(PIR 2006 Photo)

Just a couple of years ago Phil Bonifield owned a successful three-truck team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS). Now he is working to grow the next generation of drivers for the NCTS.

Bonifield and his long-time companion, Pam Lippard sold the last of their trucks teams to Bill Davis Racing two years ago. Last year, Bonifield met and started helping a young NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series racer, Andrew Myers.

During the 2005 season, Myers went from a back-marker driver to a contender under the guidance of Bonifield and former NASCAR Busch East Series Champion and part-time NCTS driver, Jamie Aube. The team finished the year with one Bud Pole Award and a ninth-place finish in the season standings.

"It was an interesting situation," said Bonifield. "The West Series is so ripe with talent and we had to teach Andrew a lot of different things about the sport during the season. It was neat to watch him and the team progress."

Last Thursday night at Phoenix International Raceway, all the hard work come together as Myers, with Phil and Jamie in the pits, led the most laps and took the win in the Casino Arizona 150 NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series race.

"I am so proud of this team and our driver," said Bonifield. "He really had it all together from start to finish. I think he can use this to move up and be a good driver for someone in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Bonifield was asked, "What happens when Andrew moves to a team in the trucks? His reply was "Wins like this are great in any series. It showed that Andrew is a racer. He has really got it."