Two big wins at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas for Bill McAnally Racing’s driver Eric Holmes led to two NASCAR Camping World Series West Championships. Holmes and the No. 20 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry team look to make it three as they head to the first race of the 2009 season. The team will take the green on March 14 in the AllState Texas Thunder “150”.
"I love Texas! I'm two for two in Texas."— Eric Holmes
“I love Texas!” said Holmes. “I'm two for two in Texas. I won my first NASCAR Camping World Series West race there in 2006 on the way to my first West Series Championship and won there in 08 in an awesome battle with my teammate Austin Cameron.” Not only was last year a repeat win for Holmes but it was also the second time that the NAPA AUTO PARTS entry visited Victory Lane in four visits to the 3/8-mile track deep in the heart of Texas.
Although Holmes quickly established a bit of a margin over second place at the last race at Thunderhill Raceway, it was not completely clear sailing to the finish. An overheating engine left him concerned if he would make it to the checkered flag. “We started overheating at about lap 50 or 60 and I really didn’t think the motor was going to hold up,” Holmes said. “But the NASCAR spec engine really held together.”
Holmes demonstrated the strength of the No. 20 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry by pulling away from the field in the final laps, despite his overheating issue. “The car was really good at the end,” he said. “Probably the motor laid down a little bit power wise, but sometimes less power late in the race is a good thing.” After making the winning pass on lap 132, Holmes went on to cross the finish line with a margin of victory of 1.181 seconds.
“Thunderhill is a very racy track that creates a lot of action. I can’t wait to start the season in such a great part of the country with some great NASCAR fans. The whole BMR/NAPA team is ready to get the season started and defend our Championship.”
The No. 20 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota team will take the green flag in the “AllState Texas Thunder 150” at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas on March 14th. The 150-lap event will feature a 26-car field under the lights with the main event beginning at 8:45 pm. For ticket information, please visit www.TexasThunder200.com.
For more information on Bill McAnally Racing and our race partners, please visit our website at www.billmcanallyracing.com.
