NASCAR Cup Series

Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart was the fastest man during the first practice session here at the Phoenix International Raceway earlier today.

Kenseth on racing at Phoenix International Raceway: “Phoenix is still a little bit of an unknown since they just repaved the track last year and the surface is still so new."

Brad Keselowski (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger R/T) TALK ABOUT YOUR MINDSET AS YOU GET OUT ON THIS TRACK FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE NEW CONFIGURATION. “Well my mindset was, right away, I couldn’t find the media center and how to get up here so that tells you how I run here (smiles)."

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA, NO. 42 TARGET CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Phoenix International Raceway and discussed his fiery crash with a jet dryer during the Daytona 500 last week, the Penske announcement to move to Ford in 2013, and more.

DALE EARNHARDT, JR., NO. 88 NATIONAL GUARD/DIET MOUNTAIN DEW CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Phoenix International Raceway and discussed how his Daytona Speedweeks went, 48 team penalties and other topics.

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S/KOBALT CHEVROLET, met with members of the media today at Phoenix International Raceway and discussed the new configuration of the Phoenix track, the penalty levied against the team by NASCAR and other topics.

JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DRIVE TO END HUNGER CHEVROLET met with members of the media at Phoenix International Raceway and discussed the Daytona races, racing at Phoenix and other topics.

Ford has been on the pole the last three races at Phoenix. Carl Edwards claimed back-to-back poles in 2010 (fall) and 2011 (spring) while Matt Kenseth sat on pole in last fall’s race here.

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Do you consider Phoenix a second home track? "Maybe a little bit. Definitely the garage roster is a little bit heavier this time around than what it was the previous years, but really for me it's good to get back here and, obviously, kind of get our season kicked off really this weekend."

Phoenix International Raceway has announced the completion of its pre-event track grooming program in advance of this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™.