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Tag: K&N West

  • Dylan Lupton Career Made; Inducted to NASCAR NEXT Program

    Dylan Lupton Career Made; Inducted to NASCAR NEXT Program

    Dylan Lupton was inducted into the 2014-2015 NASCAR NEXT class at Richmond International Raceway on Friday afternoon after a successful rookie season in the K&N West Series last year which included one victory and 14 top-10 finishes.

    “It means a lot, I’m very honored and privileged to be in the (NASCAR NEXT class),” Lupton expressed on the heels of his induction into the 2014-2015 NASCAR NEXT class. “When I started racing in NASCAR, they implemented this program and I watched (Kyle) Larson, (Dylan) Kwasniewski, (Darrell) Wallace Jr., and Ryan Blaney advance through this and it’s (obviously) helped them a lot, so I’m excited to see what it does with my career.”

    Lupton was one of 12 up-and-coming superstars to be added to this elusive list which will help him in multiple aspects; but specifically, funding.

    “I think (this program) is going to help me a lot, especially on the funding side,” Lupton further explained. “Bringing more publicity and recognition to my name, so hopefully we’ll be able to attract sponsors and possibly run a few (NASCAR Camping World) Truck Series or the (NASCAR) Nationwide Series.”

    Lupton, 21, has experienced 20 starts in the K&N West Series, however, he’s never been involved to the extent where he’ll be mentored and given advice by drivers competing in the NASCAR Touring Series.

    “The program also allows me to have connections with people higher up in the sport,” Lupton told Speedway Media on Friday at Richmond International Raceway. “So, it’s going to me nice learning from guys in the Nationwide and Cup Series, (in addition) to learning from younger drivers already in the NASCAR NEXT class, there’s a lot of talent amongst (this year’s) class and I hope to learn a little something from each of them.”

    Prior to the NASCAR NEXT announcement on Friday, the 12 drivers gathered inside a tent, and just sat around and chatted; basically, making first impressions, and for Lupton, that was a huge opportunity to develop friendships.

    “It helps a bunch,” Lupton expressed about being, mostly, friends with everyone in this year’s NASCAR NEXT class.  ”I came into this sport not knowing anyone, especially (living) on the west coast, it seems like everyone and anyone (in racing) comes out of the east coast and it seems like these guys grew up racing each other, while I come to the east coast (this weekend) not knowing anyone, just meeting these guys for the first time, but they seem real friendly.”

    Following the whole celebratory ordeal, Lupton’s focus turned back to his task at hand, winning the K&N West title this season.

    “Well right now, I think we are running pretty well,” Lupton further commented about his season to date in the K&N West Series. “We’re performing better than last year, we had a solid top-10 at Phoenix (International Raceway) and finished fifth at Irwindale (Speedway), but I still think there is room to grow.”

    “The car was really good at both tracks, I think I need to improve my driving a little bit, but I certainly expect a few wins this season, definitely (a chunk) of top-fives and eventually the championship.”

    Lupton also expressed that he hopes with the attention and funding NASCAR NEXT presents that he’ll be granted an opportunity to run in a NASCAR Touring Series this season.

    “We’re going to do the K&N West Series this season, then, if funding comes our way we may do a few (either) ARCA or K&N East starts, all in preparation (for what we hope) will be a full-time Truck or Nationwide ride next season.”

    Lupton’s attitude and desire to win is obvious, and it’s likely that within five years this young rising star’s name will be sounding throughout NASCAR stadiums, quite often.

  • K&N West Recap – Patrick Staropoli Stuns Irwindale Crowd; Wins NAPA 150

    K&N West Recap – Patrick Staropoli Stuns Irwindale Crowd; Wins NAPA 150

    Patrick Staropoli concluded all murmurs about him winning the PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge was a fluke, and further ended any discussion of him not capable of performing well.

    Staropoli shutdown these critics after winning Saturday night’s NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Irwindale Speedway in the NASCAR K&N West Pro Series. He inherited the race lead on the restart with 15 laps remaining. After controlling the lead, he pulled away from the field and never looked back until he crossed the start/finish line, first.

    “Just and awesome night, I’ll never forget this.” Staropoli commented in the media center following the race. “I’m so excited to be standing here (in victory lane), I never would have imagined this a year ago.”

    The Irwindale crowd expected Brett Thompson, who led over half the race, to score the victory. However, K&N West regulars like Greg Pursley and Dylan Lupton began marching through the field during the last stint of the race.

    Thompson was shuffled outside the top five with 15 to go and eventually finished a dismal seventh. Ryan Partridge also was a contender during the mid-section of the race, but like Thompson, wasn’t a factor during the final restart and finished right behind Thompson in eighth.

    David Mayhew finished 1.5 seconds behind Staropoli in second position after passing Greg Pursley in the final laps. Pursley, K&N West point’s leader, ended up third with Brandon McRenyolds, who won the pole for the race, and Lupton behind him.

    “Running at Irwindale is just fun.” Pursley explained after climbing from his machine. “Good points night for us, and just glad we could be back here (Irwindale) in K&N competition.”

    The K&N West Series returns to action on May 3rd at Stockton 99 Speedway, which is right down the road from Irwindale. Pursley will look to defend his points lead, and Staropoli will look to defend his first career K&N victory.