Elliott Sadler, driver of the #2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet, leads a group of cars during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway on March 3, 2012
Photo – Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Phoenix International Raceway is the site of the second stop on the 2013 Nationwide Series schedule. A much more calm-mannered race is expected this Saturday at Phoenix but, championship hopefuls will look to get ahead of the game and that could create some excitement. As the championship-contending drivers begin the real hunt for the championship this weekend, they will all be eyeing a jump start in the point’s standings this Saturday during the Dollar General 200.

The Dollar General 200 is set to take place on Saturday March 2^nd, 2013 and the green flag is set to wave at 4:45 PM EST which is 2:45 PM Phoenix time. The race will consist of 200 laps which make up the 200 miles at the one-mile track. The weather is always good to NASCAR out in the desert and Saturday’s weather forecast is no different. The expected high temperature is 83 F and the low is 51 F. Sunny conditions are expected and a 0% chance of rain will make for a hot and slick race. The race will be broadcasted on ESPN and a radio broadcast can be heard on MRN.

In this race last season, Elliot Sadler claimed victory and this was the first race in his championship hunt. When Sadler returned to Phoenix in November last season, his championship hopes went up in smoke after they were so bright following the March race. Sadler will look to have a repeat performance in Saturday’s race as he looks to take a jump start on the championship hunt. Sadler will definitely be a driver to beat on Saturday afternoon.

The field for the Dollar General 200 is very young but, it is very diverse with a mix of Cup regulars and the Nationwide drivers competing for the championship. Kyle Larson will be making only his second career Nationwide Series start this weekend and he will try to keep all four wheels on the ground in this race. Michael Annett will not be competing in this race after fracturing his sternum in the wreck last week at Daytona with five laps to go. Annett underwent surgery Wednesday and he’ll be out indefinitely while he recovers. Aric Almirola will replace his this week at Phoenix. Jeremy Clements will also not be in the race after being indefinitely suspended by NASCAR after making an intensive remark during an interview last Saturday.

Cup regulars in the field this week who have a great shot at winning include Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Aric Almirola and Jimmie Johnson. Many drivers will be vying for the win this weekend at Phoenix and the champion of the desert will be crowned.

This race will definitely be one exciting one as many talents headline the field. Cup regulars come into the race with a mentally of just go win and the Nationwide regulars need to think long-term. The best of the best in the Nationwide Series will shine under the Phoenix sun this weekend as we’ll be able to see who can compete for the win. Elliot Sadler will look to defend his title of this race from a year ago but, he’ll be doing it with Joe Gibbs Racing this year. Sadler will be strong as will the rest of his JGR teammates. NASCAR always puts on a good show out in the desert and Saturday’s race should be no different.

Event Schedule

10:00-11:20 AM MT, 12:00-1:20 PM EST Nationwide Series Practice, televised on SPEED

1:35-2:25 PM MT, 3:35-4:25 PM EST Nationwide Series Final Practice, televised on SPEED

11:05 AM MT, 1:05 PM EST Nationwide Series Qualifying, televised on SPEED

2:30 PM MT, 4:30 PM EST Nationwide Series Race, Dollar General 200, televised on ESPN

Next Race-3/9 Sam’s Town 300 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, Nevada

Entry List (Via Jayski.com)