The list of drivers pre-entered for this event represent 11 states, as well as Canada and Belgium.
California has the most representation, with more than 20 drivers hailing from the Golden State.
Last year’s event ...
Two 16-year-old drivers for Joe Gibbs Racing swept the top two spots in this event a year ago.
Joey Logano appeared to have the car to beat throughout the event. He started from the outside of the front row and took the lead on lap four from two-time West champion Mike Duncan, who had won the pole award.
Andrew Myers, who notched his first career series victory with a win at PIR in 2006, mounted a strong challenge to Logano. Myers led laps 39-57, but an oil leak later necessitated a green flag pit stop and relegated him to a 26th-place finish. Logano, meanwhile, paced the field until pitting for fresh tires and fuel during a caution on lap 72.
David Mayhew, who had pitted during an earlier caution period, quickly moved to the point and began to pull away as Logano was left to work his way through the front runners. Although he initially reeled in Mayhew, the margin between first and second increased as the leaders worked their way through traffic. Mayhew’s hope for victory faded, however, as his car began to slow. After relinquishing the lead to Logano on lap 135, Mayhew dropped out with engine trouble.
Logano held on for the win in a two-lap dash to the finish after a late-race caution extended the race distance for a green-white-checkered finish. Logano’s teammate, Marc Davis, finished second, with veteran driver Mike David taking third.
Final Roseville notes
Third win … The win by Eric Holmes (No. 20 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota) at All American Speedway in Roseville on March 29 marked his third career victory.
Another 1-2 combo … The 1-2 finish at Roseville by Holmes and David Mayhew (No. 21 BayBioDiesel Chevrolet) was a repeat of their 1-2 finish in the season finale last year.
Strong debut … Jim Warn (No. 10 MJ2 Racing/Gran Prix Imports Chevrolet) was the top finishing Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate at Roseville, finishing eighth in his debut event.
2008 SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE YEAR STANDINGS
Driver Points
1. Jim Warn 10
2. Jamie Dick 9
3. Jason Patison 8
4. Wes Banks 7
5. Jeff Barkshire 6
6. Lloyd Mack 5
7. Ryan Philpott 4
COORS LIGHT POLE AWARD
Jason Bowles 1
CAMPING WORLD HAPPY CAMPER AWARD
Eric Holmes 1
POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE
Johnny Borneman 1
FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER
Jason Patison 1
The Race: Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150
The Place: Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway
The Date: Thursday, April 10
The Time: 7:15 p.m. (PT)
TV Schedule: HDNet (Live)
SPEED (enhanced replay) April 23, 12:00 p.m. (ET)
Track Layout: 1-mile paved
Race Purse: $210,926
2007 Winner: Joey Logano
2007 Pole: Mike Duncan
Rk Driver Points
1 Eric Holmes 190
2 David Mayhew 170
3 Mike David 165
4 J. Borneman 160
5 Moses Smith 155
6 E. Richardson 150
7 Eric Hardin 146
8 Jim Warn 142
9 Jamie Dick 138
10 Jason Patison 134
Schedule: Thursday: Practice 8-9 a.m., 9:15-10:05 a.m., Time Trials 2 p.m.
