By Vincent Delforge, Staff Writer
The second race of the twelve that make up the 2025 ARCA Menards West Series season takes place at Phoenix International Raceway, located in Avondale, AZ. This atypical one-mile oval is a traditional stop in the West Series since this will be the 55th time that a race will be held there since 1977. A first race won at the time by Cale Yarborough.
The General Tire 150 is a combined race for the fifth consecutive year with the ARCA Menards National Series. It will take place this Friday, March 7 in the evening with a start set for 6:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. ET. A 150-lap race divided into two segments with a break at or near lap 75.
Who says that a combined race means a big entry list? Indeed, 34 drivers are registered. Among them, there will be the usual drivers of the West led by the leader of the championship, Trevor Huddleston. But also the regulars of the national series led by the leader of the drivers’ standings Brenden Queen.
But also the return of Tyler Reif, second in the West Series championship the last two seasons and who will be a candidate this year for the crown of the East Series with his new team Sigma Performance Services.
We will also have the possibility of seeing Ryan Vargas, Isabella Robusto or Andy Jankowiak, among others.
Another return is that of Patrick Staropoli, former winner in the West Series in 2014 at Irwindale, he combines his life as a full-time doctor and his passion for car racing part-time. In his medical life, Dr. Patrick Staropoli is a board-certified medical and surgical retina specialist with Retina Consultants of Texas based in Houston. He is a published researcher in various areas of clinical practice. The full-time doctor and part-time racecar driver completed his ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the top-ranked eye hospital in the United States.
Did you know?
-Tyler Reif is the only former PIR winner present this year.
-It was in Phoenix on January 22, 1956, that the first race in the history of the West Series took place on a paved oval. It was already a one-mile oval but not the one we visit today at Avondale. At the time, it was the Arizona State Fairgrounds at Phoenix. A 150-lap race combined with the NASCAR Cup Series won by Buck Baker.
The Race Procedure
CREW CHIEF HANDOUT: The starting field for the General Tire 150 is limited to 32 starters plus provisionals. Eight (8) total provisional starting positions (4 AMS, 4 AMSW) will be reserved: AMS – two 2024 owners point standings, two Golden A 2024 owner point standings; AMSW – four 2024 owner point standings. In case of no eligible Golden A, the respective provisional(s) will be determined by 2024 owner points. specifications.
QUALIFYING: The Starting lineup is set by speeds in Timed Session qualifying, plus provisionals. No adjustments or repairs may be made to the car after entering pit road to qualify. All cars must make a qualifying attempt, and all drivers must practice before they can qualify.
RACE PIT STOP: Break pitting procedure. Break at or near Lap 75. No adding or moving tires to or from the pit box once the race has started.
TIRE ALLOTMENT: Per the ARCA Rulebook, the maximum tire usage for this event (purchased plus from-home tires) is 12.
ARCA West quick stats at Phoenix
-72nd season in history.
-Race No. 1030 since the inception of the West Series in 1954.
-2025 race No. 2 of 12.
-693rd paved oval race in history.
-55th race at Phoenix Raceway since 1977.
-Among the manufacturers, Chevrolet leads the dance with 17 wins ahead of Ford (14), Toyota (12), Pontiac (6), Dodge (3) and Buick (2). The all-time most successful manufacturer is Ford with 293 wins..
-The all-time most successful owners in history are Bill McAnally (99), Fred Elder (45), Bob Bruncati (42) and Ernie Conn (41). The all-time most successful teams in history are Bill McAnally Racing (99), McCoy Racing (54), The Racing Farmers (47), Bruncati Racing (42) and Gene Price Motorsports (26).
-Bill McAnally Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing are the most victorious teams in Phoenix with five wins each. Petty Enterprises and Gene Price Motorsports follow with three wins each. The all-time most successful owners in history are Bill McAnally (99), Fred Elder (45), Bob Bruncati (42) and Ernie Conn (41).
-Last year in November, Connor Zilisch became the 212th winner in West Series history.
-Ken Schrader is the most successful driver at Phoenix with four wins. Richard Petty, Greg Pursley and Ty Gibbs follow with three. In all, 39 different drivers have won at least one race at Phoenix.
-16 times in 54 races, the pole-sitter wins at Phoenix.
-Joe Gibbs Racing is the most successful team in Phoenix with five poles ahead of Gene Price Motorsports and Duncan Racing with four poles each. The most successful team in history is Bill McAnally Racing with 79 poles. The most successful owner in history is Bill McAnally with 52 poles.
