Tracy, Calif., September 15, 2007 - Modesto's Mike David, #2, was crowned the 2007 Champion of the NASCAR
Mike David Crowned NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series 2007 Champion at Altamont Motorsports Park
Tracy, Calif., September 15, 2007 - Modesto's Mike David, #2, was crowned the 2007 Champion of the NASCAR
Grand National Division,West Series in the series finale in front of a packed house at Altamont Motorsports Park on
Saturday night. David finished third in the event with Eric Holmes, #62, the 2006 Grand National West champion, finishing first in the 200 lap Dan Gamel RV Centers 200.
David, who had to finish 22nd or better to secure the championship, actually took the championship on lap 90
when six of the 28 cars that qualified for the event were officially retired from the race.
"I did not know I had it on lap 90," said David, adding, "About lap 150 they [told me]: 'You are the champion!'"
David most likely could have used the news earlier in the race as he was fighting a transmission problem that eventually only left him with his
high gear.
In victory lane David said he had serious concerns whether his transmission would make it to the end of the race.
"
It was shaking and popping and making noises it's not supposed to." said David. David entered the Grand National West series in 2002 where he earned
the Rookie of the Year honors. Last season he drove his #2 Bennett Lane Winery Ford to the runner up spot in the championship standings. David Mayhew of Atascadero Calif. had an impressive run in the Dan Gamel RV Centers 200, taking his 21 Golden Gate Petroleum
Richard Childress Racing Ford from a starting position of 21st to finish second. Redding Calif's Kyle Cattanach driving a Dan Gamel RV Centers-sponsored
Toyota finished in the fourth position after starting 22nd on the grid.Jason Bowles rounded out the top five in an impressive year for the Ontario, Calif native -
one that earned him Rookie of the Year honors for 2007. Starting on the pole, Brian Ickler led the first seven laps of the race until giving the lead to Holmes who led the remaining 193 laps. Ickler was not a
factor in the race after having a right front tire go down on lap 72. Tracy's Ryan Philpott ran as high as sixth place in the event until suffering what appeared to be an engine failure. Stockton's Ross Strmiska did not qualify
after losing an engine in practice.
Rounding out the top 10 were Daryl Harr, Mike Duncan, #9, Alex Haase, Eric Richardson and Eric Harden. Duncan finished second i
n points for 2007, 114 points behind Mike David.
Western Late Models
Earlier in the day a large contingent of 26 Western Late Models battled it out on the half mile in a 100 lap event. 
When the dust settled the familiar face of Dave Byrd, #1, the 2006 Altamont Motorsports Park Late Model Champion, 
emerged in victory lane.
Byrd and #52, Ryan Philpott, the 2007 Altamont Late Model Champion, brought the crowd to their feet, battling door-to-doorfor the first spot on laps 30 and 31.
Philpott gained the top spot but eventually went a lap down after being caught up in a wreck later in the race that was not of his making. 
Mark Holeman, #21, finished 
in the second position with Gary Glen, #50, Kyle Cattanach and Brock Monroe rounding out the top five.
Grand American Modified
The day of racing started off with 30 laps of Grand American Modified action in which#1, Todd Lynch secured the top position 
followed by #6, Tony Noceti and Scott Winters.
Altamont Motorsports Park returns to NASCAR Whelen All-American local racing next weekend.
Altamont Motorsports Park is located between Livermore and Tracy, Calif., within an hour's drive from most points in the San Francisco Bay Area as
well as the Central Valley. Source: Jeff Downey/Altamont Motorsports Park NASCAR GRAND NATIONAL DIVISION, WEST SERIES-DAN GAMEL RV CENTERS 200 Results Saturday At Altamont Motorsports Park Tracy, CA (Start position in parentheses) 1. (2) Eric Holmes, Escalon, Calif., Chevrolet, 200 laps, 57.297 mph, $6,917. 2. (21) David Mayhew, Atascadero, Calif., Chevrolet, 200, $4,717. 3. (6) Mike David, Modesto, Calif., Ford, 200, $3,667. 4. (22) Kyle Cattanach, Redding, Calif., Toyota, 200, $2,400. 5. (5) Jason Bowles, Ontario, Calif., Ford, 200, $3,517. 6. (17) Daryl Harr, St Albert, Alberta, Chevrolet, 200, $2,717. 7. (8) Mike Duncan, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet, 200, $3,367. 8. (18) Alex Haase, Las Vegas, Nev., Chevrolet, 200, $3,767. 9. (10) Eric Richardson, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet, 199, $3,180. 10. (16) Eric Hardin, Anaheim, Calif., Chevrolet, 198, $3,167. 11. (25) Rick Wall, Irvine, Calif., Ford, 197, $2,167. 12. (3) Justin Lofton, Westmorland, Calif., Ford, 197, $2,017. 13. (14) Jason Fensler, Wilton, Calif., Chevrolet, 196, $1,500. 14. (19) Brett Thompson, Jerome, Idaho, Chevrolet, 195, $2,567. 