NASCAR: Winners And Losers From Phoenix

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Nov 13, 2016; Avondale, AZ, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Matt Kenseth (20) drives down pit row after wrecking at end of the Can-Am 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Matt Kenseth

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for Matt Kenseth in the Chase, Phoenix showed up.

Last season, Kenseth was just a few laps from winning at Kansas and advancing to the Round of 8, but a late nudge by Joey Logano sent him spinning and resulted in him being eliminated the next weekend at Talladega.

This year, it was different for Kenseth. He was arguably the most consistent driver in the Chase. He had recored seven top-10’s in eight Chase races with the lone exception coming in the form of Talladega–a race where him and two of his other Joe Gibbs Racing teammates intentionally stayed near the rear.

In Sunday’s race, Kenseth needed a good finish to move on, but could’ve solidified a spot in the next round with a win. He seized the lead late and led 55 laps before a late wreck on the restart where he didn’t see Alex Bowman and moved too low, causing a spin and the end of his chances.

Kenseth won his lone championship back in 2003 and was a couple of laps away from advancing to the Championship 4 for the first time in his career. Unfortunately, he had to suffer through another heartbreaking finish.

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