ANTELOPE, California — The three-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion from Bill McAnally Racing, Eric Holmes and the No. 20 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota team left Miller Motorsports Park with a second place finish. Holmes was third quick during the only practice and put the NAPA Toyota Camry on the outside of the front row for the Utah Grand Prix. This was the first of four road course races scheduled for the 2012 season.
"NAPA AUTO PARTS team looking forward to their return to Stockton 99"
The field of NASCAR K&N Pro Series West cars took the green on the east course of Miller with Holmes running in the second spot. The first of two cautions came out at lap 12. Back under green at lap 17, Holmes took the lead for one lap before coming to pit road for two cans of fuel. He reentered the race in 18th. At lap 36, the No. 20 NAPA Toyota was in the top-ten. The second caution came out at lap 44. At the restart at lap 48, the field of cars attempted to go three-wide into the first turn causing a multi-car pileup. Holmes navigated through and moved into second two laps before he took the checkered flag.
“Our NAPA Toyota wasn’t bad during the race,” said Holmes. “We were a little tight and our right front tire was really getting worn out with all the rocks getting kicked up on the track. Overall it was a good race for us.”
Holmes is fifth in the chase for his fourth series championship and only eight points out of first.
The team next heads back to a short track that the series hasn’t visited since 2006, Stockton 99 Speedway. On the last visit to the historic short track, Holmes started on the pole, led the most laps and finished in second.
“We need to pickup our qualifying effort beginning at Stockton,” continued Holmes. “A good starting position is key especially on a short track. I know we will be good at Stockton 99. We’ll be working hard to bring home a third win for NAPA at Stockton and doing that in front of our friends and family will make it even sweeter.”
The Pick-n-Pull “150” will be on Saturday May 5th at Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, California. . For tickets and more information, visit www.stockton99.com. There is a $5 discount coupon available at participating Pick-n-Pull locations.
For more information on Bill McAnally Racing and our race partners, please visit our website at www.billmcanallyracing.com. Bill McAnally Racing is now on Facebook. Become a fan and stay up to date with the latest happenings with your favorite race teams. Also follow the team on BMR_NASCAR on Twitter.
