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LUPTON LEADS WEST SERIES ROOKIE STANDINGS SO FAR

WILTON, CALIFORNIA (June 27, 2013) – 19 year-old NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West rookie Dylan Lupton finds himself atop the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, after a string of five consecutive top-ten finishes while driving Bob Bruncati's Sunrise Ford #9 entry. The Wilton, CA driver is fifth in the overall series tally carrying additional sponsorship from Vadio and Lupton Excavation.

Last weekend, Lupton competed at Sonoma Raceway in the "Carneros 200" on the 1.99 mile road course. The event was held during the prestigious "Toyota/Savemart 350" weekend for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Lupton qualified sixth for the 64 lap contest, where only a fuel stop was allowed so tire preservation was crucial.

Lupton attempted to save his tires throughout the race but suffered a flat tire on a restart shortly after pitting for fuel. The flat put Lupton a lap down where he rode under a long and frustrating green flag run. At the end of the run, he found himself in position for the Lucky Dog with eight laps to go.

With his sights on a top-ten run, Lupton charged through the field at the end of the race for an eighth place finish. The top-ten goes along with his fourth place finish on the road course at Brainerd, MN in May as well.

"The car was great! I just needed a little bit of luck during the race, which unfortunately never really came," Lupton said. "It seems that every race the team and I are getting better and better so I see a win coming in the near future for us."

In early June, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West did a two race weekend across the 7/8ths mile Iowa Speedway and the 3/8ths mile I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, MO.

The Iowa event pitted the West and East Series competitors in a combination race under the lights. After his Ford bottomed out in qualifying, Lupton placed 30th overall. Lupton had a top-ten caliber car in the 150 lap event but found himself with a transmission problem that left him stuck in fourth gear.

Lupton was able to manhandle the car to a lead lap finish in 26th overall, but it ranked him a solid eighth out of the West Series drivers. Looking to rebound in Missouri on Sunday, Lupton overcame a rain delay to lead practice in the series' debut on the I-44 Speedway. He went on to a career best third place qualifying run as well.

The rookie driver battled within the top-three throughout much of the successful race. After running as high as second, he came home with a strong third place run in the green-white-checkered finish.

Lupton and his Sunrise Ford team will take a break until July 27th when the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West hits the short track at Colorado National Speedway. Lupton has planned several Late Model starts in the next couple of weeks to stay fresh on the short tracks.

Race fans can follow the action in the 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West at NASCARHomeTracks.com Dylan Lupton Racing is online at www.luptonracing.com

Lupton Racing is sponsored in 2013 by Vadio, Sunrise Ford, Lupton Excavation, Lucas Oil, Eibach Springs, Bell Helmets, and D Racing Enterprise.

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