HUNTERSVILLE, NC— Drive for Diversity’s Paul Harraka had another strong showing in the NASCAR Camping World Series West at Madera (Calif.) Speedway on Saturday night. Harraka, driving the No. 12 NAPA AutoCare Toyota, finished fourth.
"We struggled to start the season in Texas, but the guys at Bill McAnally Racing have really put together a strong car for me these last couple of weeks"— Paulie Harraka
“We struggled to start the season in Texas, but the guys at Bill McAnally Racing have really put together a strong car for me these last couple of weeks,” said Harraka. “We're learning more every week and it’s great to get another top five under our belt.”
Harraka qualified second for the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150 presented by Exclusive Energy Drink and ran up front for most of the night, leading 14 laps early in the race. His No. 12 NAPA AutoCare Toyota suffered damage halfway through the race and Harraka dropped back in the pack. Despite a rumpled hood and other cosmetic damage, Harraka was able to race his way back into the top five.
Harraka was again honored with the Sunoco Rookie of the Race Award for his top-five finish. He moved to sixth in the NASCAR Camping World Series West standings.
Harraka will return to the track May 16 when the NASCAR Camping World Series West meets the East at Iowa Speedway.
D4D NOTES:
Drive for Diversity rookie Jonathon Gomez finished 11th in the NASCAR Camping World Series West event at Madera Speedway, driving the No. 34 Heritage Cattle Chevrolet for RTD Motorsports. Gomez was running in the top five before a last lap spin. He is currently 11th in the NASCAR Camping World Series West standings.
Kristin Bumbera and Jonathan Smith were at Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, N.C. for the second race of the NASCAR Camping World Series East season. Smith finished 22nd in the No. 16 Fadden Racing Chevrolet. Bumbera finished 24th in the No. 94 Hamilton Racing Dodge.
Second-year Drive for Diversity participant Katie Hagar finished seventh at Madera Speedway on Saturday night in the late model division. She qualified second in the No. 14 Golden State Racing Chevrolet and started third for the 50-lap race. Hagar is currently fifth in the Madera Speedway Late Model division standings. Her next race is May 2.
Rookie Laura Hayes finished 14th in the James Racing No. 22 Peoplefinders.com Chevrolet at in the late model race at South Boston (Va.) Speedway on Saturday night. Hayes’ next race is May 9.
Asphalt rookie Natalie Sather showed great improvement at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Wash. on Saturday, finishing sixth in the 40-lap super late model event. Sather will return to the track for Velocity Motorsports on May 9.
Juan Pitta finished 10th in the No. 16 101.9 The Wolf Toyota at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. after suffering a problem with his exhaust system mid-way through the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series late model race. Pitta will be back in action at All American Speedway on May 2.
Michael Cherry was at Greenville-Pickens Speedway on Saturday night for pair of 50-lap late model events. Cherry drove the No. 34 Nationwide Insurance Toyota to two top 10s, finishing seventh and eighth. Cherry’s next race is May 8.
Emily Sue Steck’s season debut was delayed at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway due to rain. She looks to get her late model season underway on May 2.
About Drive for Diversity
Drive for Diversity, managed by The 909 Group, develops minority and female drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Series and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Since the creation of NASCAR’s leading on-track diversity initiative in 2004, 22 drivers have competed, winning 28 races. Last year, eight drivers combined for 14 wins, 90 top 10s and a first-ever track championship. Drive for Diversity also supports crew member candidates each year. The Drive for Diversity program is committed to supporting and enhancing diversity in all aspects of motorsports. Much of the success of the Drive for Diversity initiative is a result of support from key sponsors and involved team owners.
