Eric Holmes won his third Grand National West Bud Pole Award at Stockton “99” Speedway Saturday night with a lap of 14.173.

Eric starting on the pole led the first 80 laps, when Mike David took over the lead until the half time break on lap 100. Eric jumped out in front of David at the restart. The two battled side by side for many laps. Holmes and David were the only two drivers to lead the race. David, who ran well on the long runs, benefited from green-flag racing in the final 55 laps. He jumped out in front of Eric on the last restart on lap 145 and Eric could not get around him. Eric finished second with Peyton Sellers following him to take third. The 1-2 finish broke the tie between Mike David and Eric for first place in the point standings, with David 5 points ahead. Eric led the most laps for the second straight race, 116, which earned him an extra 10 points.

Eric who has not won a West race states, “I know my time’s coming.” He has finished second four times this season, with one third place and one fourth place finish. Yes, Eric and the crew can feel a win coming.

Eric and Mike David put some distance between themselves and Peyton Sellers who slipped from 12 points behind to 27 in the championship point standings.

The next NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series event will be held Sept. 1 at California Speedway in Fontana, CA.