JR Motorsports is preparing for an intense contest at Phoenix Raceway this weekend, as its drivers aim to secure pivotal results in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This preview highlights the team’s lineup, individual driver momentum, and organizational history at Phoenix, centering on the JR Motorsports Phoenix Raceway Preview and featuring standouts such as Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, and William Byron.
Team Overview for the Phoenix Raceway Event
The JR Motorsports O’Reilly Auto Parts Team will compete at Phoenix Raceway, a one-mile oval, during the GOVX 200, set for 200 laps or 200 miles. The race takes place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on the CW network, MRN, and SiriusXM Channel 90.
JR Motorsports has substantial experience at this location, recording 117 combined starts at Phoenix in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Over those races, the team has earned four victories, 31 top-five finishes, and 61 top-tens, with an average finishing position of 12.9. The organization continues to be a formidable presence at the Arizona track, drawing on deep competitive history and established driver talent.
Carson Kvapil: Gaining Experience and Backed by Expertise
Carson Kvapil returns to Phoenix Raceway for his third career start at this venue in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet. This season, Kvapil sits fifth in the points standings after three events, and at one-mile to two-mile tracks, he brings 22 starts, four top-fives, and seven top-ten results to his credit. Crew chief Rodney Childers, who oversees Kvapil’s efforts, brings valuable insight, having accumulated five victories at Phoenix in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic Sale, running from March 5 to 25, serves as a major event for outdoor enthusiasts, with sales on angling gear and programs like the Rod & Reel Trade-In encouraging youth participation in fishing.
“Phoenix is unlike any other track we race on and always presents a unique challenge. I know Rodney (Childers, crew chief) and the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops team will unload another fast car which gives me a lot confidence heading into this weekend. I can’t thank Johnny Morris and everyone at Bass Pro Shops enough for their support this season. It wouldn’t be possible without them.”
— Carson Kvapil, Driver
Justin Allgaier: A Proven Track Record at Phoenix
Justin Allgaier drives the No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet. He ranks third in the current points standings for the 2026 NOAPS season, with three starts that include one top-five and two top-10 finishes this year. Allgaier is no stranger to success at Phoenix Raceway, having won here twice — in this event in 2017 and again in the fall of 2019. Across 31 career starts at Phoenix, he boasts 13 top-fives and 21 top-10s, making this his most productive track in terms of top-10 finishes in the series.
Last year, Allgaier led a race-high 130 laps before crossing the line in fifth place, demonstrating his consistency and skill at Phoenix.
“Phoenix has always been one of my favorite tracks on the schedule. We’ve had some really great cars here over the years and I know that Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) and all the guys on this BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet team will give me another one this weekend capable of running up front and fighting for the win. We just need to go out and execute like we know we can and I see no reason why we won’t be where we want to be when the race ends Saturday night.”
— Justin Allgaier, Driver
Sammy Smith: Building Momentum with Recent Success
Sammy Smith pilots the No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet and arrives in Arizona ranked seventh in points. Smith is entering Phoenix for the eighth time in his NOAPS career, and he remains a contender after a third-place result at COTA last week. Smith’s milestone achievement at Phoenix came in the spring of 2023, when he started in 11th position and led 92 laps en route to his first NOAPS victory.
Across his Phoenix history, Smith has earned one top-five and five top-tens. According to NASCAR’s Loop Details Statistics, Smith is first among drivers in late-run speed and fourth for the percentage of laps spent in the top 15, at just over 80 percent. This weekend, Pilot shares space on the No. 8 car’s TV panel with Updike Distribution Logistics, a Phoenix-based provider of transportation services.
“Last week’s third-place finish in COTA was just what this No. 8 Pilot team needed after getting caught up in a wreck in Atlanta. We’re hungry to keep it going and I got my first win here at Phoenix, so we’ll be looking to capture that top spot again this weekend for Pilot, TMC and Allstate Peterbilt.”
— Sammy Smith, Driver
William Byron: Returning Champion Looks for Another Triumph
William Byron returns to JR Motorsports for the first of three planned O’Reilly Series starts this year, piloting the No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet. Byron, the 2017 Series Champion, has made three prior Phoenix starts in the series, securing one victory, two top-five finishes, and two top-tens. His Phoenix win came in 2017 during his title run with JR Motorsports. Over 33 career O’Reilly Series starts for the team, Byron has delivered four wins, 12 top-fives, and 22 top-tens.
“Phoenix has always been a track I enjoy because it really rewards precision and patience. I’m excited to make my first of three starts with the No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet and work with Mardy (Lindley, crew chief) and everyone at JR Motorsports. I’ve had a lot of great memories racing with JRM in the past, and it’s special to be back representing HENDRICKCARS.COM again. Our goal is to unload with speed, execute cleanly all day, and put ourselves in position to fight for the win.”
— William Byron, Driver
Engagement Opportunities and Additional Team Notes
JR Motorsports fans will have the chance to meet their favorite drivers during an autograph session this Saturday, March 7, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, and Rajah Caruth are expected to be at the team’s souvenir rig, offering further fan interaction during race weekend.
Beyond the drivers spotlighted here, JR Motorsports continues to foster connections with fans and the NASCAR community through initiatives, promotions, and public appearances, reinforcing its commitment to engaging supporters both at the track and beyond.
Looking Ahead to Race Day
With a mix of veterans and rising stars, JR Motorsports approaches the Phoenix Raceway weekend with optimism and ambition. The team’s collective history and the drivers’ previous results at this track provide reasons for confidence. As the Phoenix event approaches, all four highlighted drivers will be aiming to leverage their experience, teamwork, and recent momentum to deliver top performances and further the team’s competitive legacy in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
