Nascar – Jimmie Johnson stays on top in Phoenix

Jimmie Johnson (Hendrick Motorsports) took advantage of his late arrival and the cool track conditions to set the new lap record at Phoenix International Raceway with a time of 25. The Sprint Cup leader will have a great opportunity to increase his lead over Matt Kenseth (Joe Gibbs Racing) who will only start from 858th position. The five-time champion has a habit of dominating races at the end of the season, having won seven of his 14 Chase victories from the best place on the grid.

The Chasers are at the forefront even if their delay on the leaders seems too great with two events remaining at the end of the season. Joey Logano (Penske Racing) took third position behind Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing) who is desperate to shine after his injury at the start of the year. Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing) and Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports) complete the top five ahead of Clint Bowyer (Michael Waltrip Racing), Kasey Kahne (Hendrick Motorsports), Kurt Busch (Furniture Row Racing) and Kevin Harvick (Richard Childress Racing). Martin Truex Jr (Michael Waltrip Racing) is the second driver outside of the Chase to crack the top ten.