I’m digging the new schedule. Phoenix, which I’ll call the dogleg in the desert, is the perfect track to get back on track. Just call me Jimmie Johnson as I’ll be looking for a strong showing. Phoenix is 1 mile in length and doesn’t have much banking.
There is not another track quite like it on the circuit. Fuel mileage races don’t occur very often, but as you saw in the Chase last year, it can. Track position is extremely important as it is very hard to pass here.
First pit stall will be very important as well. Some of pit road is in the turn, making getting in and out of the pit box tricky. If anyone is going to the race, stay away from Rattlesnake Hill, the name says it all.
A list Ranks
1. Jimmie Johnson- With the 48 crew coming off a 27th place finish at the Daytona 500, they’ll be looking to win and Phoenix just so happens to be one of Jimmie’s best tracks. Over the past 3 years, his average finish is 2.5 and, as you’d imagine, he’s 6 for 6 in that time in collecting top 10′s, while leading 798 laps. The 48 is a lock for me.
2. Carl Edwards- Cousin Carl led 93 laps last time at Phoenix and won. He finished 7th in the 1st Phoenix race in 2010. If you remember, his team really started focusing on qualifying at the end of last year and he sat on the pole at the last Phoenix race. Three year average finish is 7.0 with 5 top 10′s in 6 races.
3. Denny Hamlin- Combined with Carl Edwards, the two dominated the last Phoenix race. I rank Denny behind Carl because I just have a feeling Carl starts hotter then the 11 team in 2011. Denny, while being a flat track master, hasn’t quite had the success in Phoenix that he’s had at other flat tracks like Martinsville. Three year average finish is 9.8 with 4 top 10′s in 6 starts.
Sure did not take long for Trevor Bayne to kill the 21 car early in practice. Even though he sid he knew something was amiss with the brakes. “not working right”. Brake pressure and locked up brakes were his clues. Perhaps this is where experience shows. Good kid said he really hates to ruin a racecar. Refreshing since others just shrug it off as if they dont care.
Now #78 has fire around brakes. 6 piston calipers,2” pads are needed big time at Phoenix.
they run lots of calipher..just a tuff braking track.
[...] Phoenix Fantasy NASCAR Driver Rankings – Kyle Wiseman [...]
Man you guys are on it. You are correct Paul i fixed it. I swear i thought it was his lone start but he has 3 starts. Good catch and thanks Paul.
average is 20th in 3starts not that impressive.
Correction Trevor Bayne finished 14th at Phoenix in the Nationwide race last fall on the lead lap.
I guess because Bobby used to drive the 43 and now drives 47 my brain got confused.
Great write-up…Bobby is actually for JTG Daugherty Racing (this year), but yes, they are a satellite program for MWR. hopefully he can get a W this year, he’s long overdue and has some Daytona Mo. He will most likely be on my PIR roster. Thanks, Bobby Lobotomy
Thanks for that
i like you rankigs for this race kwise, just wanted to let you know though, that Labonte isn’t with RPM, he’s with MWR…lol