News

By Gary Thomas

Rio Vista, CA – December 22, 2011…Often times in racing there can be unique stories everywhere you look and during the 2011 season, East Coast native Eli Deshaies certainly filled that role with the Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series.

Originally from North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Deshaies first came to California for work related reasons in 2004, but just recently entered into the venture of racing in the Golden State. Even more compelling about Deshaies is the fact that he drives the 2008 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame giveaway car.

“We had a really enjoyable year with the King of the West Series and there are a lot of great people that we race with,” said Deshaies. “At the start of the year I was a little nervous if I made the right choice, but as the season went on I got more and more comfortable and everyone made me feel as if I were at home.”

Some of Deshaies best moments came during the summer months, as he began to log more laps at the tracks that make up the King of the West schedule. On July 16 he scored a season best finish of ninth at the Antioch Speedway and just before that, tallied an impressive third quick qualifying effort out of 28-cars during the finale of the “Howard Kaeding Classic” on July 2.

“For the season I really have to thank Andy Richardson, Richard Brace Jr., Pit Stop USA, Suggs Racing, DES Racing and of course my sister for winning the car in the Hall of Fame giveaway raffle a couple years ago,” the 41-year-old chuckled with his distinctive East Coast accent. “As a team I feel that we got better as the year went on and that gives me confidence heading into 2012.”

After getting a year under his belt with the Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series, Deshaies is excited about next season. “Dan Simpson and the whole KWS crew have done a great job with the purse and point fund payout, as well as the tire giveaway program. That all really helps out a lot and it’s the only place I’d want to race out here.”

Deshaies also paid a visit to Rio Vista to be a guest on “KWS Tonight” in June along with series Managing Director Dan Simpson and it can be viewed in two parts at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15126346 and http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15127287

For all of your end of the season sponsor awards please keep Grant’s Fine Art in mind! GFA is a big supporter of KWS and their website can be seen at http://www.grantsfineart.com/

The Golden State King of the West 410 Sprints would like to thank the following companies for their support this season: Goodyear Racing Tires, Pit Stop USA.com, Kaeding Performance, Hoseheads.com, Grant’s Fine Art, Auto Meter Products Inc., Contingency Connection, Maxim Chassis, Amerikote, Abel Chevrolet, Bully Dog, Red Horse Performance, JE Pistons, KSE Racing Products, Hunt Magnetos, Weld Racing, Racing Optics, Butler Built Performance, HoservilleCA, Angellos ATV Rental, Rogue Regency Inn, Williams Motorsports, DES Inc. and Simpson Percherons.

Don't forget to “like” the Golden State King of the West Series on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kws410s for the most timely and up to date information on the series. Also check out our official website at http://www.kwssprints.com for the latest news, results, history and more on the Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Cars.

Be sure to catch archived shows of “KWS Tonight,” along with special highlight clips from the 2011 season at http://vimeo.com/user5784994/videos and http://www.ustream.tv/channel/king-of-the-west-today/videos