After a two-week hiatus, the NASCAR Xfinity Series rides into Texas Motor Speedway for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300, the first night race of the season. The race on the 1.5-mile Fort Worth track will consist of 200 laps, which will add up to 300 miles. 42 drivers are on the roster; two will be eliminated after a three-round qualifying session tomorrow afternoon.*
There are eight NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers scheduled to perform double duty. The top guns include Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sprint Cup rookie candidate Chase Elliott, Aric Amirola, Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson. The other two ineligible drivers in the field are Matt DiBenedetto and Matt Tiftt.
While still running for the Camping World Truck Series title, Erik Jones captured last year’s race win by leading 30 laps. It was the 19-year-old’s first Xfinity career win. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver, scheduled to have Game Stop/Turtle Beach on his No. 18 Toyota, led 30 laps. Jones is currently ranked seventh in the Xfinity standings.
Acording to pre-weekend news and notes, the Sunoco Rookie Contender says that TMS has become one of his favorite tracks. “Texas Motor Speedway has quickly become one of my favorite tracks with a lot of great memories, from receiving my diploma at driver intros to winning my first XFINITY race,” Jones said. “It’s a place I’ve really enjoyed racing from the start and definitely one I’ve had circled on my calendar as one where we could get a win. It’s a fun place, a place where we can put on a show for the fans and that makes it a lot of fun for the drivers.”
Last year’s Xfinity rookie of the year Daniel Suarez currently holds a 10-point lead in the Xfinity Series Standings over second-place driver Elliott Sadler. The former NASCAR Next and Drive For Diversity participant is 19 points ahead of third-place racer Justin Allgaier. So far this season, Suarez has earned a pole, three top fives and five top 10s. In the first five races of the season, he has a 4.8 average finish.
After being close to a win at Fontana but running out of gas, Suarez is ready to get back on the track. “”I’m excited about going to Texas and getting back in my Toyota this week,” Suárez said. “We were so close to the win in Fontana and all I could think about over the break was getting back on the track with my guys. I enjoy racing at Texas (Motor Speedway) and I think our mile-and-a-half program at JGR is really strong. I’m excited to hit the track and continue to build on the momentum from the start of the year.”
Suarez has two starts at Texas including last year’s sixth-place finish. His average finish in the Lone Star state, is 12.0.
Xfinity Regulars To Watch Out For
Keep an eye on these Xfinity contenders:
- JR Motorsports driver Elliott Sadler is just 10 points behind Suarez but he is in position to overtake the lead. Sadler has 16 starts at Texas and has earned two poles. The Virginia native also boasts three top fives and nine top 10s. So far this season, Sadler has stayed steady recording two top fives and five top 10s.
- Yesterday, Brandon Jones threw the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Rangers baseball game against the Seattle Mariners. The Rangers will be on Jones’ No. 33 Chevrolet. Jones is a Sunoco Rookie Contender and currently is ranked fourth in the Xfinity standings.
- Ryan Preece is making his first Xfinity career start this weekend at Texas in the No. 01 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports. The rookie is currently 17th in the standings.
- Preece’s teammate Ross Chastain will be piloting the No. 4 Flex Seal Chevrolet. Chastain is a veteran at TMS, having already made two starts in the Xfinity and four in the Camping World Truck Series.
- Ray Black Jr. made his NXS debut at Fort Worth and currently has four career starts at the 1.5-mile oval; three are top-20 finishes. Like Chastain, Black Jr. also has truck racing experience. He will strap into the No. 07 Scuba Life Chevrolet.
Radio/TV Schedule (CDT)
Today (Thurs.)
3:00 – 4:25 PM – NXS Practice (FS1)
6:00 – 6:55 PM NXS Practice (Final) (FS1)
Tomorow (Fri.)
3:45 – 4:45 PM NXS Qualifying (FS1)
7:30 PM Race (FS1/PRN)
*UPDATE: The No. 89 of Morgan Shepherd has withdrawn from the field. There are now 41 entries with one facing elimination.
I didn’t decide I wanted to pursue a career in NASCAR until the summer of 2012. I’m not a wrench head or strong enough for a pit crew so media was the next best thing. At the beginning of 2013, I started going to races and making connections within the sport. I also studied Motorsports Management at Sports Management Worldwide. Although I love what happens on the track, I’ve always been interested in what goes on behind the scenes and I’ve gotten to know many people throughout the radio, TV and digital media world.
While I’m a long time writer, 2015 was my first year actually covering the sport with www.nascarfemale.com . I also became a media correspondent for Raceline. I’ve been able to help the TV show gain recognition on social media. My current goal is to acquire more experience in covering NASCAR and move up the media ladder. Outside of motorsports, I have been an equine-sports statistician for 16 years.
I currently reside in Gillette, WY where I’m still involved with horses. I enjoy riding them, rodeo, swimming, traveling and meeting people.
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