From the November, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider

Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway Recap

Kevin Harvick spent most of his afternoon at Phoenix staring at the rest of the field of drivers through his rear-view mirror. Kevin was simply that good yesterday, plus the glare wasn't quite as bad looking out the back window.

While Harvick stole the show at Phoenix, the remainging championship contenders also faired well with all but Kyle Busch finishing in the top 13.

The other championship drivers faired as follows:

1. (leader) Jimmie Johnson left nothing on the table yesterday. The championship leader battle from 29th all the way to the front. He gave
up the lead on a misfortunate pitstop, but didn't shy away from challenging Harvick for the win in the final 3 laps. He finished 2nd.

2. (- 63 points) Matt Kenseth fought adversity for most of the day. His car handled poorly all race, but he battled to finish in 13th place. Kenseth is saying that his doesn't have what it takes to compete with Johnson next week, but I would not count the former champion out!

3. (-90 points) Kevin Harvick did exactly what he needed to do to keep his championship hopes alive, and that was win. Kevin did that in
impressive fashion by leading 252 of the 312 laps.

4. (-90 points) Denny Hamlin is still in the picture for the championship after finishing 3rd at Phoenix. The rookie is showing alot of poise, and looks like he will be a contender for years to come.

5. (-115 points) Dale Earnhardt Jr's chamionship are alive, but barely. After finishing 9th at Phoenix, Jr will need help from Johnson if he expects to win his first championship.

6. (-167 points) Jeff Gordon is mathematically eliminated from the Chase despite finishing 4th at Phoenix. However, don't expect the 4 time champion to roll-over next week at Homestead.

7. (-225 points) Jeff Burton tried to correct his championship drive that has somehow fallen off course over the last 4 races with a 10th place finish at Phoenix. However, it's too late, and the damage is done. Burton is cannot make up 225 in one race.

8. (-273 points) The wiley veteran, Mark Martin, took a gamble on a late pit-stop that helped him pickup a 6th place finish. Otherwise, the fan favorite would have ended up around 15th place.

9. (-319 points) Kasey Kahne made the most of Phoenix by finishing in 9th. The finish moved him in front of Kyle Busch for 9th place and a seat closer to the head of the table at the NASCAR Awards Banquet.

10. (-359 points) Kyle Busch was on the wrong end of a Tony Stewart screw up. Late in the race on a restart, Stewart spun out Jamie McMurray which sent him spiralling out of control and colliding with Kyle Busch.
Kyle finished in 38th.

See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Schedule