11/13/2016
Two-Time Champion Stenhouse Jr. Returns to Score Third-Place Finish in XFINITY Race at Phoenix
AVONDALE, Ari. (Nov. 12, 2016) – After winning back-to-back championships in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) in 2011 and 2012, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. returned to the series at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) keeping his top-10 streak alive in all seven NXS starts with a solid third-place finish in Saturday night’s Ticket Galaxy 200.
“It has been a long time since I was in an XFINITY Mustang,” Stenhouse said. “Sunny D was nice enough to come on board and put us in this race. It took me awhile to get going and get used to the car again. We struggled in practice a little bit but it was fun getting to run this race. I hope it will help me for tomorrow, moving around and changing my line. All in all it was a good night and a fun night and we kept our good finishes in XFINITY Mustang going.”
After barely missing round three of qualifying, the Olive Branch, Miss. native lined up in the 13th position and quickly maneuvered his SunnyD Ford Mustang into the top-10 within the first 15 laps of the 200 lap race.
After running in the top-10 for a majority of the race, the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year lined up in the 12th for the final restart after numerous cars only took two tires in order to gain track position.
Stenhouse patiently marched his way forward picking up nine positions in the final laps to take the checkered flag in the third position scoring his fourth top-five finish in his past four NXS starts at PIR.
Stenhouse returns to action tomorrow for the Can-Am 500 where he will roll off in the 21st position in his Roush Performance Parts Ford. Race coverage will begin at 2 p.m. (EST) on NBC. The race can also be heard on MRN and SIRIUS radio channel 90.
