Robert Richardson, Jr. and the No. 23 North Texas Pipe Chevrolet team of R3 Motorsports are hoping for good things this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.
Despite incidents like burnt plug wires, batteries losing their charge and other factors that have hindered their finishes – the cars themselves have been racing better and better each week. This weekend, the team is hoping the one-mile oval PIR might be the answer for their good finish.
Right after the Spring race, heavy equipment rolled out onto the track to begin tearing up the asphalt surface. One total re-paving, slight track reconfiguration, pit wall and some new outer walls later – everyone is starting out on a fresh slate.
While the driver and crew chief are going to be busy figuring out what to do to be good on the new track, the car chief and crew will be working just as hard to keep up with the changes. Good thing there’s an extra practice in the schedule.
Adding to the already busy schedule of R3 Motorsports is the Scott Riggs will be attempting to make the 43-car Sprint Cup Series race. To date, 46 cars are entered meaning he has to beat three others to make that show.
Fast Facts: This will be Richardson’s 22nd NNS start of the year and 91st of his career. During those previous 21, he’s completed 3,308 of 4,140 laps contested and led one. His best finish of 20th took place at Richmond in May.
Track Facts: There have only been two previous PIR starts made by Richardson during his career. His first was in 2008 and his last was the Spring event. In that one, he finished 24th after starting 31st. He’s completed 96.7 percent (388 of 402) laps contested.
Robert Richardson, Jr. Quotes: “If we can just get the stupid stuff to go away for a few races, we’d probably be able to get the finishes we deserve for this team. Just when you get comfortable with your car and start to move forward, something goes wrong to take it away.
“But, that’s kind of what you have to deal with in this sport. Our cars have been good in the handling and how we’re qualifying right now. It’s going to be interesting to see how all of this plays on out with the new track there in Phoenix.
“I know Greg (Conner, crew chief) and Scott Riggs did the Cup test out there recently. So, we’ll be able to use some of their notes to help our Nationwide car. Either way, I’m gunning for that good finish this team needs – and deserves.”
Robert Richardson PR
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