Phoenix: Kelly Bires Friday notes

BIRES MAKES PROGRESS IN PHOENIX PRACTICE

Kelly Bires has things moving in the right direction after practice for the Bashas Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona today.

Bires was 22nd fastest in final practice at the 1.0-mile speedway after finishing opening practice in 27th fastest earlier in the day in the #47 Clorox Ford Fusion.

The 23-year-old is looking to continue a run of strong form this weekend in Phoenix. Bires has only finished outside of the top 20 on one occasion from seven races so far this season.

Currently sitting ninth in the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series standings, Bires and JTG Racing are looking forward to the challenge of tomorrow's race at the tough Phoenix venue.

Kelly Bires - #47 Clorox Ford Fusion

"We got a feel for things today and have a solid direction for tomorrow," said Bires.

"We qualify in the middle of the day, but the race is going to run as the sun goes down, so it's those conditions that you want your car to suit.

"Phoenix is a track that is quite tricky and definitely changes as the sun goes away, so we had that firmly in our minds as we ran today.

"We will work on the car more and get more out of it. We are all still feeling really good about where this team is at and I think we are all excited for tomorrow."

-credit: jtgr