Victory Lane Nov 12, 2007
CHECKER AUTO PARTS 500WINNER: Jimmie Johnson, 32, El Cajon, Calif. CAR: No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 2007 WINS: 10 CAREER WINS: 33RACE STATISTICSPOINTS STANDINGSAfter Checker Auto Parts 500 One race remainingChase for the Nextel Cup1. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson nearly seals Chase with win Nov 12, 2007
" With that, Gordon, and everyone else in stock car racing, admitted the obvious: Unless Johnson oversleeps for the season-finale next week or suffers some sort of bizarre failure, he probably will win his second championship in a row. But that seems so unlikely after his fourth consecutive win in the playoffs that turned a 68-point deficit into a commanding 86-point lead before next week's race in South Florida. Johnson has become racing's modern day David Pearson, being smart early and saving... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Gordon can't stand up to Johnson Nov 12, 2007
Jimmie Johnson won his fourth consecutive race - a streak last accomplished by Gordon in 1998 - after taking the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway ... Jeff Gordon, left, is passed by Jimmie Johnson on Lap 20 of the Checker Auto Parts 500. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Trading paint Nov 12, 2007
The Heat Index caught up to Daugherty at Phoenix International Raceway on the set of ESPN's NASCAR Countdown show, where he was preparing for coverage of the Checker Auto Parts 500 on Sunday. THI: Where did you get the racing bug. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson wins at PIR Nov 12, 2007
Johnson all but clinched his second consecutive NASCAR Nextel Cup championship Sunday by running a nearly flawless race and winning the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. It was his fourth straight victory and 10th of the season. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Yeley ends busy week Nov 12, 2007
Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 concluded a whirlwind week for Yeley, a Phoenix native. He wrapped about two dozen sponsor appearances and interviews around family visits and, yes, racing. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson Has Nextel Cup Title In Grasp Nov 12, 2007
" In winning for the 11th time in the four-year history of the Chase - no other driver has more than four victories in NASCAR's equivalent of the playoffs - Johnson sucked the competitive fire out of Gordon, who would have clinched his fifth title last week at Texas under the old points system. "It's over, you know, it's over," Gordon said dejectedly. "I mean, even if we win, it'll be because they have problems, and we don't want to win it that way. Those guys flat-out killed everybody. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Despite Problems, Almirola Earns Best Finish Nov 12, 2007
What really hurt was not being able to use the brake blowers like we needed to. The brakes were getting too hot, and Aric was not able to get into the corners with full power. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Hendrick friends and teammates Gordon, Johnson vie for title Nov 11, 2007
Green Valley News Sports. By Jenna Fryer, AP Auto Racing Writer. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
* Sports Briefs Nov 11, 2007
It was a good day for Indianapolis 500 winners in qualifying on Friday for NASCAR's Checker Auto Parts 500. Sam Hornish joined Jacques Villeneuve and Juan Pablo Montoya as former Indy 500 winners to earn a spot in today's race at Phoenix International Raceway -- marking the first time in NASCAR history three former Indy champions will be in the field. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Past results won't keep Gordon from fighting to finish Nov 11, 2007
"History was never my favorite subject," Gordon said with a smile as he addressed the championship picture heading into Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. "You have to give credit to Jimmie and the 48 crew," said Gordon. (CBS News)
Johnson, Gordon stay cordial Nov 11, 2007
Johnson, the defending Nextel Cup champion, takes a 30-point lead over Gordon into today's Checker Auto Parts 500 and starts sixth. Gordon, the four-time series champion, will start third. (Boston Globe)
Cup quest doesn't stall friendship Nov 11, 2007
Johnson, gunning for his fourth consecutive victory, leads Gordon by 30 points entering today's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. He is going after his second consecutive series championship, and Gordon is looking for his fifth season title. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Kyle Busch eyes PIR triple Nov 11, 2007
Busch will attempt to become the first driver to sweep all three NASCAR races on one PIR weekend in today's Checker Auto Parts 500 ... Checker Auto Parts 500. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Jones can taste USAC Sprint title Nov 10, 2007
Stewart will pilot his Joe Gibbs Racing/Home-Depot #20 Chevy in Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). With the boss (Tony Stewart) and a group of Chevrolet representatives in town for the NASCAR event at PIR, it would be great to not only put TSR in victory lane but to be able to present them with the 2007 USAC Sprint Series title, Jones said. (Olney Daily Mail, IL)
NASCAR race, Indy flavor Nov 10, 2007
Carl Edwards walks away from his car during qualifying Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Desperate measures at Phoenix Nov 10, 2007
