Doug Pace: Young driver Behar receives helpful boost
When the 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series schedule was announced last winter, Otis Orchard teenager Nicole Behar circled four events to run as a way to get acclimated to one of the sport’s most competitive touring groups.
Behar’s debut came at her home track of Stateline Speedway, where the East Valley High student tied the series mark for highest finish (sixth place) for a female driver, with hopes of moving higher at any of the three remaining races on her limited schedule.
Those events were Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington; All-American Speedway in Roseville, California; and Phoenix’s 1-mile oval. Trouble in Monroe looked to derail her plans as the team’s primary car was destroyed in a late-race incident.
But Behar will compete in Roseville, thanks in part to West series icon and team owner Bill McAnally. His Bill McAnally Racing championship-winning organization will provide technical assistance and equipment that will allow Behar the opportunity to race in the event.
“This is something we’re wanting to do to help (Behar) out since they lost their car in Monroe and wouldn’t have had a way to race in Roseville (without our assistance),” McAnally said. “We’re helping them, but her dad (Mike) and team are going to come into our shops and get the car all set to race All-American. I’ve known Mike since his days working with (past Spokane West series car owner) Gene Monaco and he’s very dedicated to what he’s doing.”
The younger Behar caught McAnally’s eye with her impressive Stateline debut in August. With the damage suffered in Monroe and the 16-year-old’s desire to race All-American, the West Series car owner looked at ways his team could help fulfill Behar’s dream.
“She’s a very good young driver and I can see potential with her abilities,” McAnally said. “We’re hoping to see Nicole have a good run here in a few weeks (the race is scheduled for Oct. 11) and see what develops from there.”
“My Northwest Modified racing went well this year and our late-model season also went well,” Behar said. “We ran up front in a lot of races with some decent finishes, and, of course, our debut K&N race at Stateline was a success, so it’s been a steady progression for us.”