AVONDALE, Arizona -- 2006 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southeast Series champion headed and west and claimed the final trophy for the AutoZone Elite Division in the Konica Minolta “125” for the Southwest Series at the desert mile known as Phoenix International Raceway. Norris was running fifth when the caution flew on lap 49 and he pitted with all the leaders, but with quick work from his crew he managed to pick up three spots and exited the pits in second behind leader Greg Pursley. Norris took the lead for good on lap 81 and never looked back crossing the finish line 4.1 seconds ahead of runner-up Eric Holmes. Craig Raudman, Brandon Riehl, and Eddy McKean rounded out the top five finishers.
“This is a huge victory for me and the team,” Norris said. “These Southwest Series guys are some of the best racers in the country and to come out here and win is a testament to my team. This is a great way to end the season.”
Finishing second was 2006 NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series champion Eric Holmes. “We all wanted to win the race but the track was a little slick and on old tires I just did not have enough for JR,” Holmes said. “I love this track and will miss racing these cars on it. This was an awesome event under the lights and I hope the fans really enjoyed it.”
Finishing third in his first race in more than two years was 2001 Southwest Series champion Craig Raudman. “I had a lot of fun tonight,” Raudman said. “It felt really good to get back behind the wheel and race again. I am real happy to have a good run as it gives us a lot of motivation for next year.”
The race took one hour, 21 minutes, and 45 seconds to complete at an average speed of 91.743 mph. The action was slowed four times for 23 laps of caution. There were three lead changes among three drivers with Greg Pursley leading the most laps. Pursley picked up his ninth career Bud Pole Award to lead the field to green while Eddy McKean claimed the $300 Featherlite Award. Roger Avants, winner of the very first Southwest Series race back in 1986 at the famed Saugus (CA) Speedway claimed the $750 PowerAde Award for improving the most positions in the event (24) and finished 14th.
For all the latest news and information regarding NASCAR, please log onto to www.nascar.com.
Konica Minolta "125"
NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES
Phoenix AZ November 9, 2006
Final leaders of Thursday's $111,417.00 NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, SOUTHWEST SERIES stock car race with driver's hometown, make and model of car, laps completed, winner's average speed, reason out (if any) and prize money.
1. JR Norris, Huntersville N.C., Ford Taurus, 125, 91.743 mph, $11,850
2. Eric Holmes, Escalon Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 125, $6,288
3. Craig Raudman, Redding Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 125, $4,200
4. Brandon Riehl, Boring Ore., Chevrolet, 125, $4,000
5. Eddy McKean, Jerome Idaho, Pontiac Grand Prix, 125, $4,188
6. Matt Crafton, Kernersville N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 125, $3,488
7. John Dillon, Eagle Idaho, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 125, $2,500
8. Burney Lamar, W. Sacramento Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 125, $2,300
9. M K Kanke, Frazier Park Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 125, $2,688
10. Jeff Barkshire, Auburn Wash., Dodge Intrepid, 125, $2,500
11. Tim Schendel, Sparta Wisc., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 125, $2,200
12. Nick Lynch, Burley Idaho, Chevrolet, 123, $1,650
13. Kyle Cattanach, Redding Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 123, $1,600
14. Roger Avants, Littleton Colo., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 123, $2,800
15. Eric Richardson, Bakersfield Calif., Ford Taurus, 123, $2,088
16. Jariod Prince, Vermilion Ohio, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 123, $1,475
17. Zan Sharp, Wellsville Utah, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 123, $1,925
18. Cody Pruitt, Bakersfield Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 123, $1,988
19. Stephan Sadler, Brea Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 122, $1,963
20. Greg Pursley, Canyon Country Calif., Chevrolet, 122, $1,800
21. Kevin Clark, Colorado Springs Colo., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 122, $1,913
22. Bruce Yackey, Greeley Colo., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 121, $1,800
23. Keith Spangler, Chatsworth Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 121, $1,838
24. Zack Niessner, Royal City Wash., Ford Taurus, 118, $1,225
25. Trevor Morrical, Brighton Colo., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 117, $1,200
26. Danny Mientka, Colorado Springs Colo., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 113, $1,175
27. Jay Sauls, Puyallup Wash., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 105, Overheating, $1,650
28. Ryan Lawler, Colleyville Texas, Ford Taurus, 102, Handling, $2,400
29. Stan Silva, Jr, Castroville Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 80, Accident, $1,738
30. Dan Fredrickson, Elko Minn., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 76, Handling, $1,650
31. Brandon Loverock, Santa Fe Springs Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 75, Oil Leak, $1,738
32. Leilani Munter, Mooresville N.C., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 74, Handling, $1,150
33. Kelly Tanner, Auburn Wash., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 60, Engine, $1,150
34. Travis McCullough, Lodi Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 59, Accident, $1,738
35. Shane Mitchell, Wenatchee Wash., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 59, Accident, $1,650
36. Chris Ratterree, Nampa Idaho, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 57, Handling, $1,150
37. Greg Voigt, Santa Barbara Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 54, Electrical, $1,738
38. Darrell Lamoure, Phoenix Ariz., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 48, Engine, $1,738
39. Rick Wall, Irvine Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 47, Brakes, $1,150
40. Brett Edwards, Yucaipa Calif., Ford Taurus, 41, Engine, $1,150
41. David Mayhew, Atascadero Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 39, Engine, $1,738
42. Thomas Martin, Auburn Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 16, Engine, $1,738
Failed to Qualify: (3) Darren Bucklen (#24), Eddie Bryans (#76), Dan Holtz (#03).
Time of Race:1 hrs., 21 mins, 45 secs Average Speed: 91.743 mph Margin of Victory:4.172 Seconds
BUD POLE AWARD: Greg Pursley, 70 Star Nursery.Com/Dr. Q's Garden Products Chevrolet
FEATHERLITE AWARD: Eddy McKean, 19 Windmill Inns/Wide World of Maps Pontiac
POWERADE AWARD: Roger Avants, 27 Pro Vans USA/Napier Motorsports Chevrolet
Caution Flags: Laps 49-54; 56-58; 60-70; 77-79. 4 for 23 laps.
Lap Leaders: Greg Pursley 1-19, Eddy McKean 20-50, Greg Pursley 51-80, JR Norris 81-125.
Total Laps Led: Greg Pursley 49, JR Norris 45, Eddy McKean 31. 3 changes involving 3 drivers
