Search this site

By Adam Carabine and Crystal Clay In his first full-time Xfinity Series season since 2019, Cole Custer came away victorious at Phoenix Raceway, earning his first career championship in the No.00 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing. On November 16th, 2022 Stewart-Haas Racing announced that Cole Custer would be taking a step back from the Cup Series to return to the Xfinity Series. After some underwhelming results in the top NASCAR series, the idea was to help Custer rediscover his mojo. “It was a calculated decision to move him back, and it was for him to gain confidence,” said team owner Tony Stewart. “When a driver makes it to the Big Show, and then has to step back one series, there’s a lot of things that could go wrong. But there was a reason we made that decision. It’s character building. It was a very even battle between all Championship Four drivers all night. Justin Allgaier put himself in a tough spot just two laps into the race, spinning after some very light contact with fellow championship contender John Hunter Nemechek. After the race, Allgaier said that he recognized he only had two options: “Either run right into the side of [Nemechek] - I was going to clean us both out, or spin out.” Luckily for both drivers, there was minimal damage, and by the end of the first stage, all four of them were back in the top 10. It was a stark contrast to the “S Show,” as Tony Stewart called it, the night before for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. The theme of clean racing was prevalent among the four contenders in all of their post-race comments. Allgaier mentioned “We all four battled all night, but it was clean. We pushed each other to limits that I don’t know that I’ve seen, and to be that clean - that was fun [...] it was awesome!” His teammate and fellow championship contender Sam Mayer said, “That was probably the most fun I’ve had in a racecar in a long time. It was a really cool opportunity to be able to put on a show like that.” Despite the clean racing, it did still come down to an overtime finish, as Anthony Alfredo spun on the frontstretch with three to go in the race. In a testament to the efforts of the Championship Four, they all took the final green flag together in the top four. It looked like Cole Custer was at a disadvantage early, as he came into turn one in third place. But in a move that baffled even Tony Stewart, he was able to focus on corner exit, and take over the lead. Custer held on until the checkered flag to take home his first career championship in the Xfinity Series. After the race, Custer’s team owner and boss Tony Stewart pulled him aside, “and I told him - this is why we did what we did. The steps that you’re making and the progress you’ve made this year, is exactly what we were hoping for.”

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Now that qualifying is complete for the 2023 NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, pit selection will be crucial. According to pit crew expert, recruiter and coach Dion “Rocko” Williams there is an art to pit stall selection for the greatest chances to win. “Pit stall selection can make or break a race and will help the crew chiefs out there, suggest where they should pick. If you win the pole, pick one. You should take pit box one. If you pick second, take box number six. If you pick third, take box 10 or the bully box. And if you pick fourth take box 16. Those are the boxes with the highest average finishing rate on Phoenix Raceway” he said. This weekend the Championship 4 are the first to make their selections with the top qualifier likely vying for the first pit stall. Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Ford, hoping to secure back-to-back Championship wins for Team Penske, qualified 15th and said “It’s always nice to be in stall one, and that was the goal today. The four of us are trying to get that stall. That’s an advantage, especially if you have some late-race restarts.” “Where the box is compared to the timing line is pretty short. It’s not the shortest one, it’s not Charlotte short, but it’s still not a lot of room so you don’t have to get up to speed. So yeah, it’s an advantage - that’s the positive thing about being good on Saturdays. If you qualify good, you get rewarded with a pit stall. It’s like doubling down every time you’re losing in blackjack, it’s got to eventually turn. Hopefully for us tomorrow it’s not a fourth in a row.” Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet for Team Hendrick and the only driver of the four looking to grab his second Championship trophy, qualified fourth and said “I wish I would’ve got the pole. This was a little bit off of William [Byron] there, I think honestly I just qualified a little better in the first round. I think what I did in the second round would’ve caught him off guard, maybe a little bit sooner than it did, and I’d have beat him and then got the first pit stall selection. Yeah, just have to execute every chance you get, and I just didn’t execute quite good enough.” William Byron, the Cup Series race winner from the spring, chose pit stall one since qualifying on the pole with a 27.150 lap time and top speed of 132.597 mph. Championship Four: Byron: Stall 1 Larson: Stall 6 Bell: Stall 33 Blaney: Stall 38

