Three-wide: What to look for in Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500

Three-wide: What to look for in Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500

1. Two live crews. With the mid-race crew swap at Texas made permanent, can Jeff Gordon's boys propel Jimmie Johnson to a much-needed win? Conversely, can Johnson's crew salvage some self respect with a stellar effort on Gordon's car?
2. A different Denny. Denny Hamlin finished 30th at Phoenix in April, but that was his first race back after knee surgery. Expect better things from the Cup points leader this weekend.
3. Round two? We know they have spats in Texas , but the one last Sunday between the two Jeffs—Gordon and Burton —was unexpected. Does Gordon come to Phoenix with payback in mind? — Reid Spencer


The last time around: Two-tire call helps Newman end winless drought
April 10, 2010: Capitalizing on a late caution that extended the Subway Fresh Fit 600 three laps past its scheduled distance of 375 laps, Ryan Newman and crew chief Tony Gibson snatched victory from Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch with a two-tire call under the final caution.
Busch and Johnson took four tires on Lap 373, under caution for Scott Riggs' blown tire in Turn 4 one lap earlier. Gordon, who took two tires and left pit road with the lead, spun his tires on the decisive restart on Lap 377, allowing Newman to surge into the top spot.
After two circuits under green, Newman crossed the finish line .130 seconds ahead of Gordon to win his first Sprint Cup race since the 2008 Daytona 500—a 77-race drought.
Johnson charged from seventh to third during the green-white-checkered-flag finish.
"I've got to throw Gibson under the bus—he wanted to go four, and I said, 'Just give me two,' Newman said. "I liked the track position. I'd rather block than have to boot. I was in a good position there, obviously."
Busch and Johnson had dominated the two long green-flag runs that preceded the two-lap dash to the finish. In fact, Busch tied Johnson for most laps led with 113. — Reid Spencer