Analyzing The Casino Arizona 100 At Phoenix Int'l Raceway
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will crown its 2015 champion Thursday at the Casino Arizona 100 at Phoenix International Raceway. Below is a statistical look at the performance of the series and selected drivers at the track.
Casino Arizona 100 Setup:• Chris Eggleston, Noah Gragson, Gracin Raz and Ryan Partridge head into the Casino Arizona 100 within 12 points of each other.
• Chris Eggleston is the only driver who can control his own destiny. A win would secure him the championship title.
• All four championship contenders would be first-time series champions.
• Chris Eggleston is the only driver who can control his own destiny. A win would secure him the championship title.
• All four championship contenders would be first-time series champions.
Phoenix International Raceway:
History• The Casino Arizona 100 will be the 35th stand-alone series race at Phoenix International Raceway. In addition, the series visited PIR for nine combination races with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from 1988 to 1996.
• Ken Schrader’s four victories heads the list for most series wins at Phoenix (2001, 2003, 2004 and 2006). With three wins each, two drivers are tied for second on that list – Richard Petty (1978, 1980 and 1981) and Greg Pursley (2010, 2011 and 2013). Two-time winner Scott Lynch (2003, 2004) is the only other driver with multiple series victories at PIR.
History• The Casino Arizona 100 will be the 35th stand-alone series race at Phoenix International Raceway. In addition, the series visited PIR for nine combination races with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from 1988 to 1996.
• Ken Schrader’s four victories heads the list for most series wins at Phoenix (2001, 2003, 2004 and 2006). With three wins each, two drivers are tied for second on that list – Richard Petty (1978, 1980 and 1981) and Greg Pursley (2010, 2011 and 2013). Two-time winner Scott Lynch (2003, 2004) is the only other driver with multiple series victories at PIR.
Notebook• Pursley is tied with Mike Duncan for the most pole awards at PIR, with four each. Richard Petty won three poles at Phoenix. Others with more than one pole at PIR include Neil Bonnett and Scott Lynch, with two each.
• Pursley has the most top-five finishes in series action at Phoenix, with eight.
• Bill Schmitt holds the mark for the most top-10 finishes in the series at PIR, placing 10th or better in 12 of his 13 starts there followed by Brett Thompson with 10.
• Richard Petty holds the mark for leading the most laps (362) in series competition at Phoenix.
• Of drivers who have competed in four or more races at Phoenix, Neil Bonnett had the best average finish of 2.2 – making five starts between 1977 and 1982.
• Eight of the last eight PIR races have ended at their advertised distance, with the 2014 season opener being the only one extended for a green-white-checkered finish.
• With 23 starts, Brett Thompson has competed in the most NASCAR K&N Pro Series West stand-alone events at Phoenix. Jack Sellers has the most PIR starts overall – racing in 19 stand-alone events and six combination races.
• Among manufacturers, Chevrolet has the most wins in series action at PIR with 16 wins.
• 10 of the 33 series races at Phoenix were won by the pole winner, including the season opener at PIR. Three race winners started outside the top 10. Rich Woodland Jr. started the furthest back and won, coming from 21st on the grid in 1998.
• Pursley has the most top-five finishes in series action at Phoenix, with eight.
• Bill Schmitt holds the mark for the most top-10 finishes in the series at PIR, placing 10th or better in 12 of his 13 starts there followed by Brett Thompson with 10.
• Richard Petty holds the mark for leading the most laps (362) in series competition at Phoenix.
• Of drivers who have competed in four or more races at Phoenix, Neil Bonnett had the best average finish of 2.2 – making five starts between 1977 and 1982.
• Eight of the last eight PIR races have ended at their advertised distance, with the 2014 season opener being the only one extended for a green-white-checkered finish.
• With 23 starts, Brett Thompson has competed in the most NASCAR K&N Pro Series West stand-alone events at Phoenix. Jack Sellers has the most PIR starts overall – racing in 19 stand-alone events and six combination races.
• Among manufacturers, Chevrolet has the most wins in series action at PIR with 16 wins.
• 10 of the 33 series races at Phoenix were won by the pole winner, including the season opener at PIR. Three race winners started outside the top 10. Rich Woodland Jr. started the furthest back and won, coming from 21st on the grid in 1998.
