Two races. 200 laps. Saturday night. Tucson Speedway. Raise your hand if you’re in.
One of the toughest short tracks on the West coast, Tucson Speedway, will host the Port of Tucson Twin 100s on Saturday night, the third and fourth rounds of the 2019 season.
Kody Vanderwal scored the underdog story of the season in 2018, sweeping both twins last season for his first career victories. But Vanderwal will have to contend with the likes of multiple-time winners in the series if he wants to replicate his 2018 success in the desert.
PORT OF TUCSON TWIN 100s AT TUCSON SPEEDWAY
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
Vanderwal returns to the sight of his sweep last season, a pair of results that, frankly, not many saw coming. The No. 43 won both Twin 100s, Vanderwal’s first two career victories coming in a three-hour span.
This season, the LaSalle, Colorado, native has finishes of fourth at Las Vegas and 18th at Irwindale after encountering an issue early in the race. Tucson seems like a prime spot to get back on track. As for his team owner, Matt Levin, Tucson also represents a special place.
A Tucson, Arizona, native, Levin has a series-high five starts at the 0.375-mile track, leading 28 laps. Vanderwal is in his first season driving for Levin, and the K&N Pro Series West veteran would like nothing more to claim the checkered flag at his home track.
At Virginia’s South Boston Speedway, Tanner Gray and Derek Kraus earned trophies in the WhosYourDriver.org Twin 100s. Although only Kraus is running a full K&N Pro West slate, both will be making the trip to Tucson. This will be Gray’s second K&N West race in a row (he was runner-up at Irwindale), whereas Kraus, who is now the K&N Pro East championship points leader, is looking to improve upon his sixth- and third-place results this season in the West.
Along with Kraus and Vanderwal, Irwindale winner Trevor Huddleston is the only other driver with a top five on their Tucson resume. His Sunrise Ford teammate Jagger Jones, who competed in the Norra 1000 this past week, is making his first appearance.
Hailie Deegan finished 10th and 12th in the Twin 100s and comes back West holding the series’ championship points lead.
RACE FACTS
| RACE | PORT OF TUCSON TWIN 100S |
|---|---|
| PLACE | Tucson (Arizona) Speedway |
| DATE | Saturday, May 11, 2019 |
| TIME | Race No. 1: 7 p.m. ET (approx.) | Race No. 2: 9 p.m. ET (approx.) |
| TELEVISION | FansChoice.TV (live), 7 p.m.; NBCSN — Race No. 1: Wednesday, May 22, 4 p.m. ET | Race No. 2: Wednesday, May 22, 7 p.m. ET |
| TRACK LAYOUT | 0.375-mile paved oval |
| 2018 WINNER | Race No. 1: Kody Vanderwal | Race No. 2: Kody Vanderwal |
| 2018 POLE | Race No. 1: Derek Kraus | Race No. 2: Derek Kraus |
| EVENT SCHEDULE | SATURDAY: Garage opens: 10 a.m.; Practice: 12:45-1:30 p.m., Final Practice: 1:45-2:30 p.m.; Group Qualifying: 4:45 p.m.; Driver Autograph Session: 6 p.m.; Driver Introductions: 6:45 p.m.; Port of Tucson Twin 100 No. 1: 7p.m.; Port of Tucson Twin 100 No. 2: 9 p.m. |
| @TucsonSpeedway | |
| HASHTAG | #PortOfTucsonTwin100s, #KNWEST |
CREW CHIEF HANDOUT: The starting field for each Port of Tucson Twin 100 race is limited to 22 starters, including provisional positions. The first 18 drivers will secure starting positions based on group qualifying for the Port of Tucson Twin 100 races. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process.
The number of groups for qualifying will be determined by NASCAR. Each group qualifying session will be five (5) minutes in duration and the fastest single lap speed of each vehicle will determine starting positions 1st through 18th. Adjustments or repairs may not be made on a vehicle after the vehicle enters the track to begin the qualifying session. Vehicles may not return to the track or make any further qualifying laps unless directed to do so by a NASCAR Official or in the event of a caution. If a vehicle returns to pit road, the vehicle‘s qualifying attempt is complete. Once a vehicle‘s qualifying attempt is complete the vehicle must proceed directly to the designated impound area once it enters pit road. In the event of a caution, all vehicle‘s must exit the track. Vehicles that elect to continue must proceed directly to the re-entry area of pit road and stop to the outside of pit road. No adjustments or repairs may be made to any vehicle on pit road or in the re-entry area during a caution except the removal of tape on the grille opening only, once removed the reinstallation of tape will not be permitted.
Starting positions for Race 2 will be determined by your fastest lap in Race 1 of the Twins.
Vehicles will be impounded after qualifying. Vehicles must qualify on race set up. Only minor adjustments will be permitted following qualifying (i.e. air pressure checked, tape removed). NASCAR Officials must oversee and authorize any and all work being done during this time period
Each Port of Tucson Twin 100 race will be 100 laps (38 miles) and is to be run in one (1) segment with no scheduled breaks.
The maximum tire allotment available for this event is: Four (4) tires for practice, four (4) tires for qualifying and to begin the race for a total of eight (8) tires
A team representative must designate qualifying and race tires to NASCAR Officials at the designated time. Teams will be allowed to bring one (1) set of tires from home to register for practice session(s). Tires must be proper code and registered with NASCAR Officials prior to the beginning of the practice sessions.
MEDIA CENTER:
NASCAR.com — K&N West: Todd Souza “Heading In The Right Direction” To Start 2019 | Bill Sedgwick Enjoying Early Success with Jagger Jones| Taylor Canfield On Sponsorship Hunt, Determined To Race In 2019 | Crew Chief John Camilleri Pursuing Championship with Derek Kraus
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