Press Release | PHOENIX RACEWAY Daytona Beach, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2023) – Moments before the final green flag of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season flies, a distinguished group of past Cup Series champions will pair with four young racers to deliver the most famous words in motorsports ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 5. Representing nearly every decade of NASCAR racing history are four Cup Series champions who were each named to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list earlier this year: Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace, Bobby Labonte and Kurt Busch. With the current Cup Series Championship 4 drivers emblematic of NASCAR’s present, four aspiring youth racers will serve as a representation of NASCAR’s future: 8-year-old Brexton Busch of Mooresville, N.C.; 7-year-old Easton Cambensy of Tucson, Ariz.; 9-year-old Giselle Hicks of Mooresville, N.C.; and 10-year-old Grayson Walcott of Chicago, Ill. These “Diamond Anniversary Dignitaries” will deliver the command for drivers to start their engines alongside executives from NASCAR’s Premier Partners, who are serving as the official Grand Marshals for the championship race. “The entire 75th anniversary season has been a celebration of not only where NASCAR has been, but where the sport stands today and the bright future that lies ahead,” said Pete Jung, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at NASCAR. “Seeing young racers who dream of becoming NASCAR stars side-by-side with some of the most legendary drivers in history as we prepare to crown a new Cup Series champion will be a powerful manifestation of that spirit. We hope it serves as a moment of recognition for all those who contributed to NASCAR’s rise and inspires anyone eager to join the ride from here.” Furthering the fusion of past, present and future, in partnership with the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the first-ever NASCAR premier series championship trophy will be displayed along with the current Bill France Cup championship trophy during this anniversary tribute. Fans watching at home can catch the special anniversary moment live on NBC prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday Nov. 5 (NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). More details about the four NASCAR Cup Series champions representing the sport’s past: Richard Petty: Richard Petty is called “The King” for good reason. A member of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame class of 2010, Petty has racked up the most wins (200), most poles (123), tied for most championships (seven), most wins in a season (27), most Daytona 500 wins (seven), most consecutive wins (10) and most starts (1,185) in NASCAR premier series history. Rusty Wallace: A member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame class of 2013, Wallace’s first NASCAR Cup race resulted in his first top-five finish: second at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1980. He came to the series full time in 1984 and won Rookie of the Year honors, embarking on a full-time Cup career in which he won the 1989 series championship and 55 total races (11th all time). Bobby Labonte: A member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame class of 2020, Labonte captured the 2000 Cup Series championship and 21 total Cup Series wins in his career. That portfolio includes three crown-jewel triumphs – a Coca-Cola 600, a Southern 500 and a Brickyard 400. He is also a 10-time winner in the Xfinity Series, claiming that tour’s championship in 1991. Kurt Busch: The first champion of the Cup Series’ Playoff era, the recently retired Busch established a long and impressive career with wins in 19 of his 22 seasons as a Cup regular. Among those 34 victories were a Daytona 500 triumph (2017) and a Coca-Cola 600 win (2010). Busch also added nine victories combined in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series. More details about the four youth racers representing NASCAR’s future: Brexton Busch – 8-year-old Brexton is following the racing path forged by his grandfather Tom, his uncle Kurt, a NASCAR champion, and his dad Kyle, a two-time NASCAR champion and the winningest driver in NASCAR history. The third-generation driver began his racing career in 2020 at the age of five in the Beginner Box Stock division at Millbridge Speedway and Mountain Creek Speedway. Brexton picked up his first-ever victory at Mountain Creek Speedway just a month into his career and hasn’t slowed down since, racking up the Saturday Millbridge Beginner Box championship (2022), the Mountain Creek Beginner Box championship (2022) and the Tuesday night Beginner Box Millbridge championship (2023). Easton Cambensy – 7-year-old Easton Cambensy is a second-generation race car driver from Tucson, Arizona and a current driver in the NASCAR Youth Series. At the young age of seven, he claimed his first quarter-midget track championship at his home club of Tucson QMA. He has since won two more, including the prestigious Triple Crown that includes track championships in the Junior 160, Junior Animal and Junior Honda divisions. Giselle Hicks – 9-year-old Giselle Hicks is a fourth-generation race car driver eager to carry on her family’s legacy in NASCAR. Her great grandfather is the late Glenn Wood and her dad, Michael Hicks, is a rear tire changer on Christopher Bell’s No. 20 pit crew closing out his 19th year of changing tires in the sport. This year marks Giselle’s third year in wing kart racing, in which she took home 10 wins and finished fourth in the 2023 points standings at Millbridge Speedway. Grayson Walcott – 10-year-old Grayson Walcott, of Grayson Dean Racing, is a fast-rising go-kart racer from Chicago who just completed his rookie year on the pro circuit with Pole Position Motorsports. Grayson has raced all over the United States and was nominated for Rookie of the Year in Mexico. He starred in the limited run television show on Discovery+, “Baby Drivers,” which followed his journey in the world of motorsports. Grayson made his debut as a junior sports commentator this summer at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend.