-Among the manufacturers, Chevrolet leads the dance with 21 poles ahead of Ford (12), Toyota (10), Buick (3), Dodge (3) and Pontiac (3). Note, two times in 2004 and 2021, the qualifying was cancelled due to rain.
-The all-time most successful manufacturer is Chevrolet with 261.
-Ricky Rudd won the race in 1995 from 29th position on the starting grid, which is a record.
-The track record is owned by Sammy Smith for Kyle Busch Motorsports at 135.491 mph achieved in 2022 (November race).
-As far as yellow flags are concerned, the record is 13 in 2023 (March race). The 2023 March race holds the record for the number of yellow flag laps with 78.
-Note that from 1988 to 1996, the Phoenix race was combined with the NASCAR Cup Series.
-The most leader changes occurred in 1993 with 20. The least leader change is zero, three times in 2012, 2014 and 2021 #2.
-The largest starting field was in 1996 and 1996 with 44 cars.
-The smallest starting field was in 2003 #2 with 22 cars.
-The driver with the most races is Brett Thomspon (24).
-The driver with the most wins is Ken Schrader (4)
-The drivers with the most poles are Mike Duncan, Greg Pursley and William Sawalich with 4.
-The drivers with the most Top 5 is Greg Pursley (8).
-The drivers with the most Top 10s are Greg Pursley and Brett Thompson with 10.
-The driver with the most laps is Ken Schrader (3614).
-The driver with the most laps lead is Mark Martin (448).
-12 times the race has been extended by an overtime (2003-01, 2005-03, 2007-02, 2009-03, 2010-02, 2014-01, 2014-14, 2015-13, 2019-14, 2022-01, 2022-11 and 2023-01).
-The race was shortened one time due to rain (2024-01)
The entry list includes 34 drivers. Among them, seven will make their debut in the West Series and twelve will make their first race at the PIR.
The Drivers
No. 03 Alex Clubb (Clubb Racing Inc.)
Last year in March, Alex’s race was a real ordeal. Puncture, loss of oil pressure, … He finished 30th. His worst result at the PIR in three races. Brian Clubb will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18th | 3 starts, best result 18th |
No. 05 David Smith (Shockwave Racing)
Getting a top 10 in the first race of the season is a great reward for the Canadian veteran whose perseverance despite the difficulties is a great lesson in humility and resilience and demonstrates once again that never giving up is the best way to succeed. Obviously, the competition will be tougher in Phoenix and the top 10 harder to reach. Last year, physically weakened, he left the wheel of his Toyota to Joey Iest during the race. This year, he intends to take the checkered flag himself. Brandon Carlson will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 29 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10th (3x) | 5 starts, best result 17th |
No. 06 Brayton Laster (WP Motorsports)
For his debut in West and PIR last year, our favorite pizza man had to settle for a start and park with Fast Track Racing. Indeed, he was using a chassis designed for superspeedways and not for a one-mile oval. This year, he is driving veteran owner Wayne Peterson’s No. 06. A car that Cody Dennison could not qualify last year. If this year, qualification is assured given the number of entries, let’s hope that the car will have enough pace to allow Laster not to stagnate at the back of the pack. Nate Moeller will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37th | 1 start, best result 37th |
No. 1 Robbie Kennealy (Jan’s Racing Team)
What better way to celebrate his 19th birthday (it was this March 3rd) than to get a big result? Kennealy will exceptionally use the number 1 instead of the number 9 for this race in Phoenix. The number 9 is assigned to the driver of the national series Tony Cosentino. But that does not change the ambitions of the eldest of the Kennealy brothers. He has done two races in Phoenix without managing to get a top 10. Note that with this car, Kyle Keller finished 10th last November. Chris Greaney will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 13 (2 DNS) | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4th | 2 starts, best result 18th |
No. 3 Adrian Ferrer (Central Coast Racing)
The young Spaniard had a very convincing race in Bakersfield while he was discovering the track. He will discover the PIR but that should not pose too many problems for him. His ability to learn and his ability to adapt to driving on ovals are remarkable for a young driver raised in the European way on road tracks. The top 10 is the goal. Gilbert Munoz will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7th | n/a |
No. 5 Eric Johnson, Jr. (Jerry Pitts Racing)
There is no doubt that Eric Johnson, Jr., 22 years old since February 17, will be keen to erase the poor performance of last November when he finished 15th after a race made complicated from the second lap following contact with the wall. But the ROTY 2024 has clearly moved up a level this year and is now playing for the top 5s and victory. Dustin Ash will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 17 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 4th | 2 starts, best result 15th |
No. 6 Lavar Scott (REV Racing)
