It’s NASCAR race day at Phoenix International Raceway and we’ve got the actual race start time, the starting lineup and some other facts about today’s race for you below.
NASCAR At Phoenix 2012: Start Time, Starting Lineup, TV/Radio Schedule And More
What time does the race start today? Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh – today’s grand marshal – will command drivers to fire their engines at 3:08 p.m. Eastern Time (that’s 1:08 p.m. in Phoenix). After a few pace laps, the field will take the green at 3:15 p.m. Eastern. So if you’re looking to skip the pre-race show, tune in at 3:15.
Race name/distance: The Subway Fresh Fit 500 is not 500 miles, but 500 kilometers around the 1-mile oval near Phoenix. The actual distance of the race is 312 miles, which makes it one of the shorter NASCAR races of the season.
TV and radio: Today’s race can be seen on FOX. Every Sprint Cup Series race through May will be on the FOX network. Unfortunately, there is no live streaming of the race – but you can listen on the Motor Racing Network’s Web site (just click the red link). You can also check MRN’s site for a list of affiliate stations in your area.
National anthem: R&B singer Brian McKnight and his two sons will sing the national anthem today. McKnight is known for hits such as “Back At One,” but also for having a record 16 Grammy nominations without ever winning.
Tickets: Though November’s Phoenix race was a sellout, tickets still remain for today’s race if you’re in the area and want to make a last-minute trip.
Weather: The unofficial NASCAR weatherman, Brian Neudorff, says NASCAR is in for a rain-free day at Phoenix (obviously a relief after Daytona). Neudorff is calling for temperatures in the low 80s with plenty of sunshine.
Last time: Jeff Gordon ended a 66-race winless drought by winning the Phoenix race in February, which was the second race of the season. Then, in November, Kasey Kahne snapped an 81-race winless streak while driving for Red Bull Racing. Perhaps another driver with a long winless streak could win today.
Starting lineup for today’s NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway:
- Mark Martin
- Tony Stewart
- Regan Smith
- Jimmie Johnson
- Juan Pablo Montoya
- Ryan Newman
- Greg Biffle
- Kevin Harvick
- Joey Logano
- Kasey Kahne
- Jeff Burton
- Kyle Busch
- Denny Hamlin
- Marcos Ambrose
- AJ Allmendinger
- Clint Bowyer
- Bobby Labonte
- Aric Almirola
- Kurt Busch
- Paul Menard
- Jamie McMurray
- Landon Cassill
- Dave Blaney
- Carl Edwards
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Matt Kenseth
- Scott Riggs
- Brad Keselowski
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Jeff Gordon
- Casey Mears
- David Reutimann
- Josh Wise
- David Ragan
- JJ Yeley
- David Gilliland
- Michael McDowell
- Joe Nemechek
- Robby Gordon
- Brendan Gaughan
- Travis Kvapil
- Mike Bliss
- David Stremme
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