Press Release | PHOENIX RACEWAY PHOENIX (Nov. 2, 2023) – Phoenix Raceway announced today that The United States Air Force Band Singing Sergeants will perform the National Anthem ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race on Sunday, Nov. 5. Their performance will be accompanied with a flyover by four F-35s from the 310th Fighter Squadron (“Top Hats”) from Luke Air Force Base. “It’s an honor to have the Singing Sergeants perform before the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey. “Their inspirational representation of our men and women in uniform and their performance of the National Anthem will certainly give our fans an overwhelmingly sense of triumph and patriotism going into the final race of the year.” Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., The Singing Sergeants is one of six musical ensembles from The United States Air Force Band and is the official chorus of the United States Air Force. The 24 active-duty musicians support ceremonial and diplomatic functions, education outreach events, and perform concerts throughout Washington, D.C., and the United States. NASCAR and Phoenix Raceway will be showcasing our military throughout the entire duration of NASCAR Championship Weekend in the track’s midway. Max Impact, the official rock/pop music ensemble of the United States Air Force, will be performing throughout the weekend at the NASCAR Experience Stage. Featuring six active-duty musicians, Max Impact regularly presents high-intensity performances throughout the nation and abroad. Additionally, Military Vehicles and a dedicated United States Air Force Display will be available for fans to check out all weekend long. Several key military members will serve as pre-race dignitaries throughout the weekend as well. For all three days, Luke Air Force Base personnel will be driving the Toyota Tundras that carry drivers around the track during driver introductions. On Sunday, the Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard will be joined by Captain Jeff Rybold from the 56th Fighter Wing as the Chaplain during pre-race ceremonies while the flag unfurling will be done by the Deer Valley Air Force JROTC Cadets. Only a limited number of tickets remain available for the 2023 NASCAR Championship Weekend, Nov. 3-5. The action on Friday, Nov. 3, includes the ARCA Menards Series West championship race, the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100, and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship Race. On Saturday, Nov. 4, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race caps a day that also includes NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying. And then on Sunday, Nov. 5, following a pre-race concert by Diplo presents Thomas Wesley, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race will close the season in exciting fashion. Grandstand seats sold out for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in June, but a select number of infield general admission and FanShield Infield Experience tickets remain. Grandstand seats are also going fast for Friday and Saturday’s action, so fans are encouraged to visit www.phoenixraceway.com to secure their seats while supplies last.

Press Release | TALLADEA SUPERSPEEDWAY TALLADEGA, Ala. (Nov. 2, 2023) – Talladega Superspeedway will host Track Laps for Charity along with the Talladega Garage Experience Presented by Coolray Open House on Saturday, November 11, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. CT. Donations will benefit Toys For Tots as fans can pay $50 to drive three laps around the superspeedway in their personal vehicle. To register in advance, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/events/track-laps/ to secure your experience. “We are so excited to partner with Toys For Tots with our final Track Laps for Charity event of 2023,” said Brian Crichton, President of Talladega Superspeedway. “We hope to have a huge turnout from our local community, as well as those from across the southeast, to raise funds and help make the holidays extra special for so many kids. We are also thrilled to have the Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteers who will be constructing beds for children. This event is going to be extra special, and it’s a great way to have fun on the high banks for Talladega and support local children in our area.” Toys For Tots will also be collecting new, unwrapped toys and will distribute those toys to less fortunate children during the holidays. The minimal $50 donation per car/truck for the laps will help raise funds for the speedway’s outreach fund, ‘DEGA Gives, a donor advised fund of The NASCAR Foundation, which will donate the money raised to Toys For Tots. In addition, Sleep In Heavenly Peace, part of the United Way of North Talladega County, will be on site, along with a host of volunteers, to build 120 beds for children in our local community who sleep on the floor or do not have their own bed. With make-shift assembly lines, beds will be built, and be equipped with box frames and mattresses, pillows, sheets and comforters. As part of the fourth and final Track Laps for Charity event of ’23, fans will be able to tour the popular Talladega Garage Experience Presented By Coolray during an open house. Fans can get their photo taken in Ruoff Mortgage Victory Lane with the coveted Vulcan Trophy that goes to each NASCAR Cup Series winner at Talladega. BIG BILL’s 35,000 square foot Open Air Social Club, the epicenter of the TGE, will be a great place to lounge and enjoy value-priced concessions, plus see the garage bays where NASCAR teams prepare the cars during a race weekend. The Game Zone and Kids Zone, which is part of TGE’s 140,000 square-feet of open area, will also be open as it will be a jam-packed day of fun at the track. Talladega Superspeedway Track Laps participation guidelines include: Pre-registration highly recommended & payment required All vehicles must have a valid license plate and all drivers must have a valid driver’s license. Minors (Under 19 years of age) with valid driver’s license must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian Vehicles deemed unsafe by Talladega Staff will not be allowed onto the track Participants will enter the infield through the North Tunnel (Turn 4) and proceed to the staging area. The road will be marked with signage and traffic cones All participants are required to remain in their personal vehicle on pit road After taking your track laps, you may park your vehicle in the designated space and enter the Talladega Garage Experience Track rides will be paced at highway speed by Talladega Staff. No vehicles allowed in the top lane, and no passing allowed No motorcycles, tractor-trailers, recreational vehicles, etc. may be used for track rides. All participants must sign a track wavier For ticketing information and more details about upcoming events, including the 2024 race weekends, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. Fans are also encouraged to keep up with all the happenings at Talladega Superspeedway by following along on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as in the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest speedway news.

