NASCAR in the desert

NASCAR ventures west to Phoenix International Raceway this weekend for the Subway Fresh 500. Phoenix has one of the more unique track designs in NASCAR with different turns on each side of the track, making it harder for drivers to conquer this desert track. It took Jeff Gordon more then 10 years to finally claim a win at Phoenix, he finally took the checkered flag here last year. So, who's gonna take it this year? My best bets are....


Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet (Hendrick Motorsports)
Last Week: 2nd place finish in the Samsung 500
Career at Phoenix: 6.6 Avg. Finish, 1 Win, 4 Top 5's, 7 Top 10's
Why he could win: Johnson picked up the win at Phoenix in the fall last year which all but locked up his Championship win in 2007. Plus look at that average finish! A 6.6 average finish anywhere is great, but at Phoenix that is amazing!


Kevin Harvick, No. 29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet (Richard Childress Racing)
Last Week: 11th place finish in the Samsung 500
Career at Phoenix: 13.2 Avg. Finish, 2 Wins, 3 Top 5's, 5 Top 10's
Why he could win: Harvick likes tracks where he can manhandle the car and drive deep into corners. Phoenix is that kind of track for Harvick, and his resume at the track shows he knows how to get around it.

Kyle Busch, No. 18 M&M's Toyota (Joe Gibbs Racing)
Last Week: 3rd place finish in the Samsung 500
Career at Phoenix: 16.3 Avg. Finish, 1 Win, 1 Top 5, 4 Top 10's
Why he could win: Kyle has learned something this year I think, he has become more consistant and is patient much more often. I think this will translate well at Phoenix, where patience is oftentimes a needed trait.

And who is the underdog this week? Someone who is trying to earn a fulltime ride, that's who!


Johnny Sauter, No. 70 HAAS Automation Chevrolet (Haas/CNC Racing)
Last Week: Did not race in Samsung 500
Career at Phoenix: 22.2 Avg. Finish, 0 Top 5's, 2 Top 10's
Why he could win: Sauter has a lot to race for this weekend. With Mayfield removed from the No. 70 Chevrolet, Sauter is racing for a fulltime job. Phoenix is just the place for Sauter, of his three career Top 10 finishes he has two of them at Phoenix. I suspect he might be a big surprise come race day.