Before the Green: Phoenix

Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway (3 p.m. ET Sun., ABC)

• Race: Entry List | Practice 1 | Practice 2 | Happy Hour | Lineup
• Also: Viewer's Guide | Power Rankings | Pick 'em | Blog | Video

Preview
As the Nextel Cup Series roars into Phoenix, reigning series champion Jimmie Johnson leads four-time series champion Jeff Gordon by 30 points.
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Track Smack
Is the Cup Jimmie Johnson's to lose, and who if anyone at Phoenix can play the role of spoiler?
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Fantasy Preview
Phoenix International Raceway is a short, flat track that has a rather unique kink to the backstretch.
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By the Numbers
Fifteen times this season, back-to-back races have resulted in Jeff Gordon "out-pointing" Jimmie Johnson by more than 30 points.
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Shop Talk
Points-leader Jimmie Johnson and second-place Gordon have led exactly the same amount of laps in the Chase: 267.
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Inside the Garage
Crew chief Todd Berrier called the shots for both of Kevin Harvick's victories in 2006 at Phoenix International Raceway.
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Inside the Halls of Petty
There are only two more races left on the schedule, and I'm hearing a lot of talk about the end of the season. That part is true, but it's no time for a vacation.
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Where's Juan?
A temperamental car left Juan Montoya and the No. 42 team scratching their heads toward the end of the race in April at Phoenix International Raceway.
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In the Field with Elliott Sadler
Not only will I have a cool and different paint scheme this weekend at Phoenix, on our No. 19 Charger -- I'm looking a little different, myself.
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Travel Log
Daylight hours in Phoenix provide an array of adventures for visitors, thanks to the big-city surroundings in the desert backdrop.
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