NASCAR: Gilliland's son makes PIR history

Todd Gilliland made Phoenix International Raceway history on Thursday night by winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series race, making the 15-year-old the track's youngest-ever victor.

Gilliland, son of Sprint Cup racer David Gilliland, took the lead after JJ Haley suffered a blown tire six laps from the end. Haley had led every lap up to that point.

"It's really special to have my Dad here, and I couldn't thank my crew and Bill McAnally Racing enough," said Gilliland, who also won an ARCA race in Toledo just two days after his 15th birthday in May.

"Can you believe it?" David Gilliland said to the Associated Press. "He's good. I'll tell you what, he's good. I'm so proud of him and everybody. It's a brand-new car for us, and man we just got to thank God. God gave us the power to work and get this car done, and God has given Todd an amazing ability to drive the race car and do things that guys like Kyle Busch can do. I'm just really proud of him. Man, I love that boy."

Chris Eggleston secured the K&N Pro Series West title with his 10th place finish.