# 2002 Checker Auto Parts 500

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{{Short description|35th race of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}

{{Infobox NASCAR race report|Type=NASWINSTON|Date=November 10|Caption=The 2002 Checker Auto Parts 500 program cover.|Pole_Team=[Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing)|First_Team=[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)|First_Driver=[Matt Kenseth](/source/Matt_Kenseth)|Most_Team=[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)|Most_Driver=[Kurt Busch](/source/Kurt_Busch)|Most_laps=117|Pole_Driver=[Ryan Newman](/source/Ryan_Newman_(racing_driver))|Network=[NBC](/source/NASCAR_on_NBC)|Announcers=[Allen Bestwick](/source/Allen_Bestwick), [Benny Parsons](/source/Benny_Parsons), [Wally Dallenbach Jr.](/source/Wally_Dallenbach_Jr.)|Car=17|Radio=[Motor Racing Network](/source/Motor_Racing_Network)|Avg={{convert|113.857|mph|km/h}}|Season_No=36|Location=[Avondale, Arizona](/source/Avondale%2C_Arizona), [Phoenix International Raceway](/source/Phoenix_International_Raceway)|Race_No=35|Scheduled_km=502.115|Distance_km=502.115|Scheduled_laps=312|Distance_laps=312|Course_km=1.6|Scheduled_mi=312|Course_mi=1|Official_name=15th Annual Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil|Race_Name=Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil|Year=2002|Pole_Time=27.138|Distance_mi=312|Attendance=100,000|Image=2002_Checker_Auto_Parts_500_program_cover.jpg}}

The '''2002 Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil''' was the 35th [stock car race](/source/Stock_car_racing) of the [2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series](/source/2002_NASCAR_Winston_Cup_Series) and the 15th iteration of the [event](/source/Checker_Auto_Parts_500). The race was held on Sunday, November 10, 2002, before a crowd of 100,000 in [Avondale, Arizona](/source/Avondale%2C_Arizona) at [Phoenix International Raceway](/source/Phoenix_International_Raceway), a 1-mile (1.6&nbsp;km) permanent low-banked [tri-oval](/source/tri-oval) race track. The race took the scheduled 312 laps to complete. At race's end, [Matt Kenseth](/source/Matt_Kenseth), driving for [Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing), would pull off a clutch two-tire strategy on the final restart of the race to win his fifth career [NASCAR Winston Cup Series](/source/NASCAR_Winston_Cup_Series) win and his fourth of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rodman |first=Dave |date=November 12, 2002 |title=Kenseth overcomes problems for fifth victory |url=http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/wc/11/10/checker_500/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021202131641/http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/wc/11/10/checker_500/index.html |archive-date=December 2, 2002 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=Turner Sports Interactive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2002 |title=No gas, no problem |pages=23 |work=Arizona Daily Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100995492/no-gas-no-problem/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}}</ref> To fill out the podium, [Rusty Wallace](/source/Rusty_Wallace) of [Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing) and [Jeff Gordon](/source/Jeff_Gordon) of [Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports) would finish second and third, respectively.

== Background ==
[[File:Phoenix-international-raceway-2011-new.svg|thumb|The layout of [Phoenix International Raceway](/source/Phoenix_International_Raceway), the venue where the race was held.]]
'''Phoenix International Raceway''' – also known as '''PIR''' – is a one-mile, low-banked [tri-oval](/source/tri-oval) race track located in [Avondale, Arizona](/source/Avondale%2C_Arizona). It is named after the nearby metropolitan area of [Phoenix](/source/Phoenix%2C_Arizona). The [motorsport](/source/motorsport) track opened in 1964 and currently hosts two [NASCAR](/source/NASCAR) race weekends annually. PIR has also hosted the [IndyCar Series](/source/IndyCar_Series), [CART](/source/Champ_Car_World_Series), [USAC](/source/United_States_Auto_Club) and the [Rolex Sports Car Series](/source/Rolex_Sports_Car_Series). The raceway is currently owned and operated by [NASCAR](/source/NASCAR).

The raceway was originally constructed with a 2.5&nbsp;mi (4.0&nbsp;km) [road course](/source/road_course) that ran both inside and outside of the main tri-oval. In 1991 the track was reconfigured with the current 1.51&nbsp;mi (2.43&nbsp;km) interior layout. PIR has an estimated grandstand seating capacity of around 67,000. Lights were installed around the track in 2004 following the addition of a second annual NASCAR race weekend.

