Hayley Charges To Victory At All American

Hayley Earns First Career NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Win

Cameron Hayley captured his first K&N Pro Series West checkered flag Saturday
 in Roseville. (Victor Decolongon/Getty Images for NASCAR)

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2013) – Cameron Hayley out-dueled polesitter and race leader Derek Thorn following the ninth and final restart of the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 Saturday night at All American Speedway to earn his first career NASCAR K&N Pro Series West victory.

Hayley, a 17-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, battled Thorn for five laps following the last restart and made the decisive move on Lap 146 to pull ahead of Thorn and pull out his first win in a points race.

After five runner-up finishes, the breakthrough victory came in Hayley’s 32nd career start.

Thorn, who earned his fourth career Coors Light Pole Award earlier in the evening, held on for second while Eric Holmes crossed the line third. Michael Self and Greg Pursley brought home the top five.

Patrick Staropoli, Dylan Hutchins, Shane Golobic, Daryl Harr and Luis Tyrell completed the top 10 finishers. Hayley, a member of the NASCAR Next driver group, first visited Victory Lane in a NASCAR K&N Pro Series car in the inaugural non-points UNOH Battle At The Beach on the short track at Daytona International Speedway this past February.

The Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 will air on FS1 on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 12 p.m. ET.

The next event on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West schedule will be the NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif., on Oct. 26.

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST RECAP

Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150

Unofficial Results

Saturday At All American Speedway Roseville, CA

Lap length: 0.333 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (2) Cameron Hayley, Calgary, Ford, 150 laps, 53.534 mph.
2. (1) Derek Thorn, Lakeport, CA, Ford, 150.
3. (3) Eric Holmes, Escalon, CA, Toyota, 150.
4. (11) Michael Self, Park City, UT, Chevrolet, 150.
5. (5) Greg Pursley, Newhall, CA, Ford, 150.
6. (10) Patrick Staropoli, Plantation, Fla., Toyota, 150.
7. (8) Dylan Hutchison, Fair Oaks, CA, Chevrolet, 150.
8. (14) Shane Golobic, Fremont, Calif., Toyota, 150.
9. (12) Daryl Harr, Edmonton, Alberta, Chevrolet, 150.
10. (17) Luis Tyrrell, Brisbane, Calif., Chevrolet, 150.
11. (16) Jay Beasley, Las Vegas, Nev., Toyota, 150.
12. (20) Carlos Vieira, Atwater, Calif., Toyota, 150.
13. (13) Giles Thornton, Whitefish, Mont., Toyota, 150.
14. (15) Thomas Martin, Auburn, Calif., Chevrolet, 150.
15. (6) Dylan Lupton, Wilton, Calif., Ford, 150.
16. (9) Travis Milburn, Eagle, Idaho, Toyota, 150.
17. (19) Jim Weiler, Sonoma, Calif., Ford, 150.
18. (21) Carl Harr, Edmonton, Alberta, Chevrolet, 148.
19. (23) Jack Sellers, Sacramento, CA, Chevrolet, 141.
20. (7) Michael Waltrip, Owensboro, Ky., Toyota, 78, transmission.
21. (22) John Wood, Eagle, ID, Toyota, 73, electrical.
22. (18) Taylor Cuzick, Tolleson, Ariz., Chevrolet, 53, accident.
23. (24) Andrew Tuttle, Eagle, Idaho, Ford, 37, suspension
24. (4) Jason Romero, Cameron Park, Calif., Toyota, 30, suspension.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 55 minutes 59 seconds

Margin of Victory: .414 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: D.Thorn (87.664 mph, 13.675 seconds)

Caution Flags: 9 for 51 laps.

Lead Changes: 9 among 3 drivers.

Lap Leaders: D. Thorn 1-64; E. Holmes 65; D. Thorn 66-79; E. Holmes 80; D. Thorn 81-104; E. Holmes 105-108; D. Thorn 109-130; E. Holmes 131; D. Thorn 132-145; C. Hayley 146-150.