The winner of the Checker Auto Parts 500 will be. Jimmie Johnson. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Melnyk supports NHL in Canada Nov 10, 2007
"Paddock said that, in addition to Winnipeg, the area west of Toronto could also support another team."If New York can handle three teams, then Toronto can handle two," he said.- - -BEST BETS ON TV(Listings are tentative)TODAYAUTO RACING: TSN (Ch. 33) has the NASCAR Busch Series' Arizona Travel 200 (3 p.m.).BASKETBALL: TSN (Ch. 33) and WGN (Ch. 106) have an NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the host Chicago Bulls (7:30 p.m.).FOOTBALL: The Score (Ch. 50) has the Hardy Cup -- the Canada... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
New Hampshire Cup dates not safe Nov 10, 2007
Hornish joined Jacques Villeneuve (1995) and Juan Pablo Montoya (2000) as former Indy 500 winners to earn spots in Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway, the Checker Auto Parts 500 - marking the first time in NASCAR history three former Indy champions will be in the field. Carl Edwards won his first pole in almost two years by turning a fast lap of 132. (Boston Globe)
Gordon enjoys Row 2 spot Nov 10, 2007
Even though they'll be within shouting distance of each other when they line up for Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500, starting on the inside of Row 2 - next to Phoenix native JJ Yeley - could play a pivotal role for Gordon at Phoenix International Raceway. "I just got a little free there qualifying on the second lap, so we just weren't able to put down the lap we were hoping for, but all in all a good day," said Gordon, who qualified third behind Carl Edwards and Martin Truex Jr.. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Open wheelers shift to NASCAR Nov 10, 2007
He qualified 24th for Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500, his stock-car oval debut, having replaced Scott Riggs in the No. 10 Valvoline Dodge. Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett recently purchased a majority share in the team from Ray Evernham. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Kyle Busch gets trucks win Nov 10, 2007
Checker Auto Parts 500. What: 35th in 36-race NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, plus Busch Series support race. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Swisher heading to racetrack Nov 10, 2007
Swisher, his dad and former big leaguer Steve Swisher, as well as Yankees right fielder Shelley Duncan and free-agent pitcher Keith Foulke will serve as honorary race officials for the Checker Auto Parts 500, the penultimate race in the NASCAR season. "How about that?" Swisher said. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
D-backs on Moorad's front burner Nov 10, 2007
" J.J. Yeley, a Phoenix-area native, will drive the No. 96 car for HOF this weekend in the Checker Auto Parts 500. On his car will be a decal commemorating the D-backs' 2007 National League West title. Moorad compared settling on Yeley as his team's driver with chasing free agents in baseball or negotiating with general managers and other owners, which is what he did when he was an agent himself. "It's not all that different," he said. "It's a less formalized process. The discussions were much... (MLB.com -- Arizona Diamondbacks)
Starting grid Nov 9, 2007
Checker Auto Parts 500. Site: Avondale, Ariz. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Morning Kickoff Nov 9, 2007
ESPN2 - NASCAR, Nextel Cup, pole qualifying for Checker Auto Parts 500, at Avondale, Ariz. 7 p.m.. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
This weekend on TV, radio Nov 9, 2007
3 p.m. - Nextel Cup: Checker Auto Parts 500 final practice, ESPN2 ... 3:30 p.m. - Nextel Cup: Checker Auto Parts 500, Chs. (Boston Globe)
Super Teams rule Nextel Cup Nov 9, 2007
No one-car team has won a Cup race since March 16, 2003, when Ricky Craven put owner Cal Wells III into victory lane in Darlington, S.C. In the subsequent, 173-race span, going into Sunday's 20th anniversary Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and other Hendrick Chevrolet drivers have finished first 57 times (33 percent). Roush Ford drivers, including Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth, have won 40 events (23 percent). (AZCentral -- Sports)
Driver Kyle Busch maturing Nov 9, 2007
Of course, he and older brother Kurt are always going to be polarizing agents for fans, but Kyle, who at 19 was the youngest driver to win a Cup race (he won again later that year at the Checker Auto Parts 500), apparently has grown as much as a person as he has a driver, making his second straight appearance in the Chase ... Checker Auto Parts 500. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Chase stays tight down the stretch Nov 9, 2007
By Seth Livingstone, USA TODAY Answers to pressing questions heading into Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 Chase for the Nextel Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. Q: With two races to go, what are the chances can make up the 30-point deficit against teammate and capture his fifth Cup championship. (USA Today)
SPORTS CALENDAR Nov 8, 2007
NASCAR Checker Auto Parts 500 pole qualifying. Speed. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
THIS WEEK IN AUTO RACING Nov 8, 2007
