“We’re bringing a good car to Phoenix,” Smithley said. “We’re definitely looking for better results this go-round. The track is smooth and fast – a really fun track to race.”
“I’m looking forward to going back to Phoenix because I think we’ve done some things on the flat racetracks that will help us and we'll also have a brand new race car there,” Allmendinger said.
Roush Fenway Racing heads out west for the final time in the 2016 season as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) returns to Phoenix International Raceway, a track that has seen a Roush Fenway Ford visit victory lane on 17 different occasions across NASCAR’s three major touring series.
“Phoenix is my home race, so I always like to go back and see my family – it’s always fun to do that,” said McDowell. “I only get to go back a couple times a year. Our finishes at short tracks have been pretty good this season as well, so I am definitely optimistic about racing in Phoenix this weekend.”
“Except for Talladega (finished last with engine issue), we’ve been consistent since the Chase started,” noted Truex. “We obviously feel we belong in the hunt for the championship but we’re not. But the next best thing we can do is continue our momentum in the final races and hopefully bring home a victory or two.”
Dakoda will be making his sixth career NASCAR XFINITY Series start at Phoenix International Raceway to go along with one Camping World Truck Series start at the track. Armstrong has a best XFINITY Series finish of 18th at the Phoenix track which he has done four times including earlier this Spring.
“Anytime I’ve been below (the cut line) in an elimination race, I’ve found a way to get in on the final in the elimination round so I like our chances. (Phoenix) is a pressure race and I like pressure. “Phoenix was a good track for us in the spring. I look to go back there and have another great run and go out there and try to win.”
“I love being out west and Phoenix is a fun and challenging place to race and a great place to make my 500th consecutive start. It’s hard to find a balance between the two ends because the corners are so different.
Kasey Kahne will pilot the No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet SS this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway -- the paint scheme's final race of the season. The Enumclaw, Washington, native last drove the flat black Farmers Insurance Chevy at Kansas Speedway, where he earned a 10th-place finish.
The 19-year-old Zilisch from Charlotte, North Carolina, was awarded the pole position for Saturday's Fourth of July event at Chicagoland due to inclement weather forcing NASCAR to replace qualifying with practice.
Will Power and Kyle Kirkwood were 1-2 on the speed chart as the Fourth of July holiday weekend began with a 95-degree afternoon at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Enzo Fittipaldi waited until the closing minutes of INDY NXT by Firestone practice Friday to top the speed chart, turning the fastest lap to kick off this weekend’s doubleheader at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