15. (11) Rick Ruzbarsky, Tracy, Calif., Chevrolet, 194, $1,350. 16. (1) Brian Ickler, San Diego, Calif., Chevrolet, 193, $3,967. 17. (24) Moses Smith, Tempe, Ariz., Chevrolet, 192, $1,667. 18. (28) Wes Banks, Oakdale, Calif., Ford, 192, $1,200. 19. (26) Ed Vecchiarelli, Sr., Brighton, Colo., Chevrolet, 192, $1,000. 20. (23) Jason Gilbert, Dublin, Calif., Chevrolet, 179, $1,000. 21. (7) Ryan Foster, Anderson, Calif., Chevrolet, 147, steering, $1,417. 22. (12) Ryan Philpott, Tracy, Calif., Ford, 100, oil line, $1,000. 23. (4) Johnny Borneman, Ramona, Calif., Ford, 42, accident, $2,167. 24. (9) Jason Patison, Corona, Calif., Ford, 41, accident, $1,000. 25. (27) Thomas Martin, Auburn, Calif., Chevrolet, 30, engine, $1,000. 26. (15) Ben Walker, Santa Clarita, Calif., Chevrolet, 28, brakes, $1,000. 27. (13) Jim Inglebright, Fairfield, Calif., Chevrolet, 16, accident, $2,167. 28. (20) Mike Gallegos, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Ford, 0, accident, $1,417.
NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series Finale Set for Saturday at Altamont Motorsports Park
Tracy, Calif., September 13, 2007 - Altamont Motorsports Park is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year on Saturday, September 15th, as the Dan Gamel RV Centers 200 NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series season finale is set to take place on the "Fastest Half-Mile in the West". Also on tap is a 100 lap Western Late Model shootout where some of the best talent in west coast NASCAR local racing will be on display.
Grand National West driver, Mike David of Modesto Calif., currently holds a sizable lead in the Grand National West points standings and needs to finish 22nd place or better to be crowned the 2007 Grand National Division, West Series champion. A field of at least 30 cars is expected for the event.
David, who drives the No. 2 Bennett Lane Winery Ford, has put on an impressive display of driving talent this year, making podium appearances in seven of the 12 Grand National West events and has not failed to finish a race. David's last win took place at the West Series race at Altamont Motorsports Park on April 28th.
David was the series runner up last year and had a shot at the title at the season finale at Altamont Motorsports Park but suffered a flat tire and went on to witness his long time friend Eric Holmes of Escalon, Calif. crowned the 2006 champion.
Two time Grand National West champion, Mike Duncan, driving the No. 9 Lucas Oil/Ron’s Rear Ends Chevrolet, now sits in the spoiler spot - 95 points behind Mike David.
Holmes, who has not competed regularly in the West Series this year, is scheduled to take a run at the Dam Gamel RV Centers 200 podium on Saturday.
Other West Series non-regulars of note who are scheduled to field entries include Tracy's Ryan Philpott, Stockton's Ross Strmiska, 2005 SRL Champion Jason Fensler and two-time Shasta Raceway Park champion Kyle Cattanach who will be driving a Dan Gamel RV Centers-sponsored Toyota.
Mike David began racing in 1993, competing in the Grand American Modified division at Stockton 99 Speedway. He has captured the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model Rookie of the Year, the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model Championship at Madera Speedway and the Tri-Track Series, and the Spec Truck Series Central Series Championship. David began racing in the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series in 2001.
Not to be outdone, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Western Late Models will also hit the half mile for a 100 lap shootout. Expected entries include all four of Tracy's Philpott racing family, Ross Strmiska, Ceres Calif's Matt Erickson, Kyle Gottula, Mike Beeler and Brentwood Calif's Doff Cooksey. Cooksey will be making a return after suffering a hard hit at Altamont Motorsports Park on August 25th.
Strmiska is the current leader in California's NASCAR Whelen All-American Series points standings and is ranked 32rd in the national standings. Ryan Philpott is currently ranked 8th in the state standings.
Philpott holds a commanding points lead in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Western Late Model division at Altamont Motorsports Park.
Also on tap for Saturday is a 30 lap feature event from Altamont's Grand American Modified division.
Gates open at noon on Saturday. Western Late Model and Grand American Modified racing is set to start at 4:30pm. A West Series autograph session and driver introductions will kick off at 6:45pm with the Dan Gamel RV Centers 200 set to start at 7:3Opm. Ticket pricing is $35 General Admission, $30 for Seniors and $20 for youth.
Altamont Motorsports Park is located between Livermore and Tracy, Calif., within an hour's drive from most points in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as the Central Valley.