Press Release | PHOENIX RACEWAY PHOENIX (Nov. 2, 2023) – NASCAR fans visiting Phoenix Raceway this week are encouraged to use the popular crowd-sourced traffic app Waze to guide them to the fastest routes to and from NASCAR Championship Weekend events. Fans with parking passes can simply scan the QR code on the back of their passes to open Waze and guide them through the fastest routes possible to their specific lots. Those with general parking can also download and utilize the app to discover the smoothest traffic and parking experience possible. The app is continually monitored and updated by the dedicated Waze community of users, allowing race fans to reach their destination swiftly. “This technology makes it even easier for our fans to arrive and depart NASCAR Championship Weekend and have a more enjoyable experience,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey. “We’re thrilled to incorporate Waze into our traffic plan as we welcome all of our fans for an unforgettable weekend.” The following links will direct fans to their designated parking areas via Waze: GA Parking Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Taxi), Premium & Ally Curve Parking Foothills & Tailgate Parking Busch Light Lounge & Motorcycle Parking El Mirage & ADA Parking Suite Parking Citrus Parking Competitor Parking Fans can also view and download printable inbound and outbound traffic maps at www.phoenixraceway.com/. Once parked, a tram route running the length of Harvick Lane will shuttle fans to and from their vehicles with multiple stops along the way. NASCAR Championship Weekend begins Friday with a power-packed doubleheader. The ARCA Menards Series West will crown its champion in the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100, followed by the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship Race. On Saturday, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race highlights a day that also includes qualifying for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race. Fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible on Sunday to enjoy NASCAR’s season finale to the fullest. They will be treated by live entertainment and driver appearances throughout the facility and a Q&A with the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 on the Championship Stage. A full pre-race concert with Diplo presents Thomas Wesley will set the festive tone at 11:45 a.m. Parking lots open at 6 a.m. and gates open at 8 a.m., with the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race starting shortly after 1 p.m. A limited number of grandstand seats are available for Friday and Saturday’s action. Fans can secure their tickets now at www.phoenixraceway.com.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/jayski) Press Release | JOE GIBBS RACING Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today that crew chief Jason Ratcliff is set to take on the new role of Team/Driver Coordinator with the team’s NASCAR Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series programs following the completion of this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race in Phoenix. Within this role, Ratcliff will leverage his 24 years of experience as a crew chief to provide a veteran presence within the leadership team of JGR’s competition department through developing and refining best practice procedures, mentoring crew chiefs, and coaching drivers. The 2009 NXS champion crew chief has spent 18 years atop the pit box under the JGR banner and is set to continue his longstanding relationship with the organization for years to come. A HISTORIC CREW CHIEF CAREER: Jason Ratcliff’s 24-year long career as a crew chief will go down as one of the most successful careers atop the pit box in the sport’s history. Over the course of his career, Ratcliff worked with 28 different drivers, tallied 72 total wins across the sport’s top-two series’, and won the 2009 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship with Kyle Busch. With 253 NCS starts and 547 NXS starts, Ratcliff has built a legacy on winning and consistency, highlighted by 15 NCS wins and the most wins for a crew chief in NXS history at 57. Throughout his 800 starts, Ratcliff boasts 239 top-fives, 406 top-10s, 49 poles, and an impressive 51% top-10 rate (46% in NCS, 53% in NXS), which stands as a true testament to his commitment to competing on a weekly basis. FINAL YEAR IN REVIEW: As crew chief of the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra this season, Ratcliff worked with seven different drivers including Myatt Snider, Ryan Truex, Joe Graf Jr., Ty Gibbs, Connor Mosack, Denny Hamlin, and Trevor Bayne. Under Ratcliff’s leadership, the team collected three wins, 10 top-fives, and 14 top-10s, which has earned the team ninth in the NXS owner’s points standings. THANK YOU, JASON!: Despite holding one of the most stressful positions in motorsports, Jason Ratcliff always operated with grace and composure atop the pit box. His unshakable focus and voice of reasoning proved essential in supporting his drivers during the