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K&N Pro Series West

K&N Pro Series West

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, formerly the Winston West Series and Camping World West Series, is a regional stock car racing division of NASCAR. The series was first formed in 1954 as a proving ground for drivers from the western United States who could not travel to race in the more traditional stock car racing regions like North Carolina and the rest of the southern United States.

In 1954, the series was formed under the name Pacific Coast Late Model circuit, with nine races on the schedule. At first the series sanctioned races on dirt tracks and paved tracks, but as the series developed, more races were held on paved tracks, with the final race on a dirt track being held in 1979 until the series returned to dirt in 2018. In 1988, the series traveled out of the United States for the first time, sanctioning a race in Australia. Eight years later, the series once again traveled outside the United States to Japan. In 1999, the season finale was held at Twin Ring Motegi, making it the first NASCAR championship race held in a different country. Four years later, NASCAR consolidated the Busch North Series into the series.

Jack McCoy has the most career wins in the series with 54, followed by Ray Elder with 47. Elder, however, has recorded six championships, the most out of any driver in the series. Other notable drivers who participated in the series include Ryan Blaney, Kevin Harvick, Brendan Gaughan, Derrike Cope, Chad Little and David Gilliland.

The other regional division at the Grand National level of NASCAR is the K&N Pro Series East.

K&N Pro Series West
CategoryStock cars
CountryWestern United States
Inaugural season1954[1]
ManufacturersChevrolet· Ford**·** Toyota
Tire suppliersGeneral Tire
Drivers' championDerek Thorn
Teams' championSunrise Ford Racing
Makes' championFord
Official websitehometracks.nascar.com [16]
Motorsport current event.svgCurrent season

History

Monster Energy Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick in the then-Winston West Series in 1997.

Monster Energy Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick in the then-Winston West Series in 1997.

Restart from caution, 2011 Utah Grand Prix

Restart from caution, 2011 Utah Grand Prix

The K&N Pro Series West began in 1954 as the Pacific Coast Late Model circuit. Nine races were in held in the first year, many of which were held in California, in cities such as Oakland, San Diego, San Mateo and Gardena.[1][2] The inaugural series championship was won by Lloyd Dane driving a 1953 Hudson Hornet.[3]

Afterward, the series became known as the Grand National West Series, then the Winston Grand National West Series. In the beginning the series also raced on dirt ovals, but as the series developed began to race only on paved tracks, with the last race held on a dirt oval until 2018 being in 1979.[1]

Though the series primarily sanctions races in the United States, the series has also traveled to Australia in 1988 and Japan from 1996 to 1998 for exhibition races. The series became the first series to sanction a championship race outside the United States in 1999, when the final race was held at Twin Ring Motegi. In 2003, the Busch North Series was consolidated into the series forming the modern day series.[1] For the 2008 season, Camping World bought naming rights of the series, renaming it the Camping World West Series.[4] Two years later, K&N Engineering, Inc. replaced Camping World as the title sponsor.[5]

A total of 110 different drivers have scored wins in the series with Jack McCoy having the most with 54, followed by Ray Elder who has 47 wins.[6] Elder has scored the most championships with six, while Bill Schmitt and Roy Smith each have four.[1]

The series has also had several notable NASCAR drivers throughout the years, including Ryan Blaney, Kevin Harvick, Brendan Gaughan, Derrike Cope, Chad Little and David Gilliland.[7]

NASCAR K&N Pro Series cars

General

Jim Inglebright competing in the 2015 Carneros 200 in a Chevrolet SS

Jim Inglebright competing in the 2015 Carneros 200 in a Chevrolet SS

As part of NASCAR's unification of the two Camping World Series in 2003, the cars can be either a 105-inch (2,700 mm, which had been used in the former Busch Grand National East) or 110-inch (2,800 mm, which had been used in the former Winston West) wheelbase. Cambered/off-set rear ends are not allowed.

The car bodies are typically a hand-built steel body, however teams may also use a one-piece composite body. The composite body is a "common" item that may be run as any manufacturer branded car (i.e. only one style of composite body for all four car manufacturers [Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota]). Teams then "brand" the composite body by the grill opening, quarter window openings and the vehicle decal package (head lights, tail lights, etc.). Due to the introduction of the Car of Tomorrow in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, many of the vehicles on the series are old Sprint Cup cars. Another popular way to get a complete body is to buy a "cut-off" body from a Nationwide series team and mount it on a chassis.

Teams have an option of building their own engines or they may run a specification engine, similar to what is used in many short tracks. Both engines are V8, pushrod, 12:1 compression motors. "Built" motors are built to team specifications using any configuration of pieces as long as it still meets NASCAR specifications. The spec engine is built using NASCAR-Approved pieces that may be purchased from an approved supplier. The engines may be purchased as a kit or pre-assembled. All of the spec pieces are individually encrypted with a barcode for verification and tracking purposes and can be checked during the inspection process with an encryption reader.

