Three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series notables will be among the 2009
inductees into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. Founded in 2001, the Hall
of Fame was established to honor those who have contributed to racing's
development and history.
On July 3 at Irwindale Speedway, Rick Carelli, Doug George and Wayne Spears will
become some of its newest members.
Carelli, who currently serves as general manager at Kevin Harvick Inc., is no
stranger in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series garage. As a driver, he won
the 1993 NASCAR Camping World Series West championship before moving to the
series. In 134 NCWTS starts, he collected four wins, 22 top-five and 60 top-10
finishes with a best points finish of sixth in the inaugural 1995 season.
"I think it is a really great honor," he said. "I mean, look at all of the West
Coast guys who are in the Series now making it happen. I am truly thankful for
all of the people I met while I was still racing on the West Coast. With the
addition of all us West Coasters to NASCAR, I like to think we helped it evolve
into what it is today, not just a southern sport."
Like Carelli, Doug George made his mark as a driver before moving to a
leadership position within the series. The Atwater, Calif., native won six times
en route to winning the 1995 NASCAR Camping World Series West championship.
These days George is found atop the pit box calling the shots for Kyle Busch
(No. 51 Miccosukee Resorts Toyota) with Billy Ballew Motorsports. Together they
have collected two wins so far this season. "Its truly an honor to be put in a
class with these other inductees who I grew up watching, working with and racing
against," said George. "They're the reason I've continued my career in racing."
Former team owner Wayne Spears was among some of the founding teams in the NCWTS.
In 13 seasons, Spears Motorsports racked up 317 starts, four wins, 37 top-five
and 108 top-10 finishes with drivers such as fellow California native Kevin
Harvick, David Starr (No. 25 Zachry Toyota) and Dennis Setzer. Spears' No. 75
Chevrolet was among the top 10 in points four different times, the highest of
fifth in 2002 with Starr.
