The semi-final race in the 2007 Chase for the NEXTEL Cup - the Checker Auto Parts 500 - is seven months away but the competition for the dozen positions inside the 2007 Chase field is already heating up the Phoenix desert.

With nine races complete in the 36-race schedule, NASCAR's top-12 currently features five past Series Champions in Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch. Of the current top-12, ten have visited Gatorade Victory Lane at Phoenix International Raceway in either the NASCAR Busch Series or the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

Here's an inside look at the current contenders and their history at PIR. (The list of NASCAR's top 12 drivers was captured before the Crown Royal/Jim Stewart 400 at Richmond International Raceway on May 6).

1. Jeff Gordon, #24 DuPont Chevrolet - Has recorded back-to-back wins in Phoenix and Talladega and is riding the momentum of passing Dale Earnhardt on the all-time win list; also passed Darrell Waltrip on NASCAR's list of career poles. Last month he finally got the monkey off his back to record his first Cup victory in the desert. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 8.2 (17 Cup starts).

2. Jeff Burton, #31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet - Became the first repeat winner at Texas Motor Speedway in April. With the new points system, this NASCAR pro will need to battle to lead more laps to gain as many points as possible heading into the Chase. Recorded back-to-back victories in Phoenix in 2000 and 2001. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 11.5 (16 Cup starts).

3. Matt Kenseth, #17 DeWalt Ford - The only Ford driver to see Victory Lane so far in 2007 (California Speedway). Back on track with crew chief Robbie Rieser following a suspension at the Daytona 500, Kenseth and Co. are poised to pounce. Has seen PIR's Gatorade on two occasions, first in a Cup car (2002) and then in his Busch ride (2006). Career finishing average in Phoenix: 18.4 (10 Cup starts).

4. Jimmie Johnson, #48 Lowes Chevrolet - Dr. Dominance has notched three victories so far in 2007 and would like to be the Series' first repeat winner since teammate and car owner Jeff Gordon in 1997 and 1998. Resume boasts six top-10's in the desert in eight career attempts. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 7.3 (8 Cup starts).

5. Denny Hamlin, #11 Fed Ex Chevrolet - This kid is the Driver of Tomorrow so he fits really well inside the Car of Tomorrow. Has led a ridiculous number of laps in NASCAR's next-generation car but has yet to have Lady Luck on his side. Secured first and only Bud Pole Award in Phoenix in November 2005 - before his "official" rookie season began. Finished third in last two Cup events in the desert. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 13.3 (4 Cup starts).

6. Tony Stewart, #20 Home Depot Chevrolet - Spends his time away from the track practicing his fence-climbing skills as he awaits his first points-victory in 2007. Passion and love for the sport should combine to propel Stewart to a handful of wins and a return to the Chase. Won the first Cup race he entered in Phoenix in 1999. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 9.9 (11 Cup starts).

7. Jamie McMurray, #26 Crown Royal Ford – Partnered with a new crew chief in his ear in 2007, McMurray and the Crown Royal Team have reason to toast the start of the season. Already with five top-10's, Roush Fenway’s young veteran looks to continue this momentum throughout the summer and make his first appearance in NASCAR’s Chase. Claimed a Busch Series victory in Phoenix in 2004 and looks to take his Cup ride there in November. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 24.5 (8 Cup starts).

8. Kyle Busch, #5 Kellogg’s Chevrolet – No longer known as Kurt’s younger brother, Kyle made a name for himself when he stepped into the spotlight in last year’s Chase. Make no mistake, this young driver doesn’t like the Car of Tomorrow, but with his victory at Bristol combined with his teammates victories in the other two CoT races, means more victories on the horizon for the Kellogg’s Kid. Won at Phoenix in November 2005 and became the youngest driver to win a Cup race in PIR history. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 18.0 (5 Cup starts).

9. Kevin Harvick, #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet – Happy Harvick has just four top-10’s this season but took the greatest checkered flag of his life when he edged Mark Martin in the season-opening Daytona 500. Dominant at PIR, Harvick swept the Cup season in the desert in 2006 and looks to defend his title in the November showdown. Is the only driver in the history of PIR to have won in all of NASCAR’s top three series (Cup, Busch, Craftsman Truck Series) and the only driver to win both Cup races in the same year. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 14.0 (9 Cup starts).

10. Kurt Busch, #2 Miller Lite Dodge – The elder Busch quietly continues to pick off opponents moving his way toward the front of the pack. With only a pair of top-10’s this season, Busch could be the Jeff Burton of 2006 – a top Chase contender with no wins pre-Chase. Busch won the inaugural night race at PIR in 2005. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 13.6 (9 Cup starts).

11. Clint Bowyer, #07 Jack Daniels Chevrolet – Despite crossing the finish line on his hood and on-fire in the season-opening Daytona 500, Bowyer has set the tone for his season with strong runs and solid finishes. The Jack Daniels machine could see Victory Lane in the near future but continued consistency will be key to getting all three RCR drivers in the Chase. Drove his way into PIR’s Victory Lane last month in the Busch event. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 20.5 (4 Cup starts).

12. Carl Edwards, #99 Office Depot Ford – NASCAR fans are doing back-flips for Edwards return to the Chase. Edwards will not only contend for the NEXTEL Cup but is also the front runner for the Busch Series Championship. No driver in NASCAR’s history has ever won both Championships in the same season. This young gun has all the ammo he needs to get out in front for the Chase. Edwards powered his Busch car to PIR’s Victory Lane in November 2005, after back-flipping out of the car at the start-finish line. Career finishing average in Phoenix: 11.7 (6 Cup starts).

Now it's a dozen dueling for the championship during the semi-final showdown in NASCAR’s Chase for the NEXTEL Cup Weekend at PIR, November 8-11, 2007. On Thursday night, November 8, the USAC Midget and Silver Crown Series return to PIR in the Copper World Classic presented by FastSigns. Friday night, November 9, the drivers of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series roll the dice in the Casino Arizona 150, followed immediately by the PIR After Dark fan festival. Saturday's ARIZONA.TRAVEL 200 NASCAR Busch Series race could determine a 2007 Busch Series champion. On Sunday, November 11, it's the playoffs - NASCAR Style, as the stars of the NEXTEL Cup Series battle it out for the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship in the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil. Get your tickets today by calling 866-408-RACE (7223) or visit www.racetickets.com.