NASCAR Barometer: Back in the Winner's Circle

Phoenix International Raceway put on a great show last weekend. It was the season's first race on a non restrictor-plate track, but the finish was every bit as exciting as it was at Daytona. Qualifying put the prior week's pole sitter in the back of the field, and veteran Mark Martin in the top spot.

It was a tough day for right-front tires. A number of drivers ran afoul of building up too much heat in that corner, sending their cars hard into the outside wall. In fact, a blown right-front tire set up the season's first green-white-checkered finish, stretching most teams' nerves on fuel mileage.

The top three drivers in the closing laps all raced home on the final restart but were surprised by a charging Denny Hamlin. The No. 11 forced his way into the top 3 and did ...

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