====================================================
Altamont Motorsports Park Event Notification
Where: Altamont Motorsports Park
17001, Midway Road, between Tracy and Livermore, California
What/When:
Saturday September 15 - NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series Season Finale, Western Late Model, Grand American Modifieds
Gates Open at noon
Opening Ceremonies start at 4:30pm followed by WLM and GAM races
GNW Autographs and Introductions: 6:45pm
GNW Series Finale starts at 7:30pm
Saturday
General Admission: $35
Seniors (65+): $30
Youth (6 to 12): $20
Under 6: Free
Family Pak (2 adults, 2 youth): $90
Grand National Division, West Series Points Standings
1. MIKE DAVID 1848
2. MIKE DUNCAN 1753
3. JOHN BORNEMAN, III 1719
4. BRIAN ICKLER 1718
5. JASON BOWLES 1716
6. JUSTIN LOFTON 1615
7. ERIC HARDIN 1578
8. BRETT THOMPSON 1562
9. ALEX HAASE 1511
10. ERIC RICHARDSON 1479
11. JIM INGLEBRIGHT 1405
12. MOSES SMITH 1306
13. RYAN FOSTER 1180
14. DARYL HARR 1092
Entry List
DAN GAMEL RV CENTERS 200
NASCAR GRAND NATIONAL DIVISION, WEST SERIES
Altamont Motorsports Park September 15, 2007
1. 01 Candace Muzny, Oklahoma City Okla. West Coast Choppers/Bid 4 Prizes Ford
2. 1 Jim Inglebright, Fairfield Calif. Jelly Belly Chevrolet
3. 2 Mike David, Modesto Calif. Bennett Lane Winery Ford
4. 3 Wes Banks, Oakdale Calif. Orco Construction Supply Dodge
5. 04 Ryan Black, Alta Loma Calif. REF Motorsports Ford
6. 5 Eric Hardin, Anaheim Calif. Alta Dena Dairy Chevrolet
7. 8 Johnny Borneman, Ramona Calif. Twisted X Boots/Red Line Oil Ford
8. 09 Ed Vecchiarelli, Sr., Brighton Colo. Diesel Service & Supply Chevrolet
9. 9 Mike Duncan, Bakersfield Calif. Lucas Oil/Ron's Rear Ends Chevrolet
10. 14 Jason Gilbert, Dublin Calif. Gilbert Motorsports Chevrolet
11. 15 Thomas Martin, Auburn Calif. Dutra Group/Strictly Toy-Ondas Chevrolet
12. 16 Brian Ickler, San Diego Calif. NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet
13. 17 Jason Patison, Corona Calif. Lucas Oil Ford
14. 18 Moses Smith, Tempe Ariz. * Hasa Pool Products/White Flyer Chevrolet
15. 20 Eric Richardson, Bakersfield Calif. * GreenFrogRoastingCo.com Chevrolet
16. 21 David Mayhew, Atascadero Calif. * Golden Gate Petroleum/RCR Chevrolet
17. 22 Jason Bowles, Ontario Calif. * Sunrise Ford/Turbo Torq Ford
18. 25 Jason Fensler, Wilton Calif. Living Grace Fellowship/Red Line Oil Chevrolet
19. 42 Rick Wall, Irvine Calif. * Xiser.com/Sube Sports/Puma Ford
20. 51 Rick Ruzbarsky, Tracy Calif. 3 Wide Motorsports Chevrolet
21. 52 Ryan Philpott, Tracy Calif. Pacific Motorsports Ford
22. 59 Kyle Cattanach, Redding Calif. Dan Gamel RV/Eldorado Hotel Toyota
23. 61 Brett Thompson, Jerome Idaho Pets Best Insurance Chevrolet
24. 62 Eric Holmes, Escalon Calif. Paul Oil Co. Chevrolet
25. 65 Ryan Foster, Anderson Calif. * A&S Metals/Stan Silva Jr. Trucking Chevrolet
26. 66 Justin Lofton, Westmorland Calif. Lofton Cattle/Cometic/Klotz/Eibach Ford
27. 71 Daryl Harr, St Albert Alberta WestWorld Computers Chevrolet
28. 77 Mike Gallegos, Wheat Ridge Colo. * Domino's Pizza Ford
29. 84 Ross Strmiska, Stockton Calif. Motorway Auto Group of El Paso Chevrolet
30. 88 Alex Haase, Las Vegas Nev. * Motorway El Paso/Kyle Busch Mtrp Chevrolet
31. 93 Ben Walker, Santa Clarita Calif. CMJ Racing Chevrolet
32. 96 Jason Noll, El Mirage Ariz. LaFrance Motorsports Chevrolet
* Denotes Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender
NASCAR Whelen All-American Western Late Model Point Standings
1. Ryan Philpott 630
2. Ken Benhamou 420
3. Doff Cooksey 357
4. Lisa Riordan 300
5. Renie Naeb 290
6. Tim Spurgeon 283
7. Rudy Marquez 268
8. Gary Franks 252
9. Jeff Orr 220
10. Brock Monroe 213
