O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: Full Starting Lineup For The GOVX 200 At Phoenix Raceway

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series returns to Phoenix Raceway with a front row that immediately reshapes expectations for tonight’s GOVX 200. Taylor Gray delivered a blistering lap that stood untouched through the final minutes of qualifying. He secured the pole for Joe Gibbs Racing and signaled just how strong the organization is on short tracks this season.

Gray’s finishing lap, 27.535 seconds at 130.743 mph, wasn’t just quick. It was the kind of controlled, confident run that reflects a driver and team operating in sync. Defending series champion Jesse Love will start alongside him after missing the pole by just 0.010 seconds.

That razor‑thin margin underscores how competitive Phoenix qualifying has become, especially for a champion eager to prove that last year’s title run was no fluke. With two of the most aggressive young drivers in the field leading the charge, the opening sprint into Phoenix’s tight Turn 1 promises to be one of the most intense starts of the season.

Phoenix Raceway’s one‑mile layout rewards rhythm, throttle control, and the ability to maintain speed through long green‑flag stretches. With Gray and Love starting first and second, the rest of the grid faces a steep challenge from the moment the green flag waves.

How Qualifying Played Out

Taylor Gray’s pole‑winning lap showcased the precision needed to master Phoenix’s flat corners and demanding dogleg. His ability to keep the No. 54 steady on entry and strong on exit reflected the steady growth he’s shown with Joe Gibbs Racing this season. Jesse Love came within 0.010 seconds of the pole, reinforcing why he remains one of the most consistent qualifiers in the field.

Brandon Jones and Anthony Alfredo followed with strong laps of their own, while Brent Crews continued his impressive rise by securing a top‑five start. Cup Series regular William Byron added extra intrigue by qualifying sixth, strengthening an already competitive front of the field.

Driver Notes And Key Facts

Taylor Gray: Starting 1st

Gray’s pole is more than a fast lap. It’s a reflection of how well he and JGR have adapted to Phoenix’s unique demands. The track’s abrasive surface rewards drivers who can maintain balance over long runs, and starting up front gives Gray the clean air he needs to dictate the early pace. His qualifying improvement this season has been steady, and Phoenix marks one of his most complete efforts yet.

Jesse Love: Starting 2nd

Love’s runner‑up start reinforces why he remains one of the toughest drivers in the field. Phoenix has historically been one of his strongest tracks, and his ability to run consistent laps makes him a threat from the moment the race begins. Starting alongside Gray sets up a compelling rivalry between two drivers who have been near the front all season.

Brandon Jones: Starting 3rd

Jones’ third‑place start gives JGR a commanding presence at the front. His experience and steady approach provide balance to a front row filled with youthful aggression. Jones has always been strong on flat tracks, and Phoenix is no exception.

Anthony Alfredo: Starting 4th

Alfredo’s fourth‑place run continues Viking Motorsports’ upward trajectory. His ability to maintain pace over long green‑flag stretches could make him a factor once the race settles into rhythm. Alfredo has been quietly consistent this season, and Phoenix gives him another chance to capitalize.

Brent Crews: Starting 5th

Crews continues to impress with another top‑five start. His ability to qualify well at a track as demanding as Phoenix speaks volumes about his development. He is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing young drivers in the field, and his progression has been one of the standout storylines of the season.