When the series first started, the cars ran a V6 engine with a maximum 274 cu in (4,490 cm3) displacement and no compression limit . In the early/mid 1990s the V8 engine with a 9.5:1 compression and maximum 358 cu in (5,870 cm3) displacement was introduced to the series as an alternative to the V6 engines. Due to the decrease in popularity of the V6, it was phased out for the 1999 season. When the East and West series rules were combined, the compression ratio changed to 12:1.

Cars may use leaded or unleaded fuel. However, when running in conjunction with one of the three national touring (Truck, Xfinity, Cup) series, unleaded fuel must be used.

Along with NASCAR's international series, the K&N Pro Series have General Tire as their exclusive tire supplier.[8]

Specifications

  • Engine displacement: 358 cu in (5.8 L) Pushrod V8.

  • Transmission: 4 speed Manual.

  • Weight: 3,300 lb (1,497 kg) Minimum (without driver).

  • Power output: ~650 hp (485 kW) unrestricted.

  • Fuel: Sunoco Leaded or Unleaded gasoline.

  • Fuel capacity: 22 U.S. gallons (83.2 L).

  • Fuel delivery: Carburetion.

  • Compression ratio: 12:1.

  • Aspiration: Naturally aspirated.

  • Carburetor size: 390 cu ft/min (184 L/s) 4-barrel.

  • Wheelbase: 105 in (2667 mm)/ 110 in (2794 mm).

  • Steering: Power, recirculating ball.

2015

A Gen-4 Chevrolet Impala (left) and Gen-6 Chevrolet SS at Sonoma Raceway in 2015.

A Gen-4 Chevrolet Impala (left) and Gen-6 Chevrolet SS at Sonoma Raceway in 2015.

On November 4, 2014 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NASCAR president Mike Helton unveiled a new body style for the K&N Pro Series based on the Sprint Cup Series Gen 6 models. The new body, developed with Five Star Race Car Bodies, is constructed of a composite laminate blend and designed with easily replaceable body panels, expected to shrink the costs of fabrication dramatically. The body style is eligible for use in both K&N Series competition and ARCA Racing Series competition for the 2015 season, replacing the old Gen 4-style steel bodies after 2015, and the current one-piece composite body after 2016. The Chevrolet SS, Ford Fusion, and Toyota Camry bodies used in Sprint Cup will be the basis of the new bodies. No Dodge option will be available with this car.[9]

List of champions

Series logo (2010–2017)

Series logo (2010–2017)

YearChampionMost Popular DriverRookie of the Year
1954Lloyd DaneN/AN/A[10]
1955Danny LetnerN/AN/A
1956Lloyd DaneN/AN/A
1957Lloyd Dane (3)N/AN/A
1958Eddie GrayN/AN/A
1959Bob RossN/AN/A
1960Marvin PorterN/AN/A
1961Eddie GrayN/AN/A
1962Eddie Gray (3)N/AN/A
1963Ron Hornaday Sr.N/AN/A
1964Ron Hornaday Sr. (2)N/AN/A
1965Bill AmickRay ElderN/A
1966Jack McCoyRay ElderN/A
1967Scotty CainMarshall SargentN/A
1968Scotty Cain (2)Ray ElderN/A
1969Ray ElderRay ElderN/A
1970Ray ElderRay ElderN/A
1971Ray ElderRay ElderDick Kranzler
1972Ray ElderRay ElderCarl Adams
1973Jack McCoy (2)Ray ElderRichard White
1974Ray ElderRay ElderMarkey James
1975Ray Elder (6)Ray ElderDon Puskarich
1976Bill SchmittJim InsoloGary Johnson
1977Bill SchmittChuck BownPat Mintey
1978Jim InsoloJim InsoloRick McCray
1979Bill Schmitt (5)Jim InsoloTim Williamson
1980Roy SmithDavid PearsonDon Waterman
1981Roy SmithHershel McGriffJim Bown
1982Roy SmithHershel McGriffJim Reich
1983Jim RobinsonHershel McGriffRon Esau
1984Jim RobinsonHershel McGriffDerrike Cope
1985Jim Robinson (3)Hershel McGriffGlen Steurer
1986Hershel McGriffHershel McGriffChad Little
1987Chad LittleHershel McGriffRoman Calczynski
1988Roy Smith (4)Hershel McGriffBob Howard
1989Bill SchmittHershel McGriffBill Sedgwick
1990Bill SchmittHershel McGriffMike Chase
1991Bill SedgwickHershel McGriffBilly Jac Shaw
1992Bill Sedgwick (2)Hershel McGriffRick Carelli
1993Rick CarelliRick CarelliDirk Stephens
1994Mike ChaseRon Hornaday, Jr.Doug George
1995Doug GeorgeErnie CopeErnie Cope
1996Lance HooperLarry GunselmanLance Hooper
1997Butch GillilandButch GillilandGary Smith
1998Kevin HarvickScott GaylordAustin Cameron
1999Sean WoodsideButch GillilandJason Small
2000Brendan GaughanBobby DotterMike Duncan
2001Brendan Gaughan (2)Brendan GaughanMark Reed
2002Eric NorrisScott GaylordMike David
2003Scott LynchAustin CameronScott Lynch
2004Mike DuncanAustin CameronDavid Gilliland
2005Mike Duncan (2)Sarah FisherAndrew Lewis
2006Eric HolmesAustin CameronPeyton Sellers
2007Mike DavidMike DuncanJason Bowles
2008Eric HolmesMoses SmithJeff Barkshire
2009Jason BowlesMoses SmithPaulie Harraka
2010Eric Holmes (3)Moses SmithLuis Martinez, Jr.
2011Greg PursleyMoses SmithDylan Kwasniewski
2012Dylan KwasniewskiCassie GannisAustin Dyne
2013Derek Thorn[11]Cameron HayleyDylan Lupton
2014Greg Pursley (2)Brandon McReynolds[12]James Bickford
2015Chris EgglestonNicole BeharNoah Gragson
2016Todd GillilandSalvatore Iovino[13]Todd Gilliland
2017Todd Gilliland (2)Not AwardedDerek Kraus
2018Derek Thorn (2)Not AwardedHailie Deegan

