Keselowski takes NASCAR Chase lead; Oak Ridge’s Harvick wins race

Oak Ridge resident Kevin Harvick gets sprayed while celebrating his victory at Phoenix International Raceway (Associated Press photo by Ross D. Franklin.)

AVONDALE, Ariz. — A chaotic race at Phoenix blew NASCAR’s championship fight wide open today, moving Brad Keselowski to the brink of a first Sprint Cup title for himself and team owner Roger Penske.

Keselowski heads into next week’s season finale with a 20-point lead over five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson. His car was better than Johnson’s, but he capitalized when a tire failure caused Johnson to crash hard and finish 32nd.

But that was the least of the drama.

Oak Ridge resident Kevin Harvick snapped a 44-race losing streak in a crash-marred finish, and the crews for Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer brawled in the garage after Gordon intentionally wrecked Bowyer on the track.

It led to a meeting between the drivers and crew chiefs in the NASCAR hauler with police officers standing guard outside.

Credit: The Associated Press.