NXS Race Preview: Powershares QQQ 300
The NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) kicks off their 2017 season in the Powershares QQQ 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday afternoon, there first of two trips! This is the first of 33 events in the 2017 season.
44 drivers have entered into the event to compete for 40 spots in the race. Numerous Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers are slated to compete in the event, including 2016 NXS Champion, Daniel Suarez.
This will be the 51st event at Daytona for the Xfinity series. There have been 37 different pole winners, and 26 different race winners. The race has been won from the pole position four times with Clint Bowyer being the last to do so in 2009. Tommy Houston set the race record in 1987 at 194.389 mph. Geoff Bodine holds the race record at 157.137 mph set back in 1985.
Drivers are excited to be back on track in 2017, especially with the new competition enhancements.
“I have been waiting to get behind the wheel of the No. 9 Liberty University Chevrolet since Homestead. Throughout the offseason, we have been working hard in the shop and in the simulator just getting ready for 2017. This organization is more than ready to get the season under way and I’m more than ready to get behind the wheel,” said William Byron, who moved up from Camping World Truck Series competition.
“It’s awesome to be able to say my first win was at Daytona, but I think winning here twice would mean even more to me and the team and I’m ready to get back to victory lane,” said Ryan Reed. “We’ve been working hard this offseason and I can’t wait to get the season started.”
"I am excited to work with all of the guys at JGL Racing. Daytona is always a special race for me as it is so close to home. It doesn't get much better than lots of family, friends and a fast race car at my home track. Everyone at JGL Racing has been great to work with and they have prepared a fast car for me. With Joe Gibbs Racing horsepower and a strong No. 24 Toyota - I have high expectations for this weekend in Daytona,” said Scott Lagasse Jr.
The Powershares QQQ 300 will be broadcasted on Motor Racing Network and Fox Sports 1 beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST on February 25th. Greg Biffle will join the Motor Racing Network booth team for the race, while Kevin Harvick will be in the booth for Fox Sports 1.
Caleb Whisler
I am 19 years old from Atlanta, GA. I have been following motorsports since I was born. Motorsports has been "passed down" in my family. I am named after NASCAR Hall of Famer, William Caleb Yarborough, also known as Cale. Growing up in the southeast, racing was something that was a Sunday tradition after church. What an honor it is to share that passion with others.