AVONDALE, Ariz. – Avid short track phenom Robby Lyons will make his NASCAR national series debut in Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.
Lyons, 28, will drive Premium Motorsports’ No. 49 Chevrolet in the penultimate NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race of the season.
He’ll be a teammate to Canadian and NASCAR Pinty’s Series driver Jason Hathaway.
Lyons, a native of St. Petersburg, Fla. grew up racing dirt bikes and eventually became a three-time Legends Car champion in 2014. The Floridan has competed in various late model races, most recently in the CARS Super Late Model Tour.
He also has experience in an ARCA testing at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway two years ago.
Most recently, Lyons competed in the U.S. Short Track Nationals at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in May finishing a solid 18th after starting 29th.
“I think the goal of any driver making their debut, especially on a national stage like the Camping World Truck Series, is to make a statement and show that you belong there,” said Lyons.
“I’ve not been behind the wheel as long as a lot of these guy have, but I feel like my biggest asset is that I’m easily instructed, and I listen well. I’m so glad Brian (Keselowski) is my crew chief this weekend.
“There’s not a doubt in my mind that he worked his magic on those truck.”
Brian Keselowski is the older brother of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski. Keselowski has been mentoring newcomer Wendall Chavous at Premium Motorsports this season.
Lyons will be backed by Sunwest Construction Corp. and Barstool 49ers. Sunwest has been a long-time supporter of the popular driver.
Pending the outcome of Phoenix, Lyons is hopeful to be approved to compete in the Nov. 17 running of the Truck Series’ season finale Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, also driving for Premium Motorsports.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
