SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., (October 18, 1996) -- Many of the NASCAR Winston West Series teams will be traveling to Arizona to compete against NASCAR Winston Cup Series teams at Phoenix International Raceway in the Dura Lube 500 on Sunday, Oct. 27. The event is the 14th of 15 NASCAR Winston West Series races in 1996 and the second of two combination races with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.
There have been eight NASCAR Winston Cup/Winston West combination races at Phoenix International Raceway, beginning in 1988. An average of six Winston West drivers have competed in each race. The most were in 1992 when nine Winston West racers competed and the least were in 1995, with just two Winston West competitors in the event.
The average starting position of the Winston West drivers is 36th. The best starting position by a Winston West driver was in 1988 when Hershel McGriff began from the 19th spot on the grid. The average finishing position for Winston West drivers in the eight events is 32nd. The best finish by a Winston West competitor was in 1990 when Bill Schmitt finished 18th.
With just 50 points separating Lance Hooper and Jeff Krogh in the championship standings for the NASCAR Winston West Series, this year's chase for the title is the tightest since the series schedule was expanded in 1993.
Through 13 races the top 10 in the series point standings are: Lance Hooper 2,135, Jeff Krogh 2,085, Larry Gunselman 1,991, Mark Krogh 1,851, Rich Woodland Jr. 1,806, Scott Gaylord 1,776, Joe Bean 1,740, Bill McAnally 1,593, Butch Gilliland 1,525 and Jack Sellers 1,333.
After 13 races a year ago the series point standings were: Doug George 2,214, Butch Gilliland 2,074, Ernie Cope 2,056, Dan Obrist 1,940, Scott Gaylord 1,771, Rich Woodland Jr. 1,706, Larry J. Pryor 1,554, Bill McAnally 1,484, Garrett Evans 1,433 and Wayne Jacks 1,420.
Personal notes: Several Winston West drivers are celebrating birthdays just prior to the race in Phoenix. Pete Graham turned 35 on Oct. 21. Larry Gaylord turned 52 on the same day. And St. James Davis will celebrate his 53rd birthday on Oct. 24.
