The Red Rocker Inn's Caramel Pecan French Toast

1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp light corn syrup
3/4 cup chopped pecans
12 slices French or Challah bread (1 3/4 inches thick)
4 eggs, beaten
2 1/2 cups milk or half and half
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter
Combine first three ingredients in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly 5 minutes until bubbly. Pour syrup evenly into lightly greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle with pecans. Arrange bread over pecans. Combine milk, eggs, and vanilla and salt. Stir well and pour over bread. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.
Combine cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over bread, drizzle with melted butter. bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Serve immediately. Serves 12