Kyle Busch is looking forward to a big Sunday in Phoenix.

Kyle Busch has taken Phoenix International Raceway by storm this weekend, and Sunday has a chance to become the first driver ever to sweep all three NASCAR-sanctioned events.

Busch, a Las Vegas native, has long felt that Phoenix owes him a great deal. He is third in all-time laps led, behind only Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin. Busch won the November 2005 race at this desert jewel, but has been relegated to 35th place or worse finishes in other races there.

Today, in his last Busch race for Hendrick Motorsports, Busch was audibly emotional as he talked about going out on top with his crew, thanking each one individually. While Busch will soon be leaving the shop which incubated his talent and increased his maturity, he certainly has a strong will to fight for great finishes until the very end. With this huge rush of momentum behind the No. 5 team, look for Kyle Busch to finish well tomorrow. Don’t be surprised if he drives into Victory Lane, either.

Kevin Harvick took both races here in 2006 and is definitely a favorite for this week. Phoenix takes an aggressive driving style, and Kevin isn’t afraid to let it all hang out in his quest for the checkers. With an average finish of 14.0, it’s a solid place to stand at a track that in general favors no driver.

Former Roushketeer Jeff Burton is a steady favorite at PIR. With an average finish of 11.6, Burton is ready to place top ten or go for the win. Burton, who won back to back events from 2000 to 2001, has been able to fit his driving style to the track. He’s finished all but 16 of almost 5,000 laps at PIR.

Pulling again from the Hendrick stable, shopmates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have high average finishes but only one win between them at this persnickety track. With numbers like 7.2 and 8.2 as averages, respectively, you can’t count out the top two Chase contenders. Johnson is attempting to win four consecutive races, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Gordon did it in his 1998 title run. Johnson hasn’t won at PIR, but for sure he will be gunning for Victory Lane.

Polesitter Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart also have respectable average finishes here. Stewart, who won his second career Cup race, has had several top fives in the last few races here. Edwards will also be looking to notch another win on his belt at PIR.

With no driver or team heavily favored, PIR always makes for an interesting race. Have a great race day, and may the best man win!

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