Myers Racing made an exciting debut in the NASCAR Grand National Division this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway for the United Rentals 100. For rookie driver Andrew Myers, it was his first visit to the speedway. During practice, the newly founded team put together a surprising run, setting a top six time with mixed company of Nextel Cup drivers Kevin Harvick and Ken Schrader.
"I really love this track," Myers told his team after exiting his car when the practice was cut short due to rain. "It's been a while since I've gotten to drive that fast," referring to when he used to race SCORE off-road races before deciding to drive a NASCAR late-model at Irwindale Speedway.
Qualifying efforts proved to be more challenging. As Myers came through turn two on his first lap, he spun the car and brushed the wall. "I knew I had a fast car, and when I drove into [turn] one it felt real good. I just got back on the gas too hard and on those cold tires I just couldn't save it. We should be okay for the race, but I'm going to have a lot of traffic to work through and this is a very technical track to pass," commented Myers. The crew worked diligently to repair the car, but Myers was required to start the race at the back of the field since there was no qualifying lap completed.
However, pass he did, moving up sixteen spots to finish the race above half the pack in seventeenth. Due to intermittent communications, Myers was forced to be very cautious of the field. He did a lot of mirror driving and managed to stay out of trouble. "I would have liked to have made a harder run for my mom's birthday, but I didn't want to be the cause of a huge wreck either. I am pleased with the weekend, we learned a lot and I look forward to Mesa," said Andrew after the race.
Based on NASCAR's unofficial schedule, Myers Racing will make its next
appearance in the Toyota of Escondido racecar at Mesa Marin Raceway in
Bakersfield, California on April 9. Look for Andrew Myers to put his best
foot forward in the Lucas Oil 150. He has performed well at this 1/2 mile
track in events in the past.
