Checker Auto Parts 500 - Phoenix International Raceway

Kenseth Wins Fifth of the Season

Matt Kenseth

Matt Kenseth, aided by a late two-tire pit stop, won his series-leading fifth race of the season, taking the checkered flag for the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Kenseth had to battle back from a fuel mileage gaffe in the first half of the race to be in the position to use the pit strategy to take the win. Kenseth led a total of 55 of the event’s 312 laps on the day, including the final 52, and finished 1.344 seconds ahead of Rusty Wallace in second place. Kenseth’s teammate Kurt Busch led the most laps, staying out front for 117 circuits. Jeff Gordon brought his Chevrolet home in the third spot, while Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top five. Points leader Tony Stewart finished in the eighth position and takes an 89-point lead into the final race of the season.

Newman Grabs Series-Leading Sixth Pole
In the last three races where a qualifying session was held, rookie phenomenon Ryan Newman has sat on the pole in all three. Backing up his pole positions from Martinsville and Rockingham, Newman will start from the top spot for the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Newman turned in a qualifying lap of 27.138 seconds, at an average speed of 132.655 mph, to win his series-leading sixth pole of the 2002 season. John Andretti put his Dodge on the outside-pole position, his best qualifying effort of the season. The Chevrolets of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon will start from row two.