ANTELOPE, California — The West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame will be honoring the 2012 Class of inductees at the Napa Smith Brewery near Napa, Calif., on Thursday evening, kicking off the race weekend’s events at Sonoma. The West Coast Hall of Fame honors drivers and others that played a role in the sport’s development in the West. This year’s inductees include from the modern era, Butch Gilliland, Vic Kurten, Pat McElreath and Bill McAnally. From the classic era, to be inducted are the Justice Brothers, B.L. Marchbanks, Bob Phillipi, and Fred Steinbroner.
"Bill McAnally to be inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame"
Bill McAnally will become the youngest living inductee into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. McAnally has 49 wins as a team owner and is second to Jack McCoy whose team has the record for the most wins at 54. Also noteworthy, McAnally has five championships in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and is following in the footsteps of the great Ray Elder who had six.
“I am proud to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said McAnally. “This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without great sponsors, drivers, team members and equipment manufacturers. Thank you to all of you who made this possible. I feel honored to be a member in such great company with so many people that have played a role in the development of racing in the west.”
The West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame was founded in 2001. For more information on the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame and the event, please visit www.westcoaststockcarhalloffame.com.
Bill McAnally Racing’s driver of the No. 20 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry, Eric Holmes will be looking to record his first win at the road course of Sonoma Raceway on June 23rd. Holmes recorded five top-five finishes in recent trips to the 1.99-mile road course in the heart of the California wine country.
“Sonoma Raceway is still my biggest race each year,” said Holmes. “I love this track. Many of our friends and family come out to watch this race with this being like a home track to us. This race has always been No.1 on my list to win and each year I have come close but have yet to win. This year we are pulling out all the stops.”
In 2011, after qualifying the No. 20 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry on the outside of row two, Holmes showed that he knows his way around the road course. Holmes ran with the top five during the first 15 laps before coming in to the pits while under green at lap 20 to take on fuel. He restarted in 19th and 20 laps later was back in the top five. With five laps to go, Holmes began to make his final attempt to catch up with NASCAR Sprint Cup regular and eventual winner, Joey Logano and David Gilliland. Coming to the final corner of the race, Holmes was fighting hard for position. He briefly tangled with another competitor but maintained control to bring home a top-three finish.
“It’s hard to pass a good car with a good driver at this track’” said Holmes “I plan on running up front and will be focused on bringing bring home the win.”
Holmes is fifth is the 2012 NASCAR K&N West Series Championship chase with eight races left of the season.
The No. 20 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry is owned by Bill McAnally. Last year, BMR had four entries in the race event at Sonoma with two finishing in the top ten. BMR will have three entries in the Pick-n-Pull/Racing to Stop Hunger “200”. Holmes in the No. 20 NAPA Toyota, rookie Cameron Hayley piloting the No. 24 Cabinets by Hayley Toyota and Chris Evans, piloting the No. 90 GASS Toyota Camry
The Pick-n-Pull/Racing to Stop Hunger “200” at Sonoma Raceway will be on Saturday, June 23rd. This is a companion race to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. For ticket information, please visit the track’s website at www.racesonoma.com. Think outside the oval and come cheer for your favorite team in the heart of California’s wine country.
For more information on Bill McAnally Racing and our race partners, please visit our website at www.BMRNAPA.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.