Curiously, Lavar Scott and his REV Racing team had an anonymous race last November, finishing 12th after benefiting from a free pass. This year, he is one of the favorites for the ARCA national series championship. If last year, as a rookie, this misstep was forgivable, he will have to play at the front this time. Glenn Parker will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10th | 3 starts, best result 10th |
No. 9 Tony Cosentino (Fast Track Racing)
In 2023, during his last race in the West Series, Cosentino was driving for a team in which he was a shareholder. This time, he will be one of the four drivers entered by Andy Hillenburg’s team. His best career result is a 15th position obtained twice. The first time was at Evergreen in 2019 and the second was during his last race 2023 here in Phoenix. Chris Van Scoy will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15th (2x) | 2 starts, best result 15th |
No. 10 Brad Perez (Fast Track Racing)
Last year, at the start of the season, he made a brief appearance in the race with only 14 laps. The goal was to score some points for the owner standings. When will he be this year? We’ll see. But Perez deserves better than doing start and park. Joseth Carabantes will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38th | 1 start, best result 38th |
No. 11 Cody Dennison (Fast Track Racing)
Eighth in Bakersfield with Strike Mamba Racing, Dennison then raced in Daytona for Andy Hillenburg’s team. It is with this team that he will try his luck in Phoenix. Last year he was unable to qualify with Wayne Peterson Racing. But this year, no problem because with 34 drivers for 40 positions on the starting grid, he is assured of racing. But for what result? Indeed, last year, the team had done a start and park. Mike Sroufe will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 1 (1 DNQ) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8th | 0 start, 1 DNQ |
No. 12 Tim Monroe (Fast Track Racing)
Monroe has had two races in the West Series, both at PIR. The last one was in 2023. Both times he retired due to mechanical problems. Let’s wish him better luck this time around. Dick Doheny will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31st | 2 starts, best result 31st |
No. 13 Tanner Reif (Central Coast Racing)
Tanner started his season well at Barkersfield and plans to ride this good momentum in Phoenix. Last year with CRT he had a complicated race and was not able to compete in the top 10. Top 10 that he has already obtained twice in Phoenix with an eighth position as his best result in November 2022. Michael Munoz will, of course, be his crew chief. CCR has a long history in Phoenix and knows how to do well there. We will have to keep a close eye on the No. 13.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 26 | 2 | 10 | 17 | 2 | 1st (2x) | 5 starts, best result 8th |
No. 15 Treyten Lapcevich (Venturini Motorsports)
The young Canadian will make his debut in the West Series and at the same time discover the PIR. Champion 2023 in NASCAR Canada, he is full of talent and should be one to watch closely. Because he starts with one of the most successful teams on the ARCA platforms, Venturini Motorsports. He will have the No. 15 that Sean Hingorani led to the championship title during the last two seasons. Ron Otto will be his crew chief. The latter is extremely experienced, and this in all NASCAR series, including the Cup Series. It is in the East Series that has had the most success. Concerning the West Series, he did two races there between 2018 and 2019. Phoenix, he knows even if it goes back to the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series in 2006. At the time the start/finish line was where the backstretch is today.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | n/a |
No. 18 Brent Crews (Joe Gibbs Racing)
Very convincing last year for his debut at the PIR, Crew finished in a nice fifth position. He drove for Venturini Motorsports. This year he drives the No. 18 of Joe Gibbs Racing. To put it simply, he has THE car to beat in Phoenix in his hands. With it, William Sawalich has obtained the last four poles here and two victories. Seeing Crews play for the victory should, therefore, surprise no one! Matt Ross, the architect of Sawalich’s successes, will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2nd | 1 start, best result 5th |
No. 19 Jake Bollman (Bill McAnally Racing)
Last year, for his only race in the West Series, Bollman, who was driving for Mike Naake, ended his race in the wall on lap 58 here at PIR. This year, he will defend the colors of Bill McAnally Racing, the most successful team in history in Phoenix. Hopefully, this race is just the beginning of a great adventure with BMR. John Camilleri will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7th (2x) | 1 start, brest result 31st |
No. 20 Lawless Alan (Venturini Motorsports)
Lawless Alan has done five races in the West Series between 2019 and 2020 but never at the PIR. However, he knows this oval since he has driven there, for example, four times in the Craftsman Truck Series with a 13th position as his best result. His crew chief will be the talented Kevin Reed, Jr.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6th | n/a |
