Who's hot, who's not?
Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010
Taking a quick look at some of the people who are currently populating the upside – and the downside – in NASCAR's top series:
WHO'S HOT
DENNY HAMLIN: He's pretty much has delivered as promised all season long.
CLINT BOWYER: Bowyer pledged to get to Las Vegas for the season-ending banquet despite his 150-point penalty to start the Chase and is headed that way.
BRAD KESELOWSKI: First Penske Racing driver to win a NASCAR championship.
MATT KENSETH: Sunday's race was the first time in a long time he was in serious contention for a race win. WHO'S NOT
JIMMIE JOHNSON: He not only lost his points lead, but his pit crew, too.
JEFF BURTON: Burton's run-in with Jeff Gordon was totally out of character for him.
MIKE FORD: It's good to celebrate, but don't provide your competition any extra motivation with your comments. A 33-point lead isn't that imposing.
KYLE BUSCH: He claims he's the only driver willing to stand up to NASCAR. He's going to learn there's no reward that accompanies the honor. THIS WEEKEND
Kobalt Tools 500
What: 312 laps or 500k.
Where: Phoenix International Raceway, a one-mile paved flat oval located in Avondale, Ariz.
When: 3 p.m. Eastern Sunday.
TV: ESPN.
Radio: Motor Racing Network.
Last year's winner: Jimmie Johnson.
Also this week: Lucas Oil 150, Camping World Truck Series, Phoenix International Raceway, 8 p.m. Eastern Friday, Speed; Wypall 200, Nationwide Series, Phoenix International Raceway, 4 p.m. Eastern Saturday, ESPN2.
Worth mentioning: Arizona resident Danica Patrick, who will make her first Phoenix International Raceway start in NASCAR competition, is scheduled to participate in a question-and-answer session with fans at the track on Friday. The event will be open to all fans with tickets to the race.
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