=== Entry list ===

* '''(R)''' denotes rookie driver.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
!#
!Driver
!Team
!Make
|-
|1
|[Steve Park](/source/Steve_Park)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|2
|[Rusty Wallace](/source/Rusty_Wallace)
|[Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|4
|[Mike Skinner](/source/Mike_Skinner_(racing_driver))
|[Morgan–McClure Motorsports](/source/Morgan%E2%80%93McClure_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|5
|[Terry Labonte](/source/Terry_Labonte)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|6
|[Mark Martin](/source/Mark_Martin)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|7
|[Jason Leffler](/source/Jason_Leffler)
|[Ultra Motorsports](/source/Ultra_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|07
|[Ted Musgrave](/source/Ted_Musgrave)
|[Ultra Motorsports](/source/Ultra_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|8
|[Dale Earnhardt Jr.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt_Jr.)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|9
|[Bill Elliott](/source/Bill_Elliott)
|[Evernham Motorsports](/source/Evernham_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|10
|[Johnny Benson Jr.](/source/Johnny_Benson_Jr.)
|[MBV Motorsports](/source/MBV_Motorsports)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|-
|11
|[Brett Bodine](/source/Brett_Bodine)
|[Brett Bodine Racing](/source/Brett_Bodine_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|12
|[Ryan Newman](/source/Ryan_Newman_(racing_driver)) '''(R)'''
|[Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|14
|[Mike Wallace](/source/Mike_Wallace_(racing_driver))
|[A. J. Foyt Enterprises](/source/A._J._Foyt_Enterprises)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|-
|15
|[Michael Waltrip](/source/Michael_Waltrip)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|17
|[Matt Kenseth](/source/Matt_Kenseth)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|18
|[Bobby Labonte](/source/Bobby_Labonte)
|[Joe Gibbs Racing](/source/Joe_Gibbs_Racing)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|-
|19
|[Jeremy Mayfield](/source/Jeremy_Mayfield)
|[Evernham Motorsports](/source/Evernham_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|20
|[Tony Stewart](/source/Tony_Stewart)
|[Joe Gibbs Racing](/source/Joe_Gibbs_Racing)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|-
|21
|[Elliott Sadler](/source/Elliott_Sadler)
|[Wood Brothers Racing](/source/Wood_Brothers_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|22
|[Ward Burton](/source/Ward_Burton)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|23
|[Kenny Wallace](/source/Kenny_Wallace)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|24
|[Jeff Gordon](/source/Jeff_Gordon)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|25
|[Joe Nemechek](/source/Joe_Nemechek)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|26
|[Todd Bodine](/source/Todd_Bodine)
|[Haas-Carter Motorsports](/source/Haas-Carter_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|27
|[Scott Wimmer](/source/Scott_Wimmer)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|28
|[Ricky Rudd](/source/Ricky_Rudd)
|[Robert Yates Racing](/source/Robert_Yates_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|29
|[Kevin Harvick](/source/Kevin_Harvick)
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|30
|[Jeff Green](/source/Jeff_Green_(racing_driver))
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|31
|[Robby Gordon](/source/Robby_Gordon)
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|32
|[Ricky Craven](/source/Ricky_Craven)
|[PPI Motorsports](/source/PPI_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|36
|[Ken Schrader](/source/Ken_Schrader)
|[MB2 Motorsports](/source/MB2_Motorsports)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|-
|37
|[Jeff Jefferson](/source/Jeff_Jefferson_(racing_driver))
|[Quest Motor Racing](/source/Quest_Motor_Racing)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|-
|40
|[Jamie McMurray](/source/Jamie_McMurray)
|[Chip Ganassi Racing](/source/Chip_Ganassi_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|41
|[Jimmy Spencer](/source/Jimmy_Spencer)
|[Chip Ganassi Racing](/source/Chip_Ganassi_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|43
|[John Andretti](/source/John_Andretti)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|44
|[Christian Fittipaldi](/source/Christian_Fittipaldi)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|45
|[Kyle Petty](/source/Kyle_Petty)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|47
|[Lance Hooper](/source/Lance_Hooper)
|Dark Horse Motorsports
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|48
|[Jimmie Johnson](/source/Jimmie_Johnson) '''(R)'''
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|49
|[Derrike Cope](/source/Derrike_Cope)
|[BAM Racing](/source/BAM_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|51
|[Jerry Robertson](/source/Jerry_Robertson_(racing_driver))
|[Ware Racing Enterprises](/source/Ware_Racing_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|-
|55
|[Bobby Hamilton](/source/Bobby_Hamilton)
|[Andy Petree Racing](/source/Andy_Petree_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|60
|[Jack Sprague](/source/Jack_Sprague)
|[Haas CNC Racing](/source/Haas_CNC_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|74
|[Tony Raines](/source/Tony_Raines)
|[BACE Motorsports](/source/BACE_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|77
|[Dave Blaney](/source/Dave_Blaney)
|[Jasper Motorsports](/source/Jasper_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|83
|[Ron Hornaday Jr.](/source/Ron_Hornaday_Jr.)
|[FitzBradshaw Racing](/source/FitzBradshaw_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|-
|88
|[Dale Jarrett](/source/Dale_Jarrett)
|[Robert Yates Racing](/source/Robert_Yates_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|89
|[Morgan Shepherd](/source/Morgan_Shepherd)
|[Shepherd Racing Ventures](/source/Shepherd_Racing_Ventures)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|93
|[Mike Harmon](/source/Mike_Harmon_(racing_driver))
|GIC Motorsports
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|97
|[Kurt Busch](/source/Kurt_Busch)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
|99
|[Jeff Burton](/source/Jeff_Burton)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|-
! colspan="4" |[https://web.archive.org/web/20021214110837/http://www.nascar.com/races/wc/2002/35/data/entry_list.html Official entry list]
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Withdrew. Harmon would withdraw after crashing during practice, and Hooper would withdraw after crashing in practice.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date= |title=Jayski's Silly Season Site - 2002 Phoenix Race Info Page |url=http://www.jayski.com/next/2002/2002phoenix.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204223911/http://www.jayski.com/next/2002/2002phoenix.htm |archive-date=February 4, 2005 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=Jayski's Silly Season Site}}</ref>