No. 23 Tyler Reif (Sigma Performance Services)
The 2023 and 2024 West Series vice-champion has changed teams for 2025. He has joined SPS, and this season, his main objective will be to win the East Series championship. But the team led by Joe Farré has planned a few races in the West Series, including Phoenix. The team obtained good results there last year. Third in March with Grant Enfinger and sixth in November with Kaden Honeycutt. As for Tyler Reif, it is here that he won his first victory in 2023. It is therefore quite logical that the No. 23 is among the favorites for victory. His crew chief will be Tom Ackerman.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 26 | 3 | 14 | 17 | 5 | 1st (3x) | 5 starts, best result 1st |
No. 25 Patrick Staropoli (Venturini Motorsports)
As mentioned in the introduction to this article, Dr. Staropoli is not only an expert in ophthalmology but also an excellent driver. His stint ten years ago in the West Series was crowned with success with a victory at Irwindale in 2014. At the time, he was driving for Bill McAnally Racing. This year, he returns to the wheel of a car entered by another Bill. Venturini Motorsports is the best team in the history of the ARCA Menards Series. Jamie Jones will be his crew chief. Note that if his 2025 program includes five races, Phoenix will be the only one in the West Series.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1st | n/a |
No. 28 Brenden Queen (Pinnacle Racing Group)
Winner at Daytona, rookie Brenden Queen had a superb race full of maturity at the height of his 27 years. It must be said that he drives for Mark Webb’s team, which was formidable in 2024. With Connor Zilisch, the No. 28 has been seen five times on Victory Lane in eight races (East and ARCA national series combined). In addition, the team won the last race in Phoenix last November with Zilisch. Not to mention Connor Mosack’s fourth position in March 2024. So it is logical to think that Queen will be one of the big favorites for the victory. Steven Dawson will be his crew chief as in Daytona.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | n/a |
No. 31 Tim Viens (Rise Motorsports)
A driver with experience in Craftsman Truck, Xfinity and the ARCA Menards National Series, veteran Tim Viens will make his first race in West and at PIR. It will be a different exercise for the one who has been seen more often racing on superspeedways in recent years. Tim Goulet, owner of the team, will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | n/a |
No. 46 Thad Moffitt (Nitro Motorsports)
Thad Moffitt has only done one race in the West Series in his career, it was in 2021 at the PIR. And it went well for him since he finished third in the race. Nick Tucker, owner of the team, has made a technical alliance with Venturini Motorsports for this year. It is, therefore, quite logical that Moffitt should fight at the front this Friday. But he will have to count on luck. At Daytona, despite an excellent pace he had retired following an accident. If in Florida, it is the Big One that is feared, here in Arizona, it is the dog leg which is often the place where the clashes are the most frequent. The experienced Shannon Rursch will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3rd | 1 start, best result: 3rd |
No. 48 Brad Smith (Smith Bros. Racing)
Last year, veteran Smith was unable to qualify while using a REV Racing backup car. This year, he gave up his place on the starting grid to Jeff Scofield at Daytona while securing the owner points. He will be doing his fourth race in the West Series and at the PIR. But each time it was a start and park. What will happen this year? His crew chief will be Gary Sevenans.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 3 (1 DNQ) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26th (1x) | 3 starts (1 DNQ), best result: 26th |
No. 50 Trevor Huddleston (High Point Racing)
Victorious in style in Bakersfield, the 2025 Huddleston seems to have reached maturity. Like fine wine, Trevor improves with age. The championship leader knows the PIR well but has curiously never obtained a top 5 there. In eight races, he has finished four times in the Top 10, with a seventh in 2020 as his best result. Jeff Schrader, his crew chief, is hyper experienced, and together they should lead the No. 50 to join the fight for the victory.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 78 | 6 | 31 | 63 | 3 | 1st (6x) | 8 starts, best result: 7th |
No. 51 Blake Lothian (Strike Mamba Racing)
Lothian and SMR’s first race in Bakersfield was complicated, to say the least. But any rookie driver, especially with a rookie team, needs time to adapt to become efficient. Blake will discover the PIR. Bringing the car back in one piece and going to the end of the race to gain experience will be the main objective for the No. 51. John Reaume will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11th | n/a |
No. 55 Isabella Robusto (Venturini Motorsports)