make-or-break moments that NASCAR racing is so famous for. No matter his assignment, Ratcliff has risen to the occasion for Joe Gibbs Racing each time. Whether it was running for a championship in the Cup Series or juggling the variability that comes with leading the ‘All-Star Car’ in the Xfinity Series, Ratcliff always found a way to find speed and adapt to the circumstances. The Joe Gibbs Racing family is grateful for everything Ratcliff has contributed over the years and is proud to see him continue his career with the organization moving forward. Jason Ratcliff, Crew Chief of the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra - Incoming Team/Driver Coordinator “I’m excited to transition into this new role with Joe Gibbs Racing. The team has become home to me over the years and I’m grateful that they have grown with me as my career has evolved. The opportunity to help the next generation of crew chiefs and drivers is something that means a lot to me and it means the world that I get to do it at the same team that I have built my legacy with.” Steve Desouza, Executive Vice President - GM of JGR NXS/ARCA “Jason (Ratcliff) has been an essential player in Joe Gibbs Racing’s success for the past 18 years and we’re all looking forward to seeing our relationship with him continue. He is a true professional and offers a veteran mindset that a lot of our younger crew chiefs and drivers could benefit immensely from. When you consider his attention to detail, proven success, and consistent composure, it’s clear that this new role suits him. As we look ahead to 2024, we are grateful to have him as a leader and role model for all the growing talent that we have within our organization.” Myatt Snider / No. 19 Tree Top Toyota GR Supra Preview NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway SNIDER AT PHOENIX: Myatt Snider and the No. 19 Tree Top Toyota GR Supra head to Phoenix Raceway this weekend, where the 28-year-old Charlotte, NC native will close out the 2023 NXS season with his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates. Snider has six previous starts at the track, highlighted by a career best finish of 11th in 2021. Cumulatively, Snider has an average start of 21.2 and an average finish of 18.5 at Phoenix, and looks to improve on those numbers in this weekend’s season finale. PREVIOUSLY AT JGR: Snider was on track for a great day last time out at Martinsville Speedway. After starting 11th, Snider drove his way through the field under green, earning an eighth place finish in stage one and a third place finish in stage two. After running as high as second, Snider lost track position due to pit strategy and unfortunately got caught up in a mid-pack accident with six laps to go. Despite the damage, Snider battled to a 15th place finish on the day. FROM INTERN TO DRIVER: Snider’s relationship with JGR started all the way back in 2014 when he joined the team as a fabrication intern. From there, he continued to be a part of the JGR family as a mechanic. Snider spent a total of three years with the team and now watches his career come full circle as he gets behind the wheel for the same organization he once worked for as a young man. THE NO. 19 IN 2023: The JGR No. 19 will have a rotating schedule of drivers throughout the 2023 season. Drivers who have raced the No. 19 as of Martinsville are Ty Gibbs, Connor Mosack, Ryan Truex, Denny Hamlin, Joe Graf Jr., Trevor Bayne, and Snider. With three wins on the year from Truex, Gibbs, and Hamlin, the group of drivers have carried the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra to ninth in the owners’ points standings. Snider is slated finish out the season for the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra. JGR AT PHOENIX: Joe Gibbs Racing has earned 16 NXS wins at Phoenix Raceway, including three of the past four races at the one-mile track. In 113 combined starts at Phoenix, the organization has posted 50 top-five finishes, 80 top-10s, 20 pole awards, and 3,365 laps led. Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, Ty Gibbs, Daniel Hemric, Brandon Jones, Joey Logano, and Smith have all taken JGR to NXS victory lane at Phoenix. FOLLOW ALONG: Follow along for updates and a behind-the-scenes look at Myatt Snider’s 2023 season: Twitter: @myattsnider I Facebook: Myatt Snider I Instagram: @myatt_snider I Website: myattsnider.com RACE INFO: The NXS Championship Race at Phoenix is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST on Saturday, November 4. The race will be broadcast on USA, MRN, Sirius XM and available to stream on the NBC Sports app. Myatt Snider, Driver of the No. 19 Tree Top Toyota GR Supra What are your thoughts as you head into your final race of the season? “I’m hoping we can give Jason (Ratcliff) a fun final ride this weekend. He’s a true role model in our sport and I have loved working with him this year. With this being his last race as a full-time crew chief, I would love to help him go out with a bang. I’m looking forward to getting out there this weekend and ending the year on a high note.”

