The Chase for the Sprint Cup is nearing the home stretch and the battle for the Cup will continue on Sunday with the AdvoCare 500 from Phoenix International Raceway. Jimmie Johnson won the pole and will now have an opportunity to increase his lead in the Chase.
NASCAR Phoenix 2013: Start time, TV schedule for AdvoCare 500
With just two races to go, the Chase for the Sprint Cup is coming down to the wire. Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth will continue their battle on Sunday in Phoenix.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Fans not in attendance will be able to watch the race live with extensive pre-race coverage. ESPN will broadcast the race with Allen Bestwick, Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree in the booth. The network will also air an hour long pre-race show beginning at 2 p.m. ET. Live race coverage will begin at 3 p.m. with green flag scheduled for 3:15 p.m. The pre-race show and the live coverage will also be available on WatchESPN.
In addition to ESPN’s coverage, Fox Sports 1 will air a pre-race show at 10 a.m., while Motor Racing Network will have live radio coverage. Motor Racing Network’s coverage will begin at 2 p.m. on SiriusXM radio. Additional live video, including driver cams, will be available with a subscription to NASCAR Race Buddy.
Johnson will begin Sunday’s race with a seven-point lead in the Chase over Matt Kenseth. With Johnson’s history of success at Phoenix and with just two races to go, Kenseth may need a strong finish if he’s going to remain in contention. Johnson has won four times in 20 career starts at Phoenix and has an average finish of 6.5, according to Sporting News. Kenseth, however, hasn’t finished in the top five at Phoenix since 2007. Kenseth will have some early ground to make up since he will start from the No. 14 spot.
Despite Johnson’s history of success at Phoenix and Kenseth’s disadvantage from the starting line, the two are co-betting favorites. Both were given 4-1 odds to win on Sunday, according to the LVH SuperBook. Kenseth needs a solid result and has very little to lose; that added desperation could be a reason he and Johnson are co-favorites. Johnson, however, is a significant favorite to win the Chase with 1/5 odds.
Sunday’s race coverage:
Green flag: 3:15 p.m.
Live race coverage: ESPN - 3 p.m.
Pre-race coverage: ESPN - 2 p.m., Fox Sports 1 10 a.m.
Online coverage: WatchESPN, NASCAR Race Buddy
Radio coverage: Motor Racing Network - 2 p.m.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
