The NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series (originally NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour) was a late model stock car racing series sanctioned by NASCAR that was held in the Southwestern United States. The original NASCAR Southwest Tour began in 1985 and ran until NASCAR discontinued the Elite Division in 2006.
The cars feature a perimeter frame chassis where rails of equal lengths must kick out, compared to the more modern offset chassis where one side is straight and one side kicks out. They weigh 2,900 pounds and have a fiberglass body.
When NASCAR eliminated the Elite Division at the end of the 2006 season, several competitors joined former IRL driver Davey Hamilton's SRL Southwest Tour.
Champions
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series 2006: Rip Michels 2005: Jim Pettit II 2004: Jim Pettit II 2003: Auggie Vidovich
NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour 2002: Eddy McKean 2001: Craig Raudman 2000: Matt Crafton 1999: Kurt Busch 1998: Steve Portenga 1997: Brian Germone 1996: Chris Raudman 1995: Lance Hooper 1994: Steve Portenga 1993: Ron Hornaday Jr. 1992: Ron Hornaday Jr. 1991: Rick Carelli 1990: Doug George 1989: Dan Press 1988: Roman Calczynski 1987: Mike Chase 1986: Ron Esau
References
External links NASCAR Southwest Series archive at Racing-Reference NASCAR Southwest Series archive at The Third Turn