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Sports

Busch, JGR aiming for another Nationwide win at Phoenix

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Avondale, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) - Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing have figured out Phoenix International Raceway very well in Nationwide Series competition over the years.

This weekend, Busch will attempt to win his third consecutive Nationwide race at Phoenix, while Joe Gibbs Racing will go for its fourth straight victory in the series there.

Busch drove the No. 54 Toyota for JGR in 26 Nationwide races during the 2013 season. He scored a series-season-high 12 wins, including victories in both events at Phoenix.

In last year's spring race here, Busch started on the pole and led the first 40 laps before he overshot his pit stall and then received a pit-road speeding penalty during the first round of stops. He dropped to 22nd in the field but quickly rebounded, as he reclaimed the top spot on lap 89 and then dominated from there. Busch ended an 18-month winless streak in the series. He drove for his own Nationwide team during the 2012 season before returning to JGR for the start of the '13 season.

When the series most recently competed at Phoenix last November, Busch also started on the pole and led 169 of 200 laps.

Busch holds the record for most career Nationwide race wins with 63. He has six victories in the series at Phoenix, which is more than any other driver.

"I can't say enough about Joe Gibbs Racing -- all these guys on this team," Busch said. "They do a phenomenal job, and it pays off. We saw it last year. We've seen it in the Nationwide Series for years at JGR."

Joey Logano won the fall race at Phoenix in 2012, driving for JGR at the time. Logano started on the pole and put on a dominating performance in that event as well, leading 168 of 204 laps.

Busch is scheduled to drive the No. 54 car in 26 Nationwide races again this season, while Sam Hornish Jr. will be behind the wheel of it in the remaining seven events. Busch finished fourth in last Saturday's season-opener at Daytona. He led a race-high 44 laps.

"It's fun to go out there and win in the Nationwide Series," Busch said. "Hopefully, we can get it done again early, to set the tone for the rest of the year. Last week's Daytona race went good. Wish I could have gotten it right out of the gate, but look forward to seeing if we can repeat [at Phoenix]. I think we'll have the car to do it."

Thirty-nine teams are on the entry list for the Blue Jeans Go Green 200.

Series: NASCAR Nationwide. Date: Saturday, March 1. Race: Blue Jeans Go Green 200. Site: Phoenix International Raceway. Track: 1-mile oval. Start time:3:45 p.m.ET. Laps: 200. Miles: 200. 2013 Winner: Kyle Busch. Television: ABC. Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN)/SIRIUS NASCAR Radio.