Phoenix International Raceway Data:Race: #13 of 13
Track Layout: one-mile, paved oval
Race Length: 100 laps (100 miles)
Track Layout: one-mile, paved oval
Race Length: 100 laps (100 miles)
Qualifying/Race Data:2014 Winner: Nick Drake
2014 Pole Winner: Nick Drake
Qualifying Record: Matt DiBenedetto, 22.201 seconds (155.166 mph), September 25, 2009
2014 Pole Winner: Nick Drake
Qualifying Record: Matt DiBenedetto, 22.201 seconds (155.166 mph), September 25, 2009
Series Leaders At Phoenix International Raceway:
Race WinnersKen Schrader … 4
Richard Petty … 3
Greg Pursley … 3
Scott Lynch … 2
21 tied at … 1
(Bobby Allison, Ryan Blaney, Neil Bonnett, Jason Bowles, Austin Cameron, Cole Custer, Mike David, Ron Eaton, Gray Gaulding, David Gilliland, Eric Holmes, Burney Lamar, Joey Logano, David Mayhew, Andrew Myers, Kevin Richards, Bill Schmitt, Michael Self, Rich Woodland Jr., Cale Yarborough, Mike Wallace)
Race WinnersKen Schrader … 4
Richard Petty … 3
Greg Pursley … 3
Scott Lynch … 2
21 tied at … 1
(Bobby Allison, Ryan Blaney, Neil Bonnett, Jason Bowles, Austin Cameron, Cole Custer, Mike David, Ron Eaton, Gray Gaulding, David Gilliland, Eric Holmes, Burney Lamar, Joey Logano, David Mayhew, Andrew Myers, Kevin Richards, Bill Schmitt, Michael Self, Rich Woodland Jr., Cale Yarborough, Mike Wallace)
Series Pole WinnersMike Duncan … 4
Greg Pursley … 4
Richard Petty … 3
Neil Bonnett … 2
Cole Custer … 2
Scott Lynch … 2
15 tied at …. 1
(Jim Bown, Spencer Clark, Cale Conley, Ron Eaton, Ryan Foster, David Gilliland, Kevin Harvick, David Mayhew, Andrew Myers, Brennan Newberry, Eric Norris, Steve Portenga, Mark Reed, Joe Ruttman, Mike Wallace)
Greg Pursley … 4
Richard Petty … 3
Neil Bonnett … 2
Cole Custer … 2
Scott Lynch … 2
15 tied at …. 1
(Jim Bown, Spencer Clark, Cale Conley, Ron Eaton, Ryan Foster, David Gilliland, Kevin Harvick, David Mayhew, Andrew Myers, Brennan Newberry, Eric Norris, Steve Portenga, Mark Reed, Joe Ruttman, Mike Wallace)
Selected Driver Highlights:
Nicole Behar (No. 33 Custom Welding & Fabrication, Inc. Toyota)• Is ranked 10th in the championship standings after earning two top fives and nine top 10s.
• Became the highest finishing female in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West history after her second place finish at California’s Irwindale Speedway.
• This will be her first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks this season, Iowa Speedway, she finished ninth in the West (21st overall) and seventh in West (21st overall).
• Is a member of the 2015-16 NASCAR Next class.
Nicole Behar (No. 33 Custom Welding & Fabrication, Inc. Toyota)• Is ranked 10th in the championship standings after earning two top fives and nine top 10s.
• Became the highest finishing female in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West history after her second place finish at California’s Irwindale Speedway.
• This will be her first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks this season, Iowa Speedway, she finished ninth in the West (21st overall) and seventh in West (21st overall).
• Is a member of the 2015-16 NASCAR Next class.
James Bickford (No. 6 Sunrise Ford/Interstate Plastics Ford)• Is ranked ninth in the championship standings after tallying one win, four top-five and eight top-10 finishes.
• In his two starts at Phoenix in 2014, he finished 15th and seventh.
• Has an average start of 11.0 and average finish of 27.5 at PIR.
• At similar sized tracks this year, Iowa, he finished 10th (24th overall) and third (sixth overall).
• Is a member of the 2015-16 NASCAR Next class.
• In his two starts at Phoenix in 2014, he finished 15th and seventh.
• Has an average start of 11.0 and average finish of 27.5 at PIR.
• At similar sized tracks this year, Iowa, he finished 10th (24th overall) and third (sixth overall).
• Is a member of the 2015-16 NASCAR Next class.
Chris Eggleston (No. 99 NAPA Belts & Hoses Toyota)• Is first in the championship standings with two wins, nine top fives and 10 top 10s.
