Aric Almirola is still has a seven point advantage for the top non-Chase spot in the Championship Point Standings. Looking for the best points finish they can, the No. 43 U.S. Air Force team will look to compete up front this weekend. The team had great success at the high-banked, one mile Dover International Speedway scoring two Top-Five finishes this season. They also showed consistency at the low-banked, one mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway where they scored a Top-15 finish in the summer and after their best start at the track an accident early in the fall race relegated the team to a 43rd-place finish. They'll work to translate the success they've found at the one mile tracks this year to the low banking, one-mile track in Phoenix.

 

Almirola has nine Sprint Cup Series starts under his belt at the Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway. He scored three Top-15 finishes with his best finish of 12th scored in the 2012 spring race. He also tallied six XFINITY Series starts where he posted two Top-10 finishes and won a pole. He scored his best finish of sixth in 2010.

 

Fans at Phoenix International Raceway will have the opportunity to see the second flyover ever by the F35. The F35 will replace the U.S. Air Force's aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II's, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years, and bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate. With its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics, the F-35A will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations.