SOUTHWEST SERIES STARTS FAREWELL SEASON.

Byline: TIM HADDOCK Motor Sports

When the NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series, kicks off its season Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz., it will be the beginning of the end for the regional touring series.

NASCAR announced in December that it is restructuring its regional touring series after the 2006 season. In other words, the four Elite Divisions, which includes the Southwest Series, will cease competing at the end of the year. The hope from NASCAR is that some of the teams at the Elite Division level will move to the Grand National Divisions or Modified Series.

``Support for the Elite Divisions has been on the downswing for a number of years,'' NASCAR vice president of communications and regional touring Jim Hunter said. ``This change will allow NASCAR to focus more attention on the Grand National and Modified touring divisions.''

There are two NASCAR Grand National Divisions, the West Series and Busch North Series, and two Modified series.

In eliminating the Southwest Series, several area drivers and teams must find another series or move up in class in the NASCAR ranks.

M.K. Kanke of Frazier Park, the Southwest Series career poles and earnings leader, said he will return for the final season of Southwest Series racing. He plans to be at Phoenix and said he hopes it will attract a strong field.

``I'm looking forward to Phoenix,'' said Kanke, who has raced on the Southwest Series since 1987. ``It's no different than racing in the '80s when they didn't have NASCAR in it.''

Kanke said he would not move to the West Series.

``That's not a move up,'' Kanke said. ``It's a move behind. If anybody thinks the West is a step up, it's (more of) a way to spend twice as much.''

Keith Spangler also does not agree with NASCAR's decision to eliminate the Southwest Series.

``There's no middle ground,'' said Spangler, from Northridge, who used to race in the Sportsman class at Saugus Speedway. This weekend is the first time in two years that Spangler will be entered in the Southwest Series opener at Phoenix. He said he has no interest in racing on the West Series.

``The cost factor - guys are spending $1 million to $1.5 million,'' Spangler said. ``Guys like me - I'd be lucky to do a race or two a year. I don't think they're doing the right thing.''

Instead of focusing on what NASCAR is doing wrong, in Kanke and Spangler's opinions, they want to concentrate on having a strong Phoenix race and get their seasons started right.

``I think we're ready,'' said Kanke, who tested at Phoenix two weeks ago. ``The car was pretty consistent. I think we'll do just fine.''

Spangler is excited about Phoenix, but he's not as confident as Kanke.

``It's definitely the fastest track,'' Spangler said. ``My experience is here and there. I don't get to go every year. I'm at a disadvantage. I have to go there and guess what's the best for me.''

The NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series, also will hold its season opener at the Copper World Classic in Phoenix.

Two-time West Series champion Mike Duncan, from Bakersfield, NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Ken Schrader and West Series regulars Steve Portenga, Mike David, Tim Woods III and Andrew Myers are entered.

Austin Cameron and Jim Inglebright are expected to make their returns to the West Series at Phoenix, as is Johnny Borneman.

The Copper World Classic also will stage USAC Sprint, Midget and Silver Crown races this weekend.

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