Phoenix Qualifying Report

No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge
November 7, 2008
1-mile Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway

QUALIFYING RESULTS:
1. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
2. Jamie McMurray, Ford
3. Kurt Busch, Dodge
4. David Reutimann, Toyota
5. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Chevrolet
35. Kyle Petty, No. 45 Wells Fargo Dodge
41. Bobby Labonte, No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge

After losing a significant portion of his point lead last weekend at Texas, Jimmie Johnson came out of the box strong at Phoenix by taking the pole for the Checker Auto Parts 500. Jamie McMurray, Kurt Busch and David Reutimann give each of the four manufacturers a spot in the top-four qualifiers.

Bobby Labonte will start 41st in his No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge. Labonte and crew could not find the right balance on the car during the practice session on Friday. Phoenix has been a good track for Labonte in the past, he considers it one of his favorites, and he will draw on that experience to move through the field on Sunday.

“We didn’t roll off the truck as fast as we needed to and we used up most of the practice session trying to improve the handling,” sounded Labonte. “It’s not the start we want, but racing at Phoenix gives you a lot of chances to improve your track position with pit strategy.”

Sunday’s race will be televised live on ABC. It will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius Channel 128. Pre-race coverage is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM EDT.