See also

  • West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame, a Late Model race car hall of fame featuring many of the series' champions.

References

[1]
Citation Linklocalracing.nascar.com"NASCAR K&N Pro Series West History". NASCAR. February 1, 2011. Archived from the original on December 10, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
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[2]
Citation Linkwww.stockcarracing.comKeyes, Scott. "Winning the West: West Coast drivers continue a decades-long tradition of speed". StockCarRacing.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[3]
Citation Linkhometracks.nascar.comChristley, Jason (December 7, 2010). "2010 Champions Carry On Legacy Of Pioneers". NASCAR. Turner Sports. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2012.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[4]
Citation Linkwww.nascar.com"Camping World named developmental sponsor". NASCAR. Turner Sports. December 16, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[5]
Citation Linkbleacherreport.comSigala Jr., Sal (January 24, 2010). "K&N Takes Over Title Sponsorship for Camping World Series in 2010". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[6]
Citation Linkhometracks.nascar.com"K&N Pro Series West: Career Victories". NASCAR. Turner Sports. Archived from the original on April 5, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2012.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[7]
Citation Linkwww.lvms.com"NASCAR K&N Pro Series West returns to the Bullring June 11". Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Speedway Motorsports, Inc. March 26, 2011. Archived from the original on February 26, 2011. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[8]
Citation Linkhometracks.nascar.com"General Tire to Serve as Exclusive Tire Supplier For NASCAR's K&N Pro Series, Pinty's Series and PEAK Mexico Series". NASCAR Home Tracks. February 5, 2019. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[9]
Citation Linkwww.foxsports.comMedia Release (November 4, 2014). "NASCAR unveils new K&N Pro Series car at 2014 SEMA show". Fox Sports. Fox Sports. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[10]
Citation Linkwww.stockcarreunion.comPacific Coast Late Model/NASCAR Grand National Division, 2006, West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame; Retrieved November 7, 2007
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[11]
Citation Linkhometracks.nascar.comSbarra, Shon (November 9, 2013). "Thorn Snags K&N Pro Series West Title". NASCAR. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[12]
Citation Linkhometracks.nascar.comCunningham, Jason (November 19, 2014). "Touring Series Most Popular Drivers Revealed: Champions Rhodes, Seuss Lead 2014 Honorees". hometracks.nascar.com. Daytona Beach, Florida: NASCAR. Archived from the original on 12 September 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[13]
Citation Linkhometracks.nascar.com"Six Drivers Earn Most Popular Driver Awards". NASCAR Home Tracks. November 23, 2016. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[14]
Citation Linkwww.nascarlocalracing.comOfficial website
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[15]
Citation Linkwww.westseries.comStatistics, News and History
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[16]
Citation Linkhometracks.nascar.comhometracks.nascar.com
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[17]
Citation Linkweb.archive.org"NASCAR K&N Pro Series West History"
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[18]
Citation Linklocalracing.nascar.comthe original
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[19]
Citation Linkweb.archive.org"Winning the West: West Coast drivers continue a decades-long tradition of speed"
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM
[20]
Citation Linkwww.stockcarracing.comthe original
Sep 29, 2019, 8:21 PM