Doug Pace: Nicole Behar draws NASCAR’s attention

To say that Nicole Behar has been the talk of the NASCAR world is an understatement.

Since posting the highest finish as a female driver in NASCAR K&N Pro Series history (Irwindale, California, on April 11) the Otis Orchard teen has been balancing media appearances with the challenges of high school and college courses.

Behar is more than capable of running in the front of the pack week in and week out on the series as she notched a fifth-place finish on April 28 in Tucson, Arizona, to propel her into the top 10 in the series championship standings.

The finish also moved her to third place in the chase for Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award while again turning heads in the motorsports world.

NASCAR has been watching. This week the series sanctioning body chose Behar as the lone female representative in its NASCAR Next program, aimed at spotlighting NASCAR’s emerging stars who strive to race in its top-three series (Sprint Cup, XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series).

Behar is one of 12 selected for the honor and is joined by 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Series Rookie of the Year and last year’s Stateline Speedway winner, James Bickford. Also chosen was Jesse Little, son of Spokane native Chad Little.

Behar plans to use the national exposure to help her race team engage in more corporate conversations in an effort to build more support for its one-car team.

“We plan to continue to talk with potential sponsors about supporting our team,” Behar said. “Being selected to the 2015 NASCAR Next class can help open up more eyes to what we’re doing we know and with our strong runs the last few weeks the television exposure, the NASCAR Next selection and all the media have been helpful, that’s for sure. To be competitive in NASCAR, you of course have to be solid behind the wheel, have a good team behind you and bring together partners that are interested in helping a team succeed.”

Sunshine should benefit Sunset

Sunset Speedway may have had its season opener pushed to Saturday because of rain in late April, but this weekend’s sunny forecast should bode well for a good turnout of drivers eager to compete at Spokane’s lone dirt oval.

Home to adult and junior karting in a variety of motor classes, the track’s one-fifth mile produces fast speeds and tight racing.

One of the best-kept secrets in the area, Sunset is part of Spokane County’s ORV complex located in Airway Heights. Many of the region’s top asphalt drivers have cut their teeth at Sunset, including Joey Bird and Braeden Havens.

Stateline Speedway’s Bandolero division features several Sunset racers who been the foundation at the quarter-mile’s program, showing there is a progression for young drivers to follow from the dirt to the asphalt.

While some may look to build a driving career toward more advanced racing, Sunset also showcases its Adult Modified class featuring some of the top talent in the region on a regular basis.

Race fans benefit the most from racing at Sunset, as spectator admission is free with a small charge for entering the secured pit area. To learn more about Sunset Speedway, contact Dave Reynolds at 220-3003.