Johnson takes fourth in a row and seals champ bid

Jimmy Johnson makes another late race push to the front and moves to a commanding points lead.

Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart all made late race runs at JJ but none seriously threatened to take the lead.  Johnson and Chad Knaus seem to have it figured out and nothing short of a disaster at Homestead next week can derail this train.

The best finishing Toyota was Brian Vickers in 21st.  The desert wasn't a kind place for the Toyota group as none of Michael Waltrip Racing's entries made the field.

With Dale Jarrett not making the race and Mark Martin and Ken Shrader not entered - there has now not been a driver who has participated in all the Phoenix Cup events.

The Buzz ON PIT ROW is:

Is America's love of the underdog strong enough to make Gordon haters root for him to win the Championship?

The Fast Lap this week asks:

1)  Will the 48 team continue their "race to win strategy" at Homestead or will they race for 18th?

2) Is Homestead the best place to finish the season?

3) Should Petty Enterprises merge/partner with Gillett-Evernham?

4) Will any of the three 2008 open wheel rookies not make it to the end of the season?

Let us know how you feel about these questions, or anything else that happened at in the desert.  If we like your comments, whether we agree or not, we may use them on the air during Tuesday's ON PIT ROW.  Leave us a comment on the blog or call the show--toll free at 1-877-502-8255 between 5-7pm edt on Tuesdays.

photo: Jason Smith/Getty images/NASCAR

Comments

[robert bourne]

1..I'm betting they play a little defense

2..nope Vegas would be better..

3 nope

4 I wasn't sure Hornish had his heart in it until last weekend..he would have been my pick...Carpentier has an in with Gillete and Franchitti will stick...so I guess those three will be there at the end..

[4ever3]

The Buzz: NO!

Fast Lap:
1) They'll be a bit more conservative, until they are sure they have 18th sewn up (only due to a high attrition rate, or a Jeff Gordon crash/malfunction, etc. though)
2)No. Where you ask? Somewhere where more variables can change the outcome of a Championship like Bristol, or 'Dega. Personally, I liked Atlanta being the last race of the season way back when.
3)Heart says no, but head says yes. It is the smart thing to do competitive wise at this moment in time.
4)I think they might all make it, but I think Hornish stands to to be the weakest link of this group experience wise and I don't think Penske has the patience to watch him crash or not make the show every week.

[vroom]

I believe Homestead is a good place to finish the season...it's the Sunshine State and vacation time is right around the corner for the teams!