• In his only start at PIR (2014), he finished 22nd after starting 16th.
• At similar tracks this season, Iowa, he finished fifth in the West both times and 15th and 16th overall.
• In his only start at PIR (2014), he finished 22nd after starting 16th.
• At similar tracks this season, Iowa, he finished fifth in the West both times and 15th and 16th overall.
Noah Gragson (No. 7 Alert ID/Colliers International Ford)• Is runner-up in the championship standings after racking up two victories, seven top-five and 11 top-10 finishes.
• This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks (Iowa) this season, he finished third and second in the West, seventh and fifth overall.
• Leads the 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings with 94 points.
• This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks (Iowa) this season, he finished third and second in the West, seventh and fifth overall.
• Leads the 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings with 94 points.
David Mayhew (No. 17 MMI Racing/Ron’s Rear Ends/Pour House Chevrolet)• Is ranked fifth in the championship standings after registering two wins, six top fives and eight top 10s.
• In 13 starts at Phoenix, he’s tallied one win (2012), three top fives and eight top 10s.
• Has an average start of 6.5 and an average finish of 13.2 at PIR.
• In 13 starts at Phoenix, he’s tallied one win (2012), three top fives and eight top 10s.
• Has an average start of 6.5 and an average finish of 13.2 at PIR.
Brandon McReynolds (No. 16 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota)• Is ranked seventh in the championship standings after netting two wins, four top-five and seven top-10 finishes.
• In his four starts at the Arizona track, he’s earned one top five and three top 10s.
• His best finish at PIR was fifth (after starting 22nd) in 2013.
• He has an average start of 12.2 and an average finish of 10.5 at Phoenix.
• In his four starts at the Arizona track, he’s earned one top five and three top 10s.
• His best finish at PIR was fifth (after starting 22nd) in 2013.
• He has an average start of 12.2 and an average finish of 10.5 at Phoenix.
Ryan Partridge (No. Sunrise Ford/Eibach Springs/Lucas Oil Ford)• Is ranked fourth in the championship standings after earning one victory, six top fives and 10 top 10s.
• This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks (Iowa) this season, he’s finished eighth and sixth in the West, 20th and 18th overall.
• Is ranked third in the 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings with 82 points.
• This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks (Iowa) this season, he’s finished eighth and sixth in the West, 20th and 18th overall.
• Is ranked third in the 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings with 82 points.
Gracin Raz (No. 27 Montana Tech Ford)• Is ranked third in the championship standings after tallying one win, six top-fives and 11 top-10 finishes.
• This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks this season (Iowa), he’s finished seventh and ninth in the West and 17th and 22nd in the West.
• Is runner-up in the 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings with 93 points.
• This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks this season (Iowa), he’s finished seventh and ninth in the West and 17th and 22nd in the West.
• Is runner-up in the 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings with 93 points.
Alex Schutte (No. 21 Proficio Chevrolet)• Is ranked sixth in the championship standings after racking up two top five and 11 top 10s.
• This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks this season (Iowa), he’s finished sixth and fourth in the West, 16th and 10th overall.
• This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
• At similar sized tracks this season (Iowa), he’s finished sixth and fourth in the West, 16th and 10th overall.
Johnny White (No. 31 Pour House/Ron’s Rear Ends Chevrolet)• Is ranked eighth in the championship standings after recording two top-five and seven top-10 finishes.
•This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
•At similar sized tracks (Iowa) this season, he’s finished 15th and eighth in the West, 35th and 22nd overall.
•This will be his first K&N West start at Phoenix.
•At similar sized tracks (Iowa) this season, he’s finished 15th and eighth in the West, 35th and 22nd overall.
Other Notables:• Harrison Burton (No. 12 Dex Imaging Toyota): Became the youngest racer to compete in the West after his start at California’s All American Speedway, where he finished 11th.
• William Byron (No. 91 Liberty University Chevrolet): Is the crowned 2015 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion. In one start in the West, he finished fifth, at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway.
• Landon Cassill (No. 41 TBA Chevrolet): Will be making his NASCAR K&N Pro Series West debut. In his seven starts at Phoenix in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, he’s earned one top 10 (sixth in 2008).
• Todd Gilliland (No. 54 Frontline Enterprises Toyota): Will be making his K&N West debut. In two ARCA races this year, he’s tallied one win and two top 10s.
