The Championship for the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series is on the line this weekend at Altamont Motorsports Park. Eric Holmes is setting eleven points out of first place. If Eric finishes in the top ten, as he has done six out of seven races this season, he must finish in front of Rip Michels by three positions, to win the championship. The top four drivers in the standings, who are Rip Michels, Eric Holmes, Eddy McKean, and MK Kanke, are up for the championship. Eric and MK Kanke are the only two drivers who have won previous Southwest races at Altamont. Kanke won the last race at Altamont in July and Eric’s win was in July 2002. Eric is coming off a win at the last Southwest race in Colorado in August.

Eric has had a great year not only seeking his first Southwest Series title but he also leads the NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series point standings heading into their final two events. Lots of pressure is on Eric with dual championships on his mind and a return to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, in both divisions next month, which he did win the Elite division in 2004. It’s looking as though both championships will be decided at each division’s last event at Atlamont Motorsports Park. The Grand National West final event will be held on Oct. 15th.

This Saturday Sept. 23rd qualifying for the AutoZone “150” will be held at 5:00 pm with the green flag to wave at 8:15 pm.