Bruncati Announces K&N Pro West Lineup
Bickford Returning, Adds Newcomer Partridge
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bob Bruncati, one of the most successful team owners in the K&N Pro Series West with his Sunrise Ford Racing team, will field cars for James Bickford and rookie Ryan Partridge for the 2015 season.
Bickford, 16, is returning to Sunrise Ford after a stellar rookie season last year. The Napa, California native raced registered a win, eight top-five and ten top-ten finishes in 14 races.
“Last season was definitely a learning experience for me,” Bickford said. “I made some mistakes that helped me grow as a driver. I’ve learned from them and I’m going to make sure that I don’t make the same mistakes this season.”
The 2014 season was a memorable one for Bickford, who went from a 25th finish in his NASCAR K&N Pro Series West debut to winning his first career race and then the top rookie honors in the series. Bickford clinched the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title with two races remaining in the season.
“My first win definitely relieved the pressure for sure,” said Bickford. “It gave me a lot of confidence and made me feel like a can go out there and consistently compete and win.
“Going into this season, I am more confident. I know I can go out there and produce multiple wins and that I can race for the championship.”
Since 2007, Bruncati has fielded five Sunoco Rookie of the Year Drivers in the K&N Pro Series West and had two drivers win the series championship.
Partridge, 26, may be a rookie to the K&N Pro Series West, but he’s no stranger to racing. The Rancho Cucamonga, California, native has been dominating the Southern California racing scene for years, with Irwindale being one of his most successful tracks.
Partridge won the 2013 late model track championship at Irwindale, and successfully defending his track title in 2014 and won the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series California championship. He raced at 2014 K&N Pro Series West race at Irwindale where he led 14 laps during the final third of the 150-lap event before falling back on a Lap 36 restart and finishing with a series career-best of eighth.
“It’s absolutely mind-blowing to be racing for Bruncati,” Partridge said. “I’ve been waiting a long time to break into the K&N Pro Series West. To be given this chance by Bob, is a dream come true and I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
Partridge relishes the opportunity.
“It’s huge, it’s been my focus for 10 years now,” said Partridge. “For it to finally come together is a huge weight off my shoulders. Hopefully we can do well, get some wins and be solid competitors. That’s the best case scenario for us.”
The K&N Pro Series West will kick off the season on March 28 at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, California.
Sources: Brooke Franceschini, NASCAR