AdvoCare 500: Phoenix 2012
A comprehensive analysis of the pivotal penultimate race in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, held at Phoenix International Raceway.
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Race Overview
Race Details
The 2012 AdvoCare 500 marked the thirty-fifth event of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and the ninth race within the ten-event Chase for the Sprint Cup. The race was held on November 11, 2012, at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.
Track Information
Phoenix International Raceway is a 1-mile (1.6 km) asphalt oval track. It features varying banking degrees: 10-11 degrees in the first two turns, 8-9 degrees in the final two turns, and 3 degrees on the front stretch. The backstretch, known as the 'dogleg', has 10-11 degrees of banking. The facility has a seating capacity of 76,800.
Race Conditions
The race was conducted under clear skies with temperatures around 65°F (18°C). Winds were light, coming from the North-Northwest at approximately 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h). The average speed recorded for the event was 111.182 miles per hour (178.930 km/h).
Track Characteristics
Location and Configuration
Phoenix International Raceway, situated in Avondale, Arizona, is one of NASCAR's five short tracks. Its unique configuration includes banked turns and a distinct 'dogleg' backstretch, demanding precise driving and strategic adjustments from competitors.
Track Dimensions
The oval measures precisely 1 mile (1.6 km) in length. The race covered a total distance of 319 laps, equating to 319 miles (513.381 km).
Championship Standings
Drivers' Championship
Entering the AdvoCare 500, the Drivers' Championship standings were tightly contested:
- 1st: Jimmie Johnson (2,339 points)
- 2nd: Brad Keselowski (2,332 points)
- 3rd: Clint Bowyer (2,303 points)
- 4th: Kasey Kahne (2,281 points)
- 5th: Matt Kenseth (2,267 points)
The competition was fierce, with only a few points separating the top contenders as the season neared its conclusion.
Manufacturers' Championship
In the Manufacturers' Championship, Chevrolet held a commanding lead:
- Chevrolet: 231 points
- Toyota: 201 points
- Ford: 167 points
- Dodge: 149 points
Chevrolet's dominance reflected strong performances across multiple teams throughout the season.
Key Drivers
Pole Position
Kyle Busch secured the pole position for the AdvoCare 500, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. His qualifying time was 25.943 seconds.
Most Laps Led
Kyle Busch also dominated the laps led category, leading 237 of the 319 laps. He drove the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Race Winner
The victory was claimed by Kevin Harvick, driving the No. 29 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. This marked Harvick's sole win of the 2012 season.
Race Results
Top Finishers
The AdvoCare 500 concluded with a dramatic finish:
- 1st: Kevin Harvick (Richard Childress Racing)
- 2nd: Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- 3rd: Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing)
Broadcast Information
The race was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. The announcing team included Allen Bestwick, Dale Jarrett, and Andy Petree, providing expert commentary on the event.
The Chase Climax
Dramatic Conclusion
The final laps of the AdvoCare 500 were marked by significant on-track incidents. On lap 310, contact between Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer sent Gordon into the wall. Gordon, subsequently penalized, retaliated on lap 311 by intentionally making contact with Bowyer's car, causing a multi-car incident that included Joey Logano and Aric Almirola.
Post-Race Repercussions
Following the incident, Gordon and Bowyer's crews engaged in a physical altercation. NASCAR summoned Gordon and his team owner, Rick Hendrick, to the hauler. While Gordon was initially considered for suspension from the final race, he was ultimately allowed to compete. NASCAR imposed penalties: Jeff Gordon was fined $100,000 and lost 100 driver points. His crew chief, Alan Gustafson, received a $50,000 fine. Clint Bowyer's crew chief, Brian Pattie, was fined $35,000, and Rick Hendrick was fined $5,000.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not represent official race commentary or real-time updates.
This is not official race analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official NASCAR data, professional motorsport analysis, or expert commentary. Always refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding NASCAR events.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.