Bowles Takes Over NASCAR Camping World West Series Championship Lead With Irwindale Win

IRWINDALE, CA (July 6, 2009) - American Jason Bowles is proving unbeatable at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, winning his third consecutive NASCAR Camping World West Series race at the California oval on Saturday night (July 4). In capturing the victory, the Californian not only extended his current 2009 win streak to two, but also took over the championship lead.

 

The Independence Day night of racing got off to an ideal start for Bowles, as the two-time defending race winner at Irwindale topped the speed charts at the conclusion of the two afternoon practice sessions. Given this performance and the former karting and formula car star’s previous history at the half-mile track, it came as no surprise that Bowles was the driver both the fans and the competitors were keeping an eye on when single-car qualifying got underway. The No. 6 Sunrise Ford/Oakley/Joe Gibbs Racing Oil/GS 610/RPM 12/Justice Brothers/Bell/Ford driver did not disappoint, capturing his third pole position of the season and the ninth of his NASCAR Camping World West career.

 

A few hours later, Bowles was back behind the wheel at his home track, leading the 21-car field to the green flag. Setting the stage for what was to be a commanding performance in front of a sell-out crowd, the Sunrise Ford race pilot led the opening 19 laps, before briefly relinquishing lead. Upon retaking the top-spot via a nice outside lane pass, the Californian never looked back. Leading 132 laps of the 200-lap affair, Bowles was the first driver to the checkered flag, capturing his third consecutive NASCAR Camping World West win at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. In winning Round Eight, his third victory of the season, Bowles took over the championship lead, holding a 24 points advantage (1364-1340) over second place.

 

“This is really incredible,” stated Bowles. “I didn’t think we could win a third race in a row here. We worked on the car a lot in practice to get it where I wanted, but the car was good all night. We made a few changes at the break and the car was good. I have to thank my guys this week with running two cars the last two races things have been hectic, but the crew has done a great job. I have to thank Bill Sedgwick for giving me such a great car to drive and having the confidence in me. It was great to win in front of my home town crowd and close to both Sunrise ford dealerships. I also have to give a special thanks to Bob Bruncati for giving me all the necessary tools to win races.”

 

Bowles and the Sunrise Ford crew return to action on July 19, with Round Nine taking place at Portland International Raceway. The event will mark the first-ever visit to the Oregon road course by the NASCAR Camping World West Series.

Additional information on Bowles 2009 season can be obtained from the series website @ localracing.nascar.com/series/8. For direct contact, please contact Jason Bowles @ bowlesjason@mac.com.

 

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About Jason Bowles:
A native of Ontario, Calif., Bowles began his motorsports career behind the wheel of a kart at the age of 11. Immediately showing talent, he promptly won several junior class races and championships, before moving up to the senior classes. Retaining his winning ways, the talented young race pilot became one of the drivers to beat in shifter kart competition. Following in the footsteps of established racing stars, Bowles began racing cars in 2004. Competing in the highly competitive Cooper Tires F2000 Championship he promptly won Rookie of the Year honors. While the Californian found continued success in the pro F2000 ranks and subsequently got the chance to test an Atlantic Championship car, funding prevented him from advancing up the open-wheel motorsports ladder. Thanks to some established relationships within motorsports his career aspirations were soon revived in the stock ranks. While Bowles was initially viewed as a road course specialist, he has since established himself as complete driver, winning on variety of courses. In 2009, Bowles will contest the entire 13-race NASCAR Camping World West Series schedule behind the wheel of a Sunrise Ford/Oakley/Joe Gibbs Racing Oil/GS 610/RPM 12/Justice Brothers Ford entry.