Driver Kevin Harvick (29) leads the field just ahead of Jeff Gordon (24) during the early stages of the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Phoenix International Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 in Avondale, Ariz.AVONDALE, Ariz. - Jimmie Johnson has taken control of the championship battle following a disastrous performance by Matt Kenseth at Phoenix International Raceway.
Johnson widened his lead in the Sprint Cup standings to 28 points over Kenseth heading into next Sunday's season finale at Homestead by finishing third in a workmanlike performance for the five-time champion.
Kenseth had a horrific race Sunday as his title hopes were derailed by an ill-handing Toyota. He was struggling early, complained to crew chief Jason Ratcliff he didn't even know what to tell him to fix, and wound up 23rd.
Kevin Harvick won the race for the second year in a row after Carl Edwards ran out of gas headed to the white flag. Harvick sailed by on the last lap for his fourth win of the year.