To say that Isabella Robusto is an excellent driver is an understatement. She has shown in each of her appearances that she has only one goal: victory. And she has come close on several occasions. All she needed was a little luck. Last year, for her first career race in the PIR and West Series, she rode at the front, occupying a podium spot for a long time, which she only lost after contact with an opponent. This year she will be a favorite for the victory as well as for the title of champion in the ARCA national category. Larry Balsitis will be her crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2nd | 1 start, best result 6th |
No. 67 Ryan Vargas (Maples Motorsports)
Vargas is a driver with experience in many NASCAR series. Whether it is the Xfinity or the Craftsman Truck. He has also driven in the East Series and in the European series. But curiously, he has never raced in the West Series or even in the ARCA national series. It is at the wheel of the No. 67, second car of Michael Maples’ team, that he will make his debut. However, he knows the PIR for having already driven there six times in the Xfinity Series, for example. Kyle Totman will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | n/a |
No. 71 Kyle Keller (Jan’s Racing Team)
So close to his first career win at Bakersfield, Keller has the means to fight for the win here too. Last year, he got the 10th position. His second top 10 at PIR after his fifth position in 2023. Keller is very good at Phoenix and if the car is good, he will be one to watch closely. He has done all the laps in the last four races held at Phoenix. Because in addition to being fast, he is consistent and knows how to bring his car to the end while avoiding pitfalls. And yet in Phoenix, the races are often chaotic. Brian Kizer will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 35 | 0 | 10 | 23 | 0 | 2nd | 6 starts, best result: 5th |
No. 72 Jonathan Reaume (Strike Mamba Racing)
Withdraw here in November 2024 with Reaume Brothers Racing, which this year became Strike Mamba Racing. The 35-year-old Canadian will finally make his debut in the West Series and in Phoenix this year. In Bakersfield, it was Cody Dennison who drove the No. 72. Canadian Al Lebert will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | n/a |
No. 73 Andy Jankowiak (KLAS Motorsports)
His first career race in West and PIR was complicated last year. The victim of a puncture on the first lap, the lost time could not be made up. The friendly plumber will be keen to do much better this year. Mike Dayton will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27th | 1 start, best result: 27th |
No. 76 Kole Raz (AM Racing)
In his first race with AM Racing, Kole Raz finished ninth here last year in November. The team has since raced at Daytona in February with a fine sixth place under the checkered flag. With crew chief Ryan London, the No. 76 will be a car to watch closely.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 7 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 1st | 1 start, best result: 9th |
No. 77 Corey Day (Spire Motorsports)
A driver from Clovis, CA, it was surprising not to have seen Corey Day drive in the West Series yet. That will happen this Friday. With Spire Motorsports and the support of Rick Hendrick, his future in NASCAR looks bright. This young driver has the experienced crew chief Mark McFarland at his side.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | n/a |
No. 86 Alex Malycke (Clubb Racing Inc.)
Malycke had to retire last November due to an electrical problem. He was driving for Nascimento-Joiner Motorsports. This year, he will drive the No. 86, the second car of the Clubb Racing Inc. team led by owner/driver Alex Clubb. Robert Clubb will be his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19th | 1 start, best result 22nd |
No. 97 Jason Kitzmiller (CR7 Motorsports)
If CR7 Motorsports has already raced in the West Series and in Phoenix in 2023 with Landen Lewis, who had obtained a nice sixth position. This will, however, be the first time with his usual driver in the ARCA national series, Jason Kitzmiller, the first race of his career in the West and at the PIR. Kitzmiller has obtained nine top 10s in 28 races in the national series, all on ovals between 1.5 and 2.5 miles. What will he do on a one-mile oval after finishing third at Daytona last month? His crew chief will be the legendary ARCA driver Frank Kimmel.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | n/a |
No. 99 Michael Maples (Maples Motorsports)
Having had an accident during the first lap of the race last year, Maples was still able to reach the finish line in 29th and last position of the drivers who saw the checkered flag. He was driving for Fast Track Racing. This year he is riding with his own team and Jeremy Petit is his crew chief.
| Starts | Wins | Top5 | Top10 | Pole | Best result | At Phoenix |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29th | 1 start, best result 29th |
Final notes
-Some West Series teams that have been present at the PIR in recent years are absent this time. Among them are Naake Motorsports, Fierce Creature Racing, Performance P-1 Motorsports, and Nascimento-Joiner Motorsports. We hope to see them again very soon at other races.