ROCKLIN, California -- The 2002 NASCAR Winston West season ended for the Orleans race teams at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway last Saturday night with Brett Thompson, driver of the #61 MBNA/Rich Thompson Trucking Chevrolet, highlighting his season with a very competitive 3rd place finish. Thompson also finished third in his run for the Stage 8 Locking Fasters Rookie of the Year title and 10th in the NASCAR Winston West Series Championship.
"The night was bitter sweet for the team," said Thompson. "A few more laps would have made the difference. We were running faster than the leader and were closing the gap. I am so proud of the team. They have really made this an incredible rookie season for me."
Austin Cameron, driver of the #16 NAPA Auto Parts/Martin Senour Chevrolet, night ended early with mechanical problem at lap 22, finishing the season in third place, just four points out of second.
The many successes for the NAPA Auto Partsteams great 2002 season include winning the overall Bud Pole Award with four poles, winning the Gatorade Front Runner Award for leading the most laps, and also winning five of the 2002 NASCAR Winston West scheduled races.
"Our goal was to give NAPA Auto Parts a fourth consecutive NASCAR Winston West Championship," said team owner, Bill McAnally. "We have had incredible support from our sponsors all season that we really appreciate."
"I want to also congratulate Eric Norris and the entire Jani King team for their first NASCAR Winston West title," continued McAnally. "We’ll be back next year and make the 4th championship for NAPA Auto Parts happen.
The Orleans 150 can be seen on SPEED Channel on November 25th.
For more information on Orleans Racing, visit our website at: www.orleansracingww.com.
