2008 O'Reilly Checker Auto Parts 500:
Carl Edwards has won the last two races and cut Jimmie Johnson's lead dramatically. This weekend's Sprint Cup race in Phoenix will set the stage for the final showdown in Homestead next Sunday.
Tickets:
Buy online from TicketsNow (direct link)
The Track:
These challenging specs means that your car has to handle well in order to survive a long 500 kilometer race there. It is possible to pass if you are faster, but there is no outside groove for side-by-side racing.
Race Distance:
The Big Picture:
If Johnson has two more races like his Texas performance then his third consecutive championship may be in danger.
- Jimmie Johnson
- Carl Edwards -106
- Greg Biffle -143
- Jeff Burton -212
- Jeff Gordon -255
- Clint Bowyer -267
- Kevin Harvick -279
- Matt Kenseth -393
- Tony Stewart --404
- Kyle Busch -428
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. -429
- Denny Hamlin -431
Storylines:
Phoenix is a tough place to gain ground on Johnson. Jimmie Johnson has won the last two races at Phoenix and has finished outside the top 10 only twice in 10 career Phoenix races.
Everyone wants to know if Carl Edwards can catch Johnson for the Cup? No, I don't believe he can.
Media Coverage:
Radio: MRN and SIRIUS Satellite
Actual Race: 3:45 p.m. Eastern
Recent Events:
2007 Winner: Jimmie Johnson
2007 Polesitter: Carl Edwards
Last Year:
After struggling all day Jeff Gordon ended up tenth. During his post-race interview Jeff Gordon said of his chances to win the 2007 Championship "It's over."
Predictions:
For my backup I'm going with Clint Bowyer. Bowyer finished second here in the spring and has been solid for much of 2008. Currently sixth in the Chase Standings Bowyer has room to move up with another strong Phoenix finish.
