Three memorable moments at Phoenix

CONCORD, N.C. – This weekend, NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers will head out west for the highly-anticipated event at Phoenix International Raceway. One of the most crucial races of the year, Sunday’s showdown will determine who contends for a championship – and who misses the cut.

Before the excitement begins, let’s take a look back on three memorable Hendrick Motorsports moments at Phoenix.

Oct. 30, 1994: Hendrick Motorsports was celebrating its 10-year anniversary when its drivers arrived at Phoenix in October 1994. In those 10 years of racing, Hendrick Motorsports had yet to record a win at the Arizona track. That changed with Terry Labonte. The 37-year-old driver rallied from a 19th-place starting position, leading a race-high 112 laps en route to Victory Lane. The win marked both his and Hendrick Motorsports’ first victory at the one-mile oval.

April 21, 2007: Jeff Gordon started and ended the April 2007 race at Phoenix in the same position; first. After winning the pole, Gordon paced the field for 53 laps before taking the checkered flag that day. The victory gave Gordon his first win at the Arizona oval and tied him with legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. for career wins. In honor of Earnhardt Sr., Gordon flew the No. 3 black flag after crossing the finish line. Hendrick Motorsports went on to sweep Phoenix that year, with Jimmie Johnson taking home the win in the fall.

Nov. 15, 2009: Nothing was going to stop Jimmie Johnson from winning the 2009 Sprint Cup Championship – not even a 312-lap race at Phoenix International Raceway. The driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet was determined from the start, leading 238 of 312 laps around the one-mile oval en route to Victory Lane. Later that month, Johnson was crowned the Sprint Cup champion, marking his fourth straight Sprint Cup title.