NASCAR Champions Go Hollywood

Champions week continued for six 2008 NASCAR Developmental Series titlists Wednesday as they received a VIP tour of Hollywood's famed Universal Studios.

Universal Studios, production site of countless movies, television shows and commercials throughout the years, provided an exciting getaway for the drivers and their families as they took a tour of the world-famous "Back Lot." The group also took in the sights and sounds of the park along with some rides.

"I came here when I was seven years old, so it's my first time back in a long time," said Eric Holmes, NASCAR Camping World Series West champion. "Taking the tour through the studios, to go behind-the-scenes, and going on a few rides was a lot of fun."

In addition to Holmes, in attendance for the weeks festivities are NASCAR Camping World Series East Champion Matt Kobyluck, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour champion Brian Loftin, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series winner Scott Steckly, NASCAR Mexico Series titlist Antonio Perez and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Champion Philip Morris.

Wednesday's afternoon excursion was just one of many planned for the champions of NASCAR's touring and weekly series champions. Tuesday saw the drivers compete in go-karts at K-1 Speed in Anaheim followed by a trip to the Peterson Auto Museum and a behind-the-scenes viewing of the Emmy Award-winning "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show.

Wednesday's festivities will be topped off by a trip to the Staples Center for a NBA match-up between Los Angeles's Lakers and Clippers.

In his first trip to Southern California, Steckly and his wife Penny have enjoyed taking advantage of the sight-seeing opportunities.

"It's been great, it's nice that NASCAR does this stuff for us," Steckly said. "[Going to Universal Studios] was something neat to see and do. I've never been to a NBA game before, but we're going to have a great time."

All of the scheduled activities for the champions this week lead up to this weekend's Toyota All-Star Showdown. Action will begin at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) with a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race on Friday night and will continue with a Late Model and NASCAR Camping World Series races Saturday night.

All of the weekend's racing action will be carried live on SPEED starting each night at 7 p.m. ET.