NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Season 5 Episode 17 NASCAR 2013 Sprint Cup Series - AdvoCare 500 (Phoenix)

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series takes a pit stop at the Phoenix International Raceway for the AdvoCare 500. This track has seen its share of winners and losers in the past, but this year promises to be one for the ages. The AdvoCare 500 is the second to last race of the 2013 season, and every driver will be looking to make their mark before the final race in Miami.

The Phoenix International Raceway is a unique track, with its one-mile oval shape and doglegged backstretch. This configuration puts a premium on handling and speed, as drivers must navigate the turns while battling for position. The track's unique shape also allows for multiple racing lines, giving drivers the option to try different strategies as they look for the best way to gain an advantage over their rivals.

The AdvoCare 500 is an important race for all the drivers, but some have more at stake than others. Jimmie Johnson, the five-time NASCAR champion, enters the race with a comfortable lead in the standings, but he can't afford to take his foot off the gas just yet. A win at Phoenix would all but guarantee his championship hopes, but a poor finish could open the door for his rivals to catch up.

Johnson is no stranger to success at the Phoenix International Raceway, having won four times in his career. But he'll face stiff competition from a host of other talented drivers. Kevin Harvick, a Phoenix native, is always a force to be reckoned with at his hometown track. Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Matt Kenseth are also expected to be in the mix for the win.

The AdvoCare 500 is also an important race for drivers on the playoff bubble. Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, and Kurt Busch are all fighting for a spot in the championship field, and a win at Phoenix would virtually guarantee their place in the playoffs. Expect these drivers to take risks and push their cars to the limit as they look to secure their spots in the chase.

The race will also be an important one for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Although he has already secured his spot in the playoff field, he has struggled in recent races and will be looking to regain his momentum as the season nears its end. Earnhardt Jr. has a strong record at the Phoenix International Raceway, with two wins and multiple top-ten finishes in his career.

As always, pit strategy will play a critical role in the outcome of the AdvoCare 500. Crew chiefs will be crunching the numbers and calculating the best time to bring their drivers in for fuel and tires, while drivers will be jockeying for position on the track to give themselves the best possible chance when they come in for a pit stop.

The AdvoCare 500 promises to be a thrilling race, with plenty of drama and excitement in store. With only two races left in the season, every driver will be looking to make their mark and secure their place in the chase for the championship. Don't miss the action as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rolls into Phoenix for this must-see event.