Tucson Citizen NASCAR NEXTEL CUP What: Checker Auto Parts 500 Site: Avondale Schedule: Friday, qualifying (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.); Sunday, race (ABC, 1 p.m.) Track: Phoenix International Raceway (tri-oval, 1 mile, 11 degrees banking in turns 1-2, 9 degrees banking in turns 3-4) Race distance: 312 miles, 312 laps Last race: Jimmie Johnson won a dramatic side-by-side duel with Matt Kenseth, grabbing his third straight victory and, more important, wresting the points lead from Jeff Gordon at Texas Motor... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
PIR traffic plan needs compliant drivers Nov 8, 2007
1:30 p.m. Sunday: The stars of the NEXTEL Cup Series battle it out for the NEXTEL Cup Championship in the Checker Auto Parts 500 race presented by Pennzoil. Information: 866-408-RACE or www. (AZCentral -- Sports)
NASCAR leader takes risk to win Nov 7, 2007
"That's what racing is all about," Kvistad said Tuesday at Phoenix International Raceway, site of Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 ... Checker Auto Parts 500. (AZCentral -- Sports)
JJ Yeley's PIR scouting report Nov 7, 2007
Yeley will provide hometown reports throughout Checker Auto Parts 500 race week. MOTOR SPORTS UPDATE. (AZCentral -- Sports)
End signals new start for Yeley Nov 6, 2007
After the final two races - Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway and next week's finale at Homestead-Miami - he will join Hall of Fame Racing, where he will be the only driver, behind the wheel of car No. 96 ... Checker Auto Parts 500. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Season's surprise Nov 4, 2007
Secondary Navigation. NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer prepares for practice on Saturday. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Harvick struggles in Chase Oct 26, 2007
A three-story banner hangs in Phoenix International Raceway's midway, honoring Kevin Harvick's win in last year's Checker Auto Parts 500. But 2007 hasn't quite been the banner season that Harvick expected. (AZCentral -- Sports)
NASCAR events plan to go green Oct 17, 2007
AVONDALE - NASCAR fans who camp in their RVs at Phoenix International Raceway during the big racing events, such as the looming Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil, will have an opportunity to help the environment. The race, scheduled for Nov. 8-11, draws about 20,000 fans in recreational vehicles alone, said Lee Baumgarten, PIR director of operations. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau Invites Race Fans to Experience NASCAR in Arizona, a Popular Tempe Event Oct 13, 2007
November 11, history lives on when the 20th fall race in PIR's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series, the Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil, thrills race fans. After an exhilarating day watching NASCAR in Arizona at PIR, visitors and locals frequent Tempe to refuel for a night on the town in the Mill Avenue District. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Opportunities excite younger Busch Aug 30, 2007
"When we get down to the Chase, it all resets with your points," Busch said Wednesday during a promotional tour stop at Gallagher's, a restaurant and sports bar in south Phoenix, for the Nov. 11 Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. "We're only going to be 30 points away from first. We'll have a legitimate shot there. We've got pretty good racetracks in the final 10 (races) that we tend to run well at. If we can keep a steady pace during those final 10, and finish in the top... (AZCentral -- Sports)
Kyle Busch to hold a meet and greet Aug 28, 2007
The next to last race in the Chase for the Cup is the Nov. 11 Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. MOTOR SPORTS UPDATE. (AZCentral -- Sports)
NASCAR's Busch headed to Phoenix for pre-race visit Aug 24, 2007
The visit comes a little more than a month before the Checker Auto Parts 500 Nov. 11 at ... Busch is the youngest winner in PIR's Nextel Cup history, having won the Checker Auto Parts 500 in November 2005 at 20 years, six months, and 11 days old. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
PIR is drivers' 2nd-favorite track Jul 10, 2007
The second PIR race will be the Nov. 11 Checker Auto Parts 500. Kevin Harvick swept the Nextel Cup races at PIR in 2006, and it's a track that helped the Bakersfield, Calif. (AZCentral -- Sports)
NASCAR revs up for November PIR Business Summit Jul 4, 2007
Tickets to the summit include admission to Friday afternoon's Bud Pole Qualifying for the Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race, Friday evening's running of the Casino Arizona 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, and the PIR After Dark Fan Festival. For more. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
MINOR LEAGUE May 24, 2007
11 -- Checker Auto Parts 500, Avondale, Ariz. 18 -- Ford 400, Homestead, Fla. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
April 19-21: NASCAR Apr 19, 2007
text size Sam Carkhuff and his sister Kim Carkhuff from Scottsdale, AZ soak up the fun at the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. NASCAR Subway Fresh Fit 500 Weekend. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
2007 IRL IndyCar schedule Mar 21, 2007
Checker Auto Parts 500, Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, Ariz. Kevin Harvick. (USA Today -- Sports)
2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule and standings Feb 23, 2007
Nov. 11 Checker Auto Parts 500, Avondale, Ariz. Nov. 18 Ford 400, Homestead, Fla. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
ESPN Deportes Radio and MRN Radio Announce 2007 Programming Schedule Nov 18, 2006
