AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) – Jamie McMurray was the fastest driver in Saturday’s final practice at Phoenix International Raceway, where Kevin Harvick established himself as the driver to beat.
Harvick was second fastest behind McMurray, and Harvick led the morning session. Winner of three of the last four races at Phoenix, Harvick wants a win on Sunday to earn an automatic berth into NASCAR’s championship finale.
Chase for the Sprint Cup championship drivers Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano were third and fourth, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., then Chase driver Jeff Gordon.
Pole-sitter Denny Hamlin was 10th fastest and Brad Keselowski was 12th. Ryan Newman (19th) and Carl Edwards (21st) were the slowest of the Chase field.
There are eight drivers racing Sunday for the four spots up for grabs in next week’s Chase finale.