Bob Bruncati has a passion for cars and for racing. And he's done very well at both, benefiting from his knack for business and eye for talent.
Location: Fontana, California
Cars: Ford
The former New Yorker,
who moved to Southern California in 1967, is the owner of a very successful
two-car race team in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. His race cars are
easily recognized for the brilliant blue and orange paint schemes, adorned
with the logo of his Sunrise Ford dealerships.
Early on Bruncati noticed there were talented
young drivers who never got a chance to race in good equipment and develop
their skills. So, he decided to give them a shot.
Bowles got the first opportunity as Bruncati
tackled the full series schedule in 2007. The effort resulted in Bowles
winning the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award and finishing third in the
overall standings. With the addition of championship crew chief Bill
Sedgwick in 2008, Bruncati's team contended for the title - eventually
finishing in the runner-up spot. They clinched the championship the
following year.
After Bruncati expanded his Sunrise Ford
Racing operation with a second full-time team in 2010, his success continued
with other drivers coming into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. In addition
to Bowles, three other series newcomers have won the Sunoco Rookie of
the Year Award driving for Bruncati - Luis Martinez Jr., in 2010; Austin
Dyne in 2012; and Dylan Lupton in 2013.
Bob is a believer and a doer. He loves to pave new paths. His motorsports effort is an extension of all that he has done right over the years. Bob understands servicing the needs of those around him. 100% business. 100% passion. 100% the real deal. - Jeff