Phoenix Raceway Competition Notes
TEAM AND RACE NOTES:
The final race of the season is among us for the Cup Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as Front Row Motorsports heads west to Phoenix this weekend.
For Layne Riggs and the No. 38 Ford F-150 team, this race provides one final opportunity to solidify Riggs' status as the Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year. Heading into Phoenix, Riggs has earned two wins, seven Top-5's, and nine Top-10s. Riggs has only one previous start at the 1-mile, low-banked tri-oval, earning a 13th place finish in 2022. The No. 38 Ford F-150 has earned one pole, three Top-10's, and one Top-5 including a win in 2022 earning Zane Smith the championship.
The season finale for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is scheduled for Friday, November 8th at 8:00 PM ET with qualifying at 4:00 PM ET on FS2. Fans can watch the race live on FS1 or listen in via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90
For Michael McDowell, this will be the Glendale, AZ native's 28th start at the track as he looks to improve on his 8th-place finish in the spring, his best at Phoenix. In his last two starts, McDowell has two consecutive Top-10 finishes (9th in 2023, 8th in 2024). This will also be McDowell's final start with Front Row Motorsports.
Both McDowell and Riggs will carry the Love's Travel Stops colors on their racecars this weekend featuring their truck care partner, Fleetguard.
Boozy Jerky will once again partner with Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 for the event. Currently, Todd Gilliland sits 23rd in points, having earned four Top-10 finishes and leading 129 laps this season. Gilliland and crew chief Ryan Bergenty head to the Phoenix Raceway looking to capture not only a win, but stage points in hopes of improving their points position.
The NASCAR Cup Series track activity will begin Friday, November 8th with practice at 6:00 pm ET with qualifying on Saturday, November 9th at 5:00 pm ET, both on the USA Network. The Championship Race will be Sunday, November 10th at 3:00 pm ET. Fans can watch the action live on NBC or listen via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.
CUP SERIES COMPETITION NOTES:
No. 34 Love's Travel Stops / Fleetguard Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:
"It's always great to race at Phoenix in front of so many family members and friends. This season, the improvements we've made have really been a team effort from everyone at Front Row Motorsports. We ran well here in the spring, so I'm confident we can put our Love's Travel Stops / Fleetguard Ford Mustang Dark Horse up front."
CREW CHIEF TRAVIS PETERSON:
"I'm looking forward to getting to Phoenix this weekend, we've had some good results there the past few races. I'm proud of what we have accomplished at Front Row Motorsports this season. I am proud of this team and Michael. We really grew together and showed that we can be competitive every weekend. Hopefully we can find more speed and get a good result to end the season on a high note."
No. 38 Boozy Jerky Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:
"I like Phoenix, I always have a lot of family come out and support. While I'm excited for the off-season, there's still work to do this weekend. I'm proud of this 38 team and what we have accomplished. We have had good cars this year that have shown a lot of speed. I think we have a pretty good shot at a solid run this weekend, we just need to qualify up front and execute all race. I think we can do that."
CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY:
"We're all excited for the off-season, but we still have one more race left. I want to get on the plane home Sunday knowing we gave it our all and left the Phoenix Raceway with as many points as possible and a good result."
TRUCK SERIES COMPETITION NOTES:
No. 38 Love's Travel Stops / Fleetguard Ford F-150:
DRIVER LAYNE RIGGS:
"Phoenix is a fun track. I only have one previous start there, but Dylan (Cappello) knows a thing or two about winning at Phoenix. We have had an up and down season, but we want to carry our momentum from Martinsville into the last race to end the season on a strong note."
CREW CHIEF DYLAN CAPPELLO:
"Phoenix will always have a special place in my heart after winning the Championship with Zane (Smith). We're bringing a fast Ford F-150 and have a driver that has proven he has what it takes to win, we just need to execute and be there in the end."
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