By Adam Carabine It may have taken four NASCAR Overtime restarts, but finally a champion was crowned. Ben Rhodes was the survivor after many laps of carnage, finishing fifth in the Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race. The race was marred by a ton of drama. Each of the Championship Four spent time in the front, and each of them were involved in some sort of incident. Christian Eckes won the race, but was no longer eligible to take home the big prize. While he acknowledged that it was sweet to earn McAnally-Hilgemann Racing a 1-2 finish, he also lamented what could have been. Eckes was eliminated from the playoffs in the Round of 8. Had he been one of the Championship Four, he could have been celebrating a championship win as well. “It’s kind of hard to be happy right now,” he said after the race win. First, Carson Hocevar came into turn one too hot and spun Corey Heim. While the damage was minimal, Heim wound up having to pit and restart way in the back. Fast forward to the scheduled end of the race and Heim seemingly took his revenge on Hocevar. The damage to Hocevar’s truck was worse, and ended his night. Hocevar would finish 29th. On his radio, Hocevar said “I had it coming,I embarrassed myself. I’m sorry y’all.” Grant Enfinger also had damage and had to come down pit road alone. With Hocevar out of the race, Heim now a lap down after his role in the wreck, and Enfinger restarting 24th after pitting, it looked like Ben Rhodes had it in the bag. But all was not as it seemed… Rhodes restarted behind leader Zane Smith, and when Smith missed a shift, Rhodes had nowhere to go but into the back of the 38, bringing out the caution. With extensive nose damage, another overtime restart coming, and the freshly lucky-dogged Corey Heim back on the lead lap, the road became less clear. In the end, it took four overtime restarts to end the race. At one point, Grant Enfinger was able to get right up to Rhodes’ tail end, but he kept things clean, ultimately costing him his own championship. Rhodes’ fifth-placed finish was enough to earn him his second Truck Series Championship, making him just the fifth driver in NASCAR history to win multiple championships in the series.

By Adam Carabine It's been tradition for the Championship 4 drivers in each series to meet with the media on the Thursday leading up to the big races. The four drivers take their seats up on a podium and take question after question for 30 minutes, sometimes more. This year, we thought it might be fun to ask each of the 12 Championship drivers (Four from each series) the same question, to see how their answers all differed. The Question - "As a driver, what X-Factor do you bring to this weekend that the other three don't?" The four CRAFTSMAN Truck Series drivers were the first to take on the media - here's how they answered our question. Grant Enfinger Corey Heim Carson Hocevar Ben Rhodes Next, the Xfinity Series Championship Four drivers showed up, ready to explain their own X-Factors. Well, almost all of them did... Justin Allgaier Sam Mayer John Hunter Nemechek Cole Custer The Cup Series Championship Four certainly brought out the biggest crowd of media, and they dutifully answered questions for the entire session. Here's what they're bringing to the table this weekend, in their own words: Ryan Blaney Kyle Larson William Byron Christopher Bell Championship Weekend kicks off tomorrow - here's the schedule: CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: Friday, Nov 3 - 7pm PST / 10pm EST XFINITY Series: Saturday, Nov 4 - 4pm PST / 7pm EST CUP Series: Sunday, Nov 5 - 1pm PST / 4pm EST

By Crystal Clay LAS VEGAS–The winningest female in motorsports and reigning NHRA Pro Stock Champion Erica Enders entered the NHRA Nevada Nationals weekend with an 85 point lead, 47 overall Pro Stock wins, a track record of 9 wins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to her name while vying for a sixth world championship against a stacked Pro Stock Countdown to the Championship class of contenders. Now, Enders is less than two weeks shy from the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, Ca with 48 overall Pro Stock career wins, a track record of 10 wins at LVMS, inching closer to another world championship title with a 114 point lead. She took Mason McGaha, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Jeg Coughlin Jr. out of contention to reach the final round against Greg Anderson. The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has been nothing short of generous to the “Speed Queen” who clinched her fifth championship here just a year ago and all she could have asked for this weekend was to keep her points lead into Championship Sunday in two weeks. “Like, I kind of wish that Pomona was here too, so the final two races of the year,” she laughed. “But you know that's something that we've been really fortunate with – is that having Vegas so close to the end of the year and having so much success here." “On one side of it, that doesn't mean that we're going to come out and have success this weekend. It does mean that we have a lot of great data here. We have a lot of really fun memories here and that kind of just breeds positivity Right? You just come in here and you just remember all the great times that we've had and we strive for that again. I'm obviously hopeful that we have a great weekend and extend our lead into Pomona.” Enders defeated Greg Anderson Sunday evening in his 178th career final round with a run of 6.557 at 208.23 in her Elite Motorsports Johnson's Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance Chevrolet Camaro. Enders continues her strong run for a championship, winning back-to-back and for the fourth time this season. “I definitely don't feel like [the championship] is ours. We have to go out there and continue to earn it. Had you asked me this 12 races ago, I would have told you you were nuts if you told me that we were going to contend for a sixth championship this year because we were absolutely horrible” she said. “We have a 114-point lead, but a lot can happen. A lot can change, and I just try to focus on what's right in front of me. I don't want to get the bigger picture in my mind too far ahead, but at the same time believe that we can do it and that we're capable." With such a strong points lead going into Pomona, Enders approaches the final days of the season with another victory and the same diligence that flipped her season around from a rough start. Rounding out the Winner's Circle from the Nevada Nationals are Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle), Robert Hight (Nitro Funny Car), and Mike Salinas (Nitro Top Fuel).