• JJ Haley (No. 05 Braun Auto Chevrolet): Finished ranked sixth in the K&N East. Competed in one K&N West race this year at Sonoma and finished third.
• Greg Pursley (No. 26 TBA Ford): This will be his 100th K&N West start. In 13th series’ starts at PIR he’s tallied three wins (2010, 2011, and 2013), eight top fives and 10 top 10s.
• Dalton Sargeant (No. 52 GALT Chevrolet): Finished ranked fourth in the K&N East. In three K&N West starts this year, he’s recorded one win (California’s Kern County Raceway Park) and three top fives.
• William Byron (No. 91 Liberty University Chevrolet): Is the crowned 2015 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion. In one start in the West, he finished fifth, at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway.
• Landon Cassill (No. 41 TBA Chevrolet): Will be making his NASCAR K&N Pro Series West debut. In his seven starts at Phoenix in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, he’s earned one top 10 (sixth in 2008).
• Todd Gilliland (No. 54 Frontline Enterprises Toyota): Will be making his K&N West debut. In two ARCA races this year, he’s tallied one win and two top 10s.
• JJ Haley (No. 05 Braun Auto Chevrolet): Finished ranked sixth in the K&N East. Competed in one K&N West race this year at Sonoma and finished third.
• Greg Pursley (No. 26 TBA Ford): This will be his 100th K&N West start. In 13th series’ starts at PIR he’s tallied three wins (2010, 2011, and 2013), eight top fives and 10 top 10s.
• Dalton Sargeant (No. 52 GALT Chevrolet): Finished ranked fourth in the K&N East. In three K&N West starts this year, he’s recorded one win (California’s Kern County Raceway Park) and three top fives.
Up To Speed:•The 2015 season is the 62nd for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.
• The 2015 schedule features 13 races at 11 different tracks across the United States.
• NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver Dalton Sargeant, collected his first K&N Pro Series victory and pole award at the season opener at California’s Kern County Raceway Park on March 28.
• Chris Eggleston nabbed his second K&N West win at California’s Irwindale Speedway on April 11.
• Rookie Noah Gragson earned his first series victory at Tucson (Ariz.) Speedway, while Ron Norman collected his first pole award on May 2.
• Brandon McReynolds earned his first career victory and pole award at Iowa Speedway in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series combination event on May 16.
• Eggleston returned to Victory Lane on May 30th for the second time this season with a win at California’s Shasta Speedway.
• David Mayhew collected his first win and second pole of the season at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway on June 27.
•James Bickford earned his second career win and first pole at Idaho’s Stateline Speedway on July 11.
• McReynolds became the first driver in the K&N Pro Series to earn multiple victories at Iowa Speedway on July 31.
• Mayhew collected his second victory of the season with a win at Washington’s Evergreen Speedway on August 15.
• Ryan Partridge picked up his first career win and pole at Colorado National Speedway on August 22.
• Gragson collected his second win and his first pole at Idaho’s Meridian Speedway on September 5.
• Gracin Raz recorded his first victory and pole at California’s All American Speedway on October 17.
• The 2015 schedule features 13 races at 11 different tracks across the United States.
• NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver Dalton Sargeant, collected his first K&N Pro Series victory and pole award at the season opener at California’s Kern County Raceway Park on March 28.
• Chris Eggleston nabbed his second K&N West win at California’s Irwindale Speedway on April 11.
• Rookie Noah Gragson earned his first series victory at Tucson (Ariz.) Speedway, while Ron Norman collected his first pole award on May 2.
• Brandon McReynolds earned his first career victory and pole award at Iowa Speedway in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series combination event on May 16.
• Eggleston returned to Victory Lane on May 30th for the second time this season with a win at California’s Shasta Speedway.
• David Mayhew collected his first win and second pole of the season at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway on June 27.
•James Bickford earned his second career win and first pole at Idaho’s Stateline Speedway on July 11.
• McReynolds became the first driver in the K&N Pro Series to earn multiple victories at Iowa Speedway on July 31.
• Mayhew collected his second victory of the season with a win at Washington’s Evergreen Speedway on August 15.
• Ryan Partridge picked up his first career win and pole at Colorado National Speedway on August 22.
• Gragson collected his second win and his first pole at Idaho’s Meridian Speedway on September 5.
• Gracin Raz recorded his first victory and pole at California’s All American Speedway on October 17.
- Credit to NASCAR Home Tracks for this article.
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