NASCAR Cup Series

Michael Annett on Racing in Phoenix: “We’ve only got two races left to try and finish out the season with a win, and I think we’ve got a good shot at it this weekend. Phoenix has been a good track for me and I’ve run well there the past couple of races."

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has been selected as the Honorary Starter for the AdvoCare 500, Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced today. As the Honorary Starter, Governor Brewer will wave the green flag to start the AdvoCare 500, as well as greet the drivers during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012.

First time at Phoenix... Cale Gale will make his first start at Phoenix International Raceway on Friday, Nov. 9. The Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender has attended races at the one-mile oval in Avondale, Ariz., but has never driven on the circuit and has not been to the track since it was reconfigured in 2011.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and Bakersfield, Calif., native Kevin Harvick teamed up with apparel company TapouT to donate new uniforms and gear to the North High School wrestling team in Bakersfield on Tuesday.

Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Lowe’s/KOBALT Tools Chevrolet, has three (3) victories at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) (’07, ’08 & ’09) Jeff Burton, No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet, has visited Victory Lane at PIR twice (2) (’00 & ’01) Kurt Busch, No. 78 Furniture Row/Farm American Chevrolet, has two (2) trophies from PIR (’05 –TWICE) Dale Earnhardt Jr., No. 88 Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevrolet

Eight down, two to go. In two races we will crown the 2012 Sprint Cup Series champion. Leader of the pack Jimmie Johnson extended his points lead Saturday afternoon in Texas. Many thought Johnson was out of contention to win the race on the final restart but he hung with Keselowski and then he took the lead from him.

Brad Keselowski (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger R/T) Coming to Phoenix this weekend, looking for a strong showing as we close out the Chase here the last two weeks. I feel like our cars have been very, very strong, and my team has been performing phenomenally.

Follow EGR on Twitter: Continue to follow Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (EGR) on their official team Twitter page. Find in-race updates and weekly news on the No. 1 and No. 42 teams throughout the 2012 season by following “@EGRTeams”.

Jason on Phoenix: “Phoenix is really a challenging track. You have two completely different ends of the track so you have to deal with that when setting up your truck. It is crucial to get through Turns 3 & 4 and get a good run down that long front stretch."

Biffle on racing at Phoenix International Raceway: “I’m really excited about Phoenix this weekend, we finished third there in the spring and we always have good runs at Phoenix. We’ve been good at all the tracks with new pavement; Michigan, Kansas and Pocono."