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November 10, 2006
NASCAR: 2006 Checker Auto Parts 500
Much to decide at penultimate race in the Chase
The Chase for the Nextel Cup continues on Sunday as NASCAR drivers take to the Phoenix International Raceway for the ninth stop in the 10-race Chase. Last weekend, non-Chase qualifier Tony Stewart came away with the checkered flag at the Dickies 500. However, it was the second-place finish of Jimmie Johnson that vaulted him back up into the top spot in the standings. Former frontrunner Matt Kenseth dropped one spot to second place after finishing 12th.
With only two races remaining, any of the top seven drivers could jump into first with the maximum 190 points and a victory. Johnson’s lead is only 17 points ahead of Kenseth, while Earnhardt Jr. trails Johnson by 78, and Denny Hamlin only 80 point back in fourth place. Kevin Harvick (-105) occupies the fifth spot with Jeff Gordon (-157) and Jeff Burton (-184) rounding out the top seven.
Last year’s winner of the Checker Auto Parts 500 was Kyle Busch, who currently ranks eighth in the Chase standings. He emerged from his 15th starting position to take the victory last season.
While the 10 drivers remaining in contention for the Cup have been slugging it out, Stewart has been soaking up all the glory despite not being eligible for the Chase. Currently 11th in the standings, Stewart has won the past two races despite starting in eighth and 11th places respectively. Those two wins have pulled Stewart into a second-place tie for total victories among drivers this season; Kasey Kahne, currently 10th in the Chase standings, leads everyone with six wins in 2006.
Kahne, along with Busch and Martin, need some help and two quality finishes to have any shot at this year’s title. A victory this Sunday would surely move them up the standings, but that alone would not be enough to vault them to the top of the heap.
25033 - Copyright 2006, BetJamaica.com, The Player's Paradise
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