ESPN Deportes Radio Broadcast Schedule ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY DATE TRACK LOCATION EVENT 2006 SAT 11/18 HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY Ford 300 (NBS) SUN 11/19 HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY Ford 400 2007 SUN 02/18 DAYTONA INT'L SPEEDWAY Daytona 500 SUN 02/25 CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY Auto Club 500 SUN 03/04 AUTODROMO HERMANOS RODRIGUEZ Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 (NBS) SAT 04/21 PHOENIX INT'L RACEWAY Subway Fresh 500 SAT 05/19 LOWE'S MOTOR SPEEDWAY NASCAR Nextel... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Chase reaches frenzied final turn Nov 17, 2006
Current points-leader Jimmie Johnson turns lap two during the Checker Auto Parts 500. text alerts Get , plus traffic, weather, local sports scores and more. (AZCentral -- Sports)
NASCAR team reports Nov 16, 2006
Last week: Harvick won Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 to complete a series sweep at Phoenix. He also came one position away from completing a season sweep in the Busch Series at Phoenix but finished second behind in Saturday's Travel Arizona 200. (USA Today -- Sports)
One more race to go Nov 15, 2006
Johnson had just completed his two qualifying laps for the Checker Auto Parts 500, and now he had work to do. He climbed a ladder to the top of the blue-and-yellow number 48 Lowe's Chevrolet hauler parked in the garage, then stood alone and watched the other drivers buzz around the one-mile flat track during qualifying. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Harvick gets win at Phoenix Raceway Nov 15, 2006
Kevin Harvick took the checkered flag in Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix Raceway, but it is Jimmie Johnson, the second-place finisher, that appears headed to his first Nextel Cup championship ... "Denny Hamlin, the third-place finisher is fourth in points. Dale Earnhardt Jr, who came in ninth at Phoenix is fifth, 115 points back of the leader.These are the only drivers who have a mathematical possibility of winning this year's Chase. The remaining top-10 Chase drivers after 35 of 36... (Brookneal Union Star, VA)
Somewhat of a mess Nov 14, 2006
Crew members for Matt Kenseth work on the car during a pit stop in the Checker Auto Parts 500 on Sunday. Kenseth finished 13th and has all but conceded the Nextel Cup title. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Selected TV ratings Nov 14, 2006
NASCAR: Checker Auto Parts 500. Sunday, 3:30. (USA Today -- Sports)
Harvick Wins Race, Johnson Extends Lead Nov 14, 2006
(Sports Network) - Kevin Harvick captured Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 Nextel Cup race at the Phoenix International Raceway. The No.29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet driver crossed the finish line 0. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Harvick dominates in desert Nov 14, 2006
The Californian widened his lead in the Chase for the Cup by hugging the bumper of Kevin Harvick, who again dominated in the desert to win the series' next-to-last race, the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday. Johnson was second, and now has a 63-point lead over Matt Kenseth as NASCAR's top series heads to its finale next Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida. (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
Stewart had a day of trouble Nov 14, 2006
Stewart provided a little excitement during the Checker Auto Parts 500 when he was involved in an incident with Jamie McMurray. Stewart said McMurray "kind of changed lanes" and with the sun setting, he was caught off guard. (AZCentral -- Sports)
106,000 fans packed PIR Nov 14, 2006
Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 helped propel Jimmie Johnson closer to his first Cup championship. He finished second to Kevin Harvick, but he increased his points lead to 63 over Matt Kenseth heading into this weekend's Ford 400 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Events Calendar Nov 13, 2006
Call: (800) 877-3400. Multimedia / Interactive. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Notebook: Kenseth all but concedes Nov 13, 2006
Kenseth won the Busch Series race Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway but never contended Sunday in the Checker Auto Parts 500, finishing 13th. Weve just got some terribly awful-handling cars right now for some reason, Kenseth said. (MSNBC -- Sports)
NASCAR results Nov 13, 2006
Checker Auto Parts 500 results ... Results Sunday from the Checker Auto Parts 500 race for NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series at Phoenix International Raceway with starting position in parentheses, driver, car, laps completed or reason out if not running at finish, and money won. (USA Today -- Sports)
Harvick hustles to Phoenix victory as Johnson nears title Nov 13, 2006
"I'd stay away from everybody and just run 43rd if it was me," Harvick said Sunday after winning the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway ... On the last lap of Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500, was forced to make a decision between a perilous 10-point payday or a likely payoff of about $15 million. (USA Today -- Sports)
Johnson closes in on elusive titleSecond-place finish extends points lead Nov 13, 2006
Associated Press Current points leader Jimmie Johnson turns lap four during the Checker Auto Parts 500 auto race Sunday in Avondale, Ariz ... Johnson had a shot at winning yesterday's Checker Auto Parts 500 on the one-mile PIR oval. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