== Practice ==

=== First practice ===
The first practice session was held on Friday, November 8, at 10:30 AM [MST](/source/Mountain_Time_Zone), and would last for 2 hours.<ref name=":0" /> [Ryan Newman](/source/Ryan_Newman_(racing_driver)) of [Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing) would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 27.074 and an average speed of {{Convert|132.969|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 8, 2002 |title=Speeds from Friday's Cup practice |url=http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/4476265.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208135153/http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/4476265.htm |archive-date=February 8, 2005 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=ThatsRacin}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
!Pos.
!#
!Driver
!Team
!Make
!Time
!Speed
|-
!1
|12
|Ryan Newman '''(R)'''
|Penske Racing
|Ford
|27.074
|132.969
|-
!2
|43
|John Andretti
|Petty Enterprises
|Dodge
|27.206
|132.324
|-
!3
|23
|Kenny Wallace
|Bill Davis Racing
|Dodge
|27.227
|132.222
|-
! colspan="7" |[https://web.archive.org/web/20021203205027/http://www.nascar.com/races/wc/2002/35/data/practice1_speeds.html Full first practice results]
|}

=== Second practice ===
The second practice session was held on Saturday, November 9, at 8:30 AM [MST](/source/Mountain_Time_Zone), and would last for 45 minutes.<ref name=":0" /> [Jimmie Johnson](/source/Jimmie_Johnson) of [Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports) would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 27.860 and an average speed of {{Convert|129.217|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2002 |title=Johnson fastest in Saturday's early practice |url=http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/4482706.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208135158/http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/4482706.htm |archive-date=February 8, 2005 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=ThatsRacin}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
!Pos.
!#
!Driver
!Team
!Make
!Time
!Speed
|-
!1
|48
|Jimmie Johnson '''(R)'''
|Hendrick Motorsports
|Chevrolet
|27.860
|129.217
|-
!2
|19
|Jeremy Mayfield
|Evernham Motorsports
|Dodge
|27.980
|128.663
|-
!3
|23
|Kenny Wallace
|Bill Davis Racing
|Dodge
|27.993
|128.604
|-
! colspan="7" |[https://web.archive.org/web/20021203210357/http://www.nascar.com/races/wc/2002/35/data/practice2_speeds.html Full second practice results]
|}

