Joe Gibbs Racing returns to Phoenix Raceway for the NASCAR Xfinity Series finale, aiming to extend its legacy of success at the track. The team’s strong history and strategic driver lineup put the spotlight on Joe Gibbs Racing Phoenix Raceway as a top storyline heading into this high-stakes weekend.
Rich Legacy for JGR at Phoenix Raceway
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has built an impressive record at Phoenix Raceway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, accumulating 18 wins over 128 starts, along with 56 top-five, 89 top-10 finishes, 23 pole positions, and more than 3,500 laps led. Past victors such as Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, Ty Gibbs, Daniel Hemric, Brandon Jones, Joey Logano, Chandler Smith, Sammy Smith, and Aric Almirola have all contributed to this formidable tally. Notably, Daniel Hemric and Ty Gibbs secured series championships at this venue in 2021 and 2022, respectively, further cementing JGR’s dominance at Phoenix.
Recent Performances Set Tone for Finale
Earlier in the season, Joe Gibbs Racing celebrated a Phoenix victory as Aric Almirola led 25 laps on his way to the win. During that race, teammates Brandon Jones and Taylor Gray also scored top-10 performances, finishing third and sixth. Their consistent performance at the track highlights JGR’s continued preparedness for pivotal races. On the modified circuit, Justin Bonsignore has also brought momentum with three poles, eight top-five results, a win, and a runner-up position in his current championship chase, setting the stage for a strong debut at Phoenix in the Xfinity Series.
Team Adjustments: Sawalich Sidelined, Bonsignore Steps In
William Sawalich will not compete in the upcoming Phoenix event due to lingering concussion-like symptoms suffered after a crash at Talladega Superspeedway. In his place, Justin Bonsignore will again drive the No. 18 SoundGear Toyota GR Supra, marking his second consecutive substitute appearance after racing at Martinsville. Sawalich expressed his feelings in a statement:
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get medically cleared to compete this weekend in Phoenix,”
Sawalich said.
“As a driver, you want to be behind the wheel for your team, but I understand the importance of being fully ready before returning. As I continue to work toward getting back to 100%, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Collins and his UPMC staff. I also want to thank Jeff Meendering, the No. 18 team and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing for their unwavering support this season. We will be prepared and ready to go when the season begins in Daytona this February.”
— William Sawalich, Driver
Making his Xfinity Series debut at Phoenix, Bonsignore brings recent momentum after achieving his first-ever top-10 finish in the series at Martinsville. Alongside crew chief Jeff Meendering, who boasts a strong track record with 10 career wins in the Xfinity Series, the duo will look to build on this momentum in the mechanically sound SoundGear Toyota entry.
SoundGear and Starkey: Partners in Protection
SoundGear, featured on the No. 18 car, is recognized for innovating digital hearing protection and enhancement solutions ideal for high-noise professions, motorsports, and outdoor activities. Manufactured by Starkey, an industry leader in hearing healthcare headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, SoundGear’s presence further aligns the team with high-performance technology and wellbeing for both athletes and fans.
Focus on Aric Almirola: Chasing Another Phoenix Victory
Aric Almirola returns to Phoenix after securing a dramatic overtime win there earlier in the spring. In that race, he qualified eighth, led 25 laps, and sealed the victory for his team. Over 10 career Xfinity starts at Phoenix, Almirola has logged two top-fives, four top-10 finishes, and a pole position.
Recently, Almirola and the No. 19 Young Life Toyota GR Supra team clinched a Las Vegas win, guaranteeing their spot in the Championship Four for the Owners’ Championship. Throughout the season, the No. 19 team has relied on a mix of drivers — including Bonsignore, Riley Herbst, Jack Perkins, Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell — who together have achieved three wins in 2025. This adaptability gives the team an edge as the season approaches its climax.
Almirola Lines Up for Owners’ Title Bid
At the series finale, Almirola will compete against Austin Hill, Justin Allgaier, and Connor Zilisch, with all four drivers tasked to secure the Owners’ Championship for their respective squads. Almirola’s recent run at Martinsville strengthened his credentials, qualifying third, leading 51 laps, and finishing in the top five. Team manager and crew chief Seth Chavka leads the No. 19 team this season, fresh from a rookie campaign working with multiple drivers. Under Chavka’s guidance, the team has earned three wins this year, including Phoenix, Bristol Motor Speedway’s night race, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Young Life Continues Support for the No. 19 Team
Youth outreach mission Young Life is the featured partner on Almirola’s car, maintaining a nationwide and global presence dedicated to mentoring and supporting adolescents. The partnership reflects JGR’s commitment to connecting with fans and communities on and off the track.
Brandon Jones Targets Strong Finish in Magickwoods/Menards Toyota
Brandon Jones will pilot the No. 20 Magickwoods/Menards Toyota GR Supra in Phoenix, where he notched his second Xfinity career win in 2020. With 19 starts on the Arizona oval, Jones has compiled a win, four top-fives, eight top-10s, and 59 laps led. Earlier this year at Phoenix, he secured a third-place result, earning the best finish among full-time drivers at that event.
In his most recent outing at Martinsville, Jones started 11th and powered through the field, finishing third after contending for the win late in the race. The effort placed him just four points shy of advancing in the playoffs. Currently tied for sixth in the standings and trailing Sam Mayer by two points, Jones will compete head-to-head with Austin Hill for a top-five finish in the championship, following Mayer’s recent suspension.
Partnerships and Crew Chief Make the Difference
For the 2025 season, Jones teams up with crew chief Sam McAulay, who delivered a standout first year leading Sheldon Creed to multiple top-fives and his own breakthrough win at Darlington. McAulay’s rapid rise includes 23 top-fives, 35 top-10s, and two Xfinity Series victories so far, providing crucial experience for Jones’s campaign.
Longtime sponsor Menards extends its relationship with Jones into an 11th year, reflecting continuity and stability for the No. 20 team. Meanwhile, MagickWoods cabinetry elevates the racecar’s profile and offers home improvement expertise to the motorsports community.
Taylor Gray and the Operation 300 Toyota
Taylor Gray, fresh off capturing his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory last weekend at Martinsville after leading a race-high 52 laps, becomes the 15th driver to claim their maiden Xfinity win with JGR. At Phoenix, Gray has recorded starts of ninth and sixth in his brief Xfinity career, along with a notable ARCA Menards Series West win at the track in 2022. His Truck Series and ARCA experience at Phoenix, with several top-five results, further build his case as a rising contender.
Guided by veteran crew chief Jason Ratcliff, the most successful chief in series history with 58 wins, Gray benefits from an expert at navigating Phoenix’s one-mile circuit. Ratcliff’s record includes four Phoenix wins, nine top-fives, 16 top-10s, and five pole awards over 29 starts, plus a Cup Series victory with Matt Kenseth in 2017 at the same location.
Spotlight on Operation 300
This weekend, the No. 54 Toyota GR Supra features Operation 300, a charitable organization that organizes adventure camps for children who have lost a parent in military service. Each child is matched with a father-aged mentor, offering a supportive experience that helps restore some of the guidance and companionship a child would have received from their parent. Through this partnership, JGR uses its racing platform to connect with and support the broader military community and families facing loss.
Implications for Championship and Team Legacy
With the final race at Phoenix Raceway approaching, Joe Gibbs Racing aims to add to its trophy cabinet and solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in the Xfinity Series. The mix of experienced winners and ambitious young talent, combined with strategic partnerships and a strong support network, make JGR a formidable presence. The outcome at Phoenix will not only shape the 2025 Owners’ Championship battle but may also launch new stars and deepen partnerships for seasons ahead. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as the action unfolds at the iconic desert track.
