The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West – formerly known as the NASCAR Winston West Series – will return to Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 11 for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 200.
The prestigious series has served as a springboard for such notable NASCAR drivers as Kevin Harvick, Las Vegan Brendan Gaughan, Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope, Chad Little, Ron Hornaday Jr and David Gilliland.
The K&N Pro Series West tour first visited Southern Nevada at the old Las Vegas Speedway Park (where the Bullring now sits) in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, it moved to the then-new LVMS 1.5-mile superspeedway until 2002. The series also competed at the Bullring from 2000-2002.
The series’ origins can be traced back to 1954, when NASCAR came to the West Coast and began sanctioning the Pacific Coast Late Model circuit in California, which included stops in San Diego (Balboa Stadium), Oakland, San Mateo (Bay Meadows Speedway) and Gardena (Carrell Speedway).
“It’s a natural fit for K&N to partner with Las Vegas Motor Speedway.,” said Steve Williams, Vice President of K&N. “It’s a quality facility with a dedication to racing for almost every type of motorsport, just like K&N filters. Because of that it is the ideal facility to add to the Pro Series schedule.”
“K&N is a company with a long history in motorsports and its technology has benefitted race teams with increased and reliable horsepower for 40 years,” said Steve Rogers, C.E.O. of K&N. “Our roots in NASCAR go back to the 1970s and this feels like a partnership long overdue. After supporting grassroots and professional racing for decades, we love the idea of supporting a developmental series that provides great racing excitement while developing the top tier drivers of tomorrow.”
Today’s K&N Pro Series West stars include three-time champion Eric Holmes (2006, 2008, 2010), 2004 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion Greg Pursley and 2010 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Luis Martinez Jr.
Joining the K&N Pro Series West contingent on June 11 will be the NASCAR Super Late Model, NASCAR Charger, NASCAR Bomber, Legend Cars and Bandolero classes.
The Bullring will open its 2011 season on Saturday, March 19. Defending champions are: Dustin Ash (Super Late Model and NASCAR Nevada State Champion), Phil Goodwin (NASCAR Chargers), Pete Meyer (Bombers), Jacksen Smith (Thunder Roadsters), Robert D’Ambra (Legend Cars Pro), Cheyanne Schindler (Legend Cars Semi-Pro), Frank McCourt (Legend Cars Masters), Jason Irwin (Legend Cars Young Lion), Jacob Tilton (Bandolero Outlaws) and Chris Trickle (Bandolero Bandits).
In addition to the Bullring’s regular NASCAR and U.S. Legend Cars International classes, the 3/8-mile asphalt oval also will play host to: Lucas Oil Modifieds, USAC Midgets, the Spears SRL Southwest Tour and the ever-popular demolition derbies.
The Bullring offers family entertainment at family-friendly prices. The Bullring’s concession stand features $1 hot dogs, $1 sodas and $1 beer.
