GRACIN RAZ IN AT IRWINDALE
Gracin Dean Raz has made two trips to the Irwindale Event Center, in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Division. This Saturday, July 14, Raz will make not only his first Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series start at the facility, but his first career SRL start. The Lake Oswego, OR driver has two Winter Showdown appearances, at Kern County Raceway, but the “SPEARS Southwest Tour 100 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse San Dimas” will be Raz’s introduction to a SRL championship event.
Raz has a best finish of fourth, in those two Irwindale starts, and is thankful to have the opportunity to visit the track again, with the SPEARS Southwest Tour.
“Irwindale is one of my all-time favorite tracks, and with the amazing efforts of some to keep the track open, it only felt right to make the trip down as soon as I could”, Raz told the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series. “Last time I was there was in 2016, in a K&N car. We ran really well, and I’m hoping to build off of that a bit, and be fast right out of the gate. I love racing with the SRL. They have some of the best racers in the country race with them at every event. It’s been a while since my last win, which was also my biggest win, the NASCAR K&N West race in Roseville in 2015.”
Raz has had his fair share of success in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, finishing fourth in the championship standings during his rookie season in 2014, and fifth the following campaign. Each year it was two positions behind his Jefferson Pitts Racing teammate, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series star Noah Gragson. Raz has 30 career starts, finishing in the top-five more than 50% of the time, while earning a top-ten, 80% of the time, in addition to his victory at ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY – ROSEVILLE CA.
On the Super Late Model side, Raz has run very well all over the West Coast, but is still looking for a big breakout win, in a marque event. He has two top-five finishes in his only two starts in the Chilly Willy 150 at Tucson Speedway and a top five finish at the Montana 200 at Montana Raceway Park. Despite limited 2017 starts, Raz finished in the top-five at such events as the Apple Cup at Yakama Speedway, the Spokane 200 at Spokane Raceway, the Fall Classic at Yakama and the Senators Cup 150 at the Bullring @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
On Saturday, July 14, Raz will have the opportunity to compete against some of the toughest competitors on the West Coast, for the $5,000 winner’s share, thanks to the “Winners Bonus” sponsored by RE Suspension, Inc.. Graz will be in a car built by Jefferson-Pitts Racing (JPR), and he is thankful for the opportunity presented to him to compete this weekend.
“I can’t thank The The Master Wrench enough for their continued support”, Raz stated. “They are the best automotive repair shop in Oregon. I also have to thank JPR for building this car for us, their craftsmanship is top notch. And finally thank you to my parents for their unconditional support.”