Press Release | PHOENIX RACEWAY PHOENIX (Oct. 31, 2023) – With NASCAR Championship Weekend upon us, Phoenix Raceway has rolled out its “Paint the Town” initiative that includes the return of the award-winning 3D Billboard on Jefferson and 2nd Street across from the main entrance of the Footprint Center. The 3D Billboard stands an impressive 16 feet high and 68 feet wide. This is the second year of running it during NASCAR Championship Weekend after winning the Silver Medal National Advertising Award in 2022. “Having NASCAR and Phoenix Raceway’s likeness displayed all throughout The Valley is truly a sight to behold,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey. “With the amount of people coming into Phoenix this week, it is sure to spark excitement centered around NASCAR Championship Weekend”. In addition, Phoenix Raceway has covered almost the entire eastern side of the Bank of America building on Washington and 2nd Street with NASCAR Championship Weekend branding. The advertisement itself soars at a whopping 2,354 feet tall and spans 1,132 feet wide. It is easily visible when driving across I-10 and coming from the airport. With the influx of sporting events happening throughout the week, plenty of eyes will see the ambitious promotion when coming into the Valley. NASCAR Championship Weekend-branded Tire Displays will also be scattered throughout the greater Phoenix area, with locations at Tempe Marketplace, Desert Ridge Marketplace, Desert Diamond Casino, Chandler Fashion Square, American Sports Center (Avondale), and West Scottsdale. NASCAR and Phoenix Raceway is advertising across various transportation-based mediums as well. There is signage on two, 100% electric GEST Carts (Green Easy Safe Transportation) in Old Town Scottsdale. Additionally, there is a fully wrapped NASCAR Championship Weekend light rail train that services 45 stations along the 28-mile track across the Valley. Finally, there is Baggage Claim signage at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in Terminals 3 & 4. Only a limited number of tickets remain available for the 2023 NASCAR Championship Weekend, Nov. 3-5. The action on Friday, Nov. 3, includes the ARCA Menards Series West championship race, the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100, and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship Race. On Saturday, Nov. 4, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race caps a day that also includes NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying. And then on Sunday, Nov. 5, following a pre-race concert by Diplo presents Thomas Wesley, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race will close the season in exciting fashion. Grandstand seats sold out for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in June, but a select number of infield general admission and FanShield Infield Experience tickets remain. Grandstand seats are also going fast for Friday and Saturday’s action, so fans are encouraged to visit www.phoenixraceway.com to secure their seats while supplies last.