GOVX 200 At Phoenix Raceway

O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: Full Starting Lineup

1. Taylor Gray — No. 54 — Joe Gibbs Racing
2. Jesse Love — No. 2 — Richard Childress Racing
3. Brandon Jones — No. 20 — Joe Gibbs Racing
4. Anthony Alfredo — No. 96 — Viking Motorsports
5. Brent Crews — No. 19 — Joe Gibbs Racing
6. William Byron — No. 88 — JR Motorsports
7. Sammy Smith — No. 8 — JR Motorsports
8. Corey Day — No. 17 — Hendrick Motorsports
9. Jeb Burton — No. 27 — Jordan Anderson Racing
10. Kyle Sieg — No. 28 — RSS Racing
11. Harrison Burton — No. 24 — Sam Hunt Racing
12. Sam Mayer — No. 41 — Haas Factory Team
13. Austin Hill — No. 21 — Richard Childress Racing
14. Carson Kvapil — No. 1 — JR Motorsports
15. William Sawalich — No. 18 — Joe Gibbs Racing
16. Sheldon Creed — No. 00 — Haas Factory Team
17. Justin Allgaier — No. 7 — JR Motorsports
18. Ryan Sieg — No. 39 — RSS Racing
19. Nick Sanchez — No. 25 — AM Racing
20. Brennan Poole — No. 44 — Alpha Prime Racing
21. Jeremy Clements — No. 51 — Jeremy Clements Racing
22. Garrett Smithley — No. 0 — SS‑GreenLight Racing
23. Dean Thompson — No. 26 — Sam Hunt Racing
24. Chandler Smith — No. 5 — Hettinger Racing
25. Rajah Caruth — No. 32 — Jordan Anderson Racing
26. Blaine Perkins — No. 31 — Jordan Anderson Racing
27. Austin Green — No. 87 — Peterson Racing Group
28. Patrick Staropoli — No. 48 — Big Machine Racing
29. Daniel Dye — No. 52 — AM Racing
30. Lavar Scott — No. 45 — Alpha Prime Racing
31. Parker Retzlaff — No. 45 — Alpha Prime Racing
32. Nathan Byrd — No. 42— Young’s Motorsports
33. Josh Bilicki — No. 07 — SS GreenLight Racing
34. Austin J. Hill — No. 45 — Alpha Prime Racing
35. Joey Gase — No. 55 — Joey Gase Motorsports
36. Dawson Cram — No. 74 — Mike Harmon Racing
37. Mason Maggio — No. 91 — DGM Racing X JIM
38. Ryan Ellis — No. 02 — Young’s Motorsports
39. Josh Williams — DNQ
40. Blake Lothian — DNQ

Who Looks Strongest Heading Into Race Day

Joe Gibbs Racing enters tonight’s race with undeniable momentum. With Gray on the pole, Jones in third, and Crews in fifth, JGR has three cars capable of controlling the race from the outset. Their balance of youth and experience gives them a strategic advantage, especially on a track where clean air and pit execution often determine the outcome.

Richard Childress Racing and Viking Motorsports also have strong starting positions. Love and Hill give RCR two legitimate contenders, while Alfredo’s fourth‑place start puts Viking Motorsports in the mix. Both teams have shown improved short‑track performance this season.

Drivers starting mid‑pack, including Sam Mayer, Harrison Burton, and Rajah Caruth, will need patience. Phoenix can punish early mistakes, and working through traffic requires discipline and clean execution. The middle of the field is tightly packed with drivers capable of running inside the top ten, which means the opening laps will be critical.

What Phoenix’s Layout Means for Saturday

Phoenix Raceway’s one‑mile layout puts a premium on precision. The flat corners demand smooth inputs, the dogleg encourages bold moves on restarts, and the abrasive surface forces drivers to manage tire wear over long green‑flag stretches. Those who overdrive early often pay for it later, making discipline just as important as raw speed.

Passing can be difficult once the field spreads out, making track position and pit strategy even more important. Well‑timed cautions, clean stops, and the ability to maintain pace on worn tires often decide who contends in the closing laps. Drivers who stay patient through the middle stages of the race typically find themselves in the best position when it matters most.

Championship Implications

With multiple championship contenders starting inside the top ten, Today’s race offers a chance to build early‑season momentum. Gray and Love both have an opportunity to make a statement, while drivers deeper in the field must avoid mistakes to keep pace in the standings. The depth of the field means that even a small misstep can result in significant points lost.

All Eyes On The Green Flag

The GOVX 200 starting lineup at Phoenix Raceway sets the stage for one of the most compelling short‑track battles of the season. Taylor Gray has the pole and the momentum. Jesse Love has the championship pedigree and the hunger. And somewhere inside that deep field of 38 starters, a driver is preparing to steal the spotlight when the lights come on. The lineup is set. The tension is building. Tonight, the racing begins.