Standings: 1. D. Thorn, 554; 2. C. Hayley, 536; 3. G. Pursley, 529; 4. M. Self, 521; 5. D. Lupton, 469; 6. C. Harr, 420; 7. T. Cuzick, 420; 8. D. Harr, 410; 9. G. Thornton, 394; 10. J. Wood, 381.

Gannis Wins Coveted Spot in the Peak Stock Car Dream Challenge

Cassie Gannis, sponsored by Phoenix Marketing Associates and recent winner of the 2012 NASCAR K&N Series West Most Popular Driver, has another win under her belt; a Top Ten spot in the Peak Stock Car Dream Challenge. Ten contestants were chosen through an online contest where fans voted for their favorite driver. The winner will compete in PEAK's three-day driving school competition, coached by Clint Bowyer, Danica Patrick of Scottsdale and Michael Waltrip, Veteran NASCAR driver.

From July 9 – 11, 2013, the competition between the ten drivers will consist of a three-day on track experience and competition with nine talent evaluation modules. Exclusive TV coverage will air in August 2013 on SpeedTV. The competition will provide an opportunity for one of the ten drivers to become the next Michael Waltrip Racing Development "PEAK Dream Driver". The winner will then compete as a competitively licensed driver in a PEAK-sponsored stock car in a sanctioned race of Sponsor's choosing in the summer or fall of 2013.

Upon receiving a personal phone call from Michael Waltrip, Cassie said, “This is an amazing opportunity for me that Peak and Waltrip Racing is offering! I can’t thank the fans enough supporting me! Michael Waltrip used Twitter to announce the news:

“Michael Waltrip ‏@mw55, "Fantastic job and thank you to the over 700 racers that entered the @peakauto challenge. We have our top 10 for 2013."

The grand prize winner will be selected and entered into an extensive journey including preparation, training and the opportunity to earn his/her license. The winner will also earn his/herspot in a PEAK sponsored stock car with a race team in a sanctioned race to prove that s/he has what it takes to become Michael Waltrip Racing's next stock car driver.

About Cassie:

Cassie Gannis, sponsored by Phoenix Marketing Associates, was recently voted Most Popular Driver of the Year in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West for 2012. Twenty-one year old Cassie Gannis has been a standout since first hitting the tracks at age 10. Ms. Gannis started in the Quarter Midget series, consistently placing in the Top 5 and went on to the Legends Series, earning Rookie of the Year in 2005. In 2007, celebrating her 16th birthday, Ms. Gannis obtained a NASCAR license to race in the NASCAR Super Late Model Series. She became the youngest female driver to ever race at Tucson Raceway Park and place consistently in the Top 10.

By 2008, Cassie was racing “The Bullring” at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and placing in the Top 10. Her experience includes racing in Arizona, Nevada and California.

Passionate about community service, Cassie has made it a strong part of her racing endeavors. She is a guest host for the HopeKids of AZ and a board member of the “Breath of Life Grand Prix” event for cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Arizona. She is a spokesperson and guest speaker on Teen Driving Safety issues and Car Maintenance Safety (Boys and Girls Clubs of Arizona Community Safety Days, AA of Southern California Safety Events and CHP Designated Driver Program), attends several safety days at military bases in Arizona and California each year (101 Days of Summer Military Tour) and continues to bring attention to issues of health, safety and education. For her commitment to safety and keeping with the highest standards and patriotism, she was awarded the Safety Chesty Award Certificate of Commendation by the Third Marine Aircraft Wing by Thomas L Conant Major General, U.S. Marine Corps Commanding General 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. Cassie continues her work with Rusty Wallace Racing Experience as a professional racecar driver providing NASCAR ride-a-longs for corporate clients in team building exercises.

Source — Kathy Gannis

 

Driver of the Number 15 Toyota Camry for Michael Waltrip Racing, Clint Bowyer was out shopping at Lowe's Home Improvement and tweeted this picture with the caption "He just insisted he rides in the Jimmie Johnson car!"

Five-Time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champ Jimmie's response? "Smile bro, maybe you should ride in it."

I love the expression on the elder Bowyer's face!

Waltrip Supporting Sandy Hook

Michael Waltrip will drive the No. 26 Toyota supporting the Sandy Hook School
Support Fund during the 2013 Daytona 500. (Image Courtesy Swan Racing)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Using the biggest race of the year as a backdrop, NASCAR, Swan Racing and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip announced today a special tribute to raise awareness and contributions for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

Following a private meeting with town officials, community leaders, first responders and victims’ families last week in Newtown, Conn., NASCAR, Swan Racing and Waltrip announced that the No. 30 Lean1 Swan Racing Toyota will instead garner the No. 26 Sandy Hook School Support Fund Toyota. Waltrip’s ride for the Daytona 500 (Sunday, Feb. 24 1 p.m. ET on FOX) will honor the 26 victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School and prominently feature a call-to-action decal encouraging the NASCAR community to make $10 donations by texting NEWTOWN to 80888.

The Sandy Hook School Support Fund, established jointly by United Way of Western Connecticut and Newtown Savings Bank, supports the healing process for the broader Newtown community including children, teachers, first responders, families, residents, mental health professionals, counselors and others, following the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. One hundred percent of the funds raised for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund go to meet the needs of the Newtown community.

“Americans everywhere are heartbroken about the tragedy in Newtown and Swan Racing is proud to join NASCAR and the United Way of Western Connecticut to help the community move forward,” said Swan Racing owner Brandon Davis.

In addition to piloting the No. 26 Newtown car in the Great American Race, Waltrip confirmed today that all three Michael Waltrip Racing entries will run the “text NEWTOWN to 80888” decal for the Daytona 500.

“Driving the No. 26 Sandy Hook School Support Fund Toyota is like nothing I have ever been part of in my NASCAR career,” Waltrip said. “It will be an emotional week knowing that we have the potential to do so much good for the Newtown community. I’m racing for a reason.”

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France also announced today that he and his wife Amy would personally kick off the NASCAR industry support with a $50,000 donation that will be matched by The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR family and its commitment to serving communities.

“Being in Newtown last week and delivering a moment of happiness to that community was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” said France. “Looking out at a room of smiling faces amidst the aftermath of a horrible tragedy was very powerful. It hit me that the NASCAR industry and our passionate fan base have an unbelievable opportunity to rally around this cause and make a huge difference for a community in need. I am excited to witness firsthand the NASCAR community’s embrace and support of the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.”

The Sandy Hook School Support Fund recently announced in cooperation with the Newtown Rotary Club Foundation that funds are available to help with the immediate financial and mental health needs for people impacted by the tragic events of Dec. 14. “One thing I can tell you for sure, is that there will be a whole lot of people in Sandy Hook and Newtown rooting for Michael and the No 26 car,” said Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead. “It will be something positive to rally around, and there will be smiles on faces that haven’t smiled in quite a while.”

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A Dose of Holiday Cheer

The holiday season is fast approaching, and the spirit of giving this time of year is contagious, especially among the racing community and fans. Even though the season is over, NASCAR drivers, teams and fans continue the charitable endeavors they proudly serve.

In late November, Marcus Smith and Darrell and Michael Waltrip kicked off “Speedway Christmas” at Charlotte Motor Speedway where they presented a tractor-trailer full of food and supplies for families in need and distributed toys to more than 125 children with a little help from Santa.

And this event isn’t an isolated case. There are a whole host of other private foundations and funds set up by the NASCAR community. The NASCAR Foundation raises funds and activism for various charities and has contributed over $13 million to help sick children. It also recognized fans who go above and beyond with the launch of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, which includes a $100,000 donation to a charity of the recipient’s choice.

You’d be hard pressed to find a team or driver not involved in private charity efforts. The partnerships between teams, drivers and the fans who volunteer are proof of the teamwork the racing community is built around. Despite the trying economic hardships many fans face, we still recognize others may have it worse and they never hesitate to lend a helping hand.

The racing community thrives on core values like personal responsibility, and the flip side of that value is helping those less fortunate. Though it may gain extra attention around the holidays, the spirit of giving found trackside is felt the whole year through

Source Race Fans 4 Freedom