Press Release | PHOENIX RACEWAY PHOENIX (Oct. 31, 2023) – Phoenix Raceway announced today that Streets of New York will become its Official Pizza Partner. As part of the new deal, fans will be able to find tasty, authentic East Coast pizza being served out of the El Bandido Yankee Tequila Cantina inside the FanShield Infield Experience. “We’re excited that Streets of New York will serve NASCAR fans at Phoenix Raceway,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey. “They are an institution when it comes to pizza in The Valley, so our fans will be treated to some great local flavor during NASCAR Championship Weekend and beyond.” For 48 years, the family-owned pizza chain has served authentic East Coast Italian food to Phoenix, Arizona. Their single location on 32nd and Cactus has since grown into dozens of locations across the Southwest, continuing to open more and more women-owned businesses in the process. Streets of New York has served many professional sports venues throughout The Valley including Chase Field, Spring Training Salt River Fields, the Footprint Center, State Farm Stadium, Mullet Arena, and Desert Diamond Arena. Now, the prestigious host track of NASCAR’s Championship Weekend will be added to the list. “For us to perform on another ’grand stage‘ with Phoenix Raceway is exhilarating to say the least,” said President and CEO of Streets of New York Lorrie Glaeser. “Streets of New York is known throughout the Valley with dependable local brand awareness, I believe NASCAR race fans will enjoy our partnership knowing Streets [of New York’s] reputation for quality for 48 years.” Only a limited number of tickets remain available for the 2023 NASCAR Championship Weekend, Nov. 3-5, at Phoenix Raceway. The action on Friday, Nov. 3, includes the ARCA Menards Series West championship race, the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100, and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship Race. On Saturday, Nov. 4, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race caps a day that also includes NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying. And then on Sunday, Nov. 5, following a pre-race concert by Diplo presents Thomas Wesley, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race will close the season in exciting fashion. Grandstand seats sold out for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in June, but a select number of infield general admission and FanShield Infield Experience tickets remain. Grandstand seats are also going fast for Friday and Saturday’s action, so fans are encouraged to visit www.phoenixraceway.com to secure their seats while supplies last.

By Matt Marr For the second week in a row, Martin Truex Jr. led the field to the green flag from the pole position. On lap 104, the caution came out for a four-car pileup involving Alex Bowman, Harrison Burton, Austin Dillon and Corey Lajoie. Denny Hamlin won Stage One. The caution came back out at lap 216, as Ryan Newman (driving the #51) spun out of turn four. Ryan Blaney managed to pass Denny Hamlin and hang on to win Stage Two. With just under 200 laps remaining in the race, Ty Gibbs got hooked by Carson Hocevar, prompting another caution. About 20 laps later, Erik Jones made contact with Michael McDowell and turned him around, bringing out the final caution of the day. Suddenly Aric Almirola, who had just announced his retirement from full-time racing, made his way to the front. But the storybook ending was not to be. With 22 laps to go, Blaney passed Aric Almirola for the lead, and hung on until the end to win. Blaney’s win earned him a spot in the Championship Four, alongside Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and William Byron. Eliminated in this round were Tyler Reddick, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin and Chris Buescher. Xfinity 500 Top 5: 1. Ryan Blaney 2. Aric Almirola 3. Denny Hamlin 4. Chase Briscoe 5. Joey Logano Notables: 9. Austin Cindric 10. Todd Gilliland 15. Harrison Burton 21. Erik Jones

Press Release | PHOENIX RACEWAY PHOENIX (Oct. 30, 2023) – NASCAR and Phoenix Raceway announced today that Wrestling Hall of Famer and host of USA Network’s Barmageddon Nikki Garcia will introduce the Championship 4 drivers vying for the Bill France Cup before the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race on Sunday, Nov. 5. “We’re thrilled to have the dazzling Nikki Garcia introduce each of the Championship 4 drivers,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey. “Her infectious energy will surely fire up our fans and set the stage for an electrifying end to the 2023 season.” A self-admitted “tomboy” with a feminine side, Garcia entertained millions around the world becoming the WWE’s longest reigning Divas Champion. Nikki was inducted into the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame along with her sister Brie. Nikki has starred alongside her sister on E! hit series Total Divas, Total Bellas, and Nikki Bella Says I Do. She is also the co-host of Sirius XM’s podcast The Nikki and Brie Show and Prime Video’s new series Twin Love which debuts Friday, Nov. 17. Since then, Nikki has become a wife, mother, entrepreneur, host, executive producer, and best-selling author. She is currently the host of USA Network’s hit celebrity game show Barmageddon, starring and executive produced by buddies Blake Shelton and Carson Daly. The show, which debuted in December 2022, was the network’s most-watched unscripted freshman series in nearly three years across all platforms. The superstar trio goes all in on a good time as they head to Nashville and invite the audience into Ole Red for a front row seat as their celebrity friends compete in over-the-top bar games. Barmageddon season 2 premieres Monday, Nov. 13 at 11 p.m., ET/PT on USA Network. Nikki Garcia’s larger-than-life presence will be one of the many exciting elements that enhances the fan experience during NASCAR Championship Weekend, Nov. 3-5. It begins Friday, Nov. 3 with an action-packed doubleheader involving the ARCA Menards Series West Championship Race, the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100, and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship. The excitement continues Saturday, Nov. 4, when the green flag flies for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race. Then on Sunday, Nov. 5, the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will battle for the Bill France Cup in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race. Fans should act now to secure the scarce remaining seats and experiences for this year’s NASCAR Championship Weekend by visiting www.PhoenixRaceway.com.