Eric Holmes took the runner up spot when the Grand National West Series visited Irwindale earlier in the season, and again this past weekend. Even though Eric did hold the lead for a total of 56 laps and received 5 points for leading a lap – he did not lead the most important final lap. Eric, who was the eighth driver to go out to qualify had a good qualifying lap of 18.528 – which was good enough to show the fastest time – up until the 25th driver - Peyton Sellers - came out to qualify and ran a 18.500 – which bumped Eric off the pole. When qualifying was over, Eric was second fastest.

Eric started on the outside of Peyton Sellers. By the time Eric reached the start/finish line on the first lap he was in the lead. He actually led lap 1 to lap 47, then again from lap 56 –59. On lap 61 he was back in the lead until he pitted under yellow on lap 65. There were some problems on the pit stop and Eric ended up back in the pack. He took no time digging his way back up to the front and by lap 81 he was in fifth. At that time Eric found himself battling with Steve Portenga for the fourth position – lap after lap the two fought feverishly door to door. Eric finally got around Portenga on lap 144 and took over fourth and then by lap 158 he was in second where he finished the race. Eric came away disappointed - again with a second place finish. He felt better when told - he was only one point out of first place in the point standings.

The point standings are very tight and every lap led and every finishing position can move you up or down several positions. The top ten positions have been shuffled after every event this season.

The next event on the NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series schedule is the NAPA Auto Parts 250 at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, on Saturday July 29th.