=== Final practice ===
The final practice session was held on Saturday, November 9, at 10:15 AM [MST](/source/Mountain_Time_Zone), and would last for 45 minutes.<ref name=":0" /> [Kenny Wallace](/source/Kenny_Wallace) of [Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing) would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 28.004 and an average speed of {{Convert|128.553|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Packman |first=Tim |date=November 9, 2002 |title=K. Wallace fastest in Phoenix Happy Hour |url=http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/wc/11/09/kwallace_hh/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021203063727/http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/wc/11/09/kwallace_hh/index.html |archive-date=December 3, 2002 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=Turner Sports Interactive}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
!Pos.
!#
!Driver
!Team
!Make
!Time
!Speed
|-
!1
|23
|Kenny Wallace
|Bill Davis Racing
|Dodge
|28.004
|128.553
|-
!2
|29
|Kevin Harvick
|Richard Childress Racing
|Chevrolet
|28.089
|128.164
|-
!3
|27
|Scott Wimmer
|Bill Davis Racing
|Dodge
|28.100
|128.114
|-
! colspan="7" |[https://web.archive.org/web/20030212060949/http://www.nascar.com/races/wc/2002/35/data/practice3_speeds.html Full Final practice results]
|}

== Qualifying ==
Qualifying was held on Friday, November 8, at 3:05 PM [MST](/source/Mountain_Time_Zone). Each driver would have two laps to set a fastest time; the fastest of the two would count as their official qualifying lap.<ref name=":0" /> Positions 1-36 would be decided on time, while positions 37-43 would be based on provisionals. Six spots are awarded by the use of provisionals based on owner's points. The seventh is awarded to a past champion who has not otherwise qualified for the race. If no past champion needs the provisional, the next team in the owner points will be awarded a provisional.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Jayski's Silly Season Site - 2002 Provisional/Owners Points Page |url=http://www.jayski.com/stats/2002/2002prov.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050205192304/http://www.jayski.com/stats/2002/2002prov.htm |archive-date=2005-02-05 |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=Jayski's Silly Season Site}}</ref>

[Ryan Newman](/source/Ryan_Newman_(racing_driver)) of [Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing) would win the pole, setting a time of 27.138 and an average speed of {{Convert|132.655|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Packman |first=Dave |date=November 8, 2002 |title=Newman on Bud Pole for record sixth time |url=http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/wc/11/08/rnewman_pole/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021110153450/http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/wc/11/08/rnewman_pole/index.html |archive-date=November 10, 2002 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=Turner Sports Interactive}}</ref>

Six drivers would fail to qualify: [Ted Musgrave](/source/Ted_Musgrave), [Jack Sprague](/source/Jack_Sprague), [Brett Bodine](/source/Brett_Bodine), [Jerry Robertson](/source/Jerry_Robertson_(racing_driver)), [Morgan Shepherd](/source/Morgan_Shepherd), and [Jeff Jefferson](/source/Jeff_Jefferson_(racing_driver)).

=== Full qualifying results ===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
!Pos.
!#
!Driver
!Team
!Make
!Time
!Speed
|-
!1
|12
|[Ryan Newman](/source/Ryan_Newman_(racing_driver)) '''(R)'''
|[Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|'''27.138'''
|'''132.655'''
|-
!2
|43
|[John Andretti](/source/John_Andretti)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.152
|132.587
|-
!3
|8
|[Dale Earnhardt Jr.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt_Jr.)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.204
|132.333
|-
!4
|24
|[Jeff Gordon](/source/Jeff_Gordon)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.214
|132.285
|-
!5
|77
|[Dave Blaney](/source/Dave_Blaney)
|[Jasper Motorsports](/source/Jasper_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.249
|132.115
|-
!6
|23
|[Kenny Wallace](/source/Kenny_Wallace)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.304
|131.849
|-
!7
|6
|[Mark Martin](/source/Mark_Martin)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.329
|131.728
|-
!8
|25
|[Joe Nemechek](/source/Joe_Nemechek)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.356
|131.598
|-
!9
|31
|[Robby Gordon](/source/Robby_Gordon)
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.379
|131.488
|-
!10
|41
|[Jimmy Spencer](/source/Jimmy_Spencer)
|[Chip Ganassi Racing](/source/Chip_Ganassi_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.384
|131.464
|-
!11
|19
|[Jeremy Mayfield](/source/Jeremy_Mayfield)
|[Evernham Motorsports](/source/Evernham_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.393
|131.420
|-
!12
|40
|[Jamie McMurray](/source/Jamie_McMurray)
|[Chip Ganassi Racing](/source/Chip_Ganassi_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.409
|131.344
|-
!13
|97
|[Kurt Busch](/source/Kurt_Busch)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.462
|131.090
|-
!14
|9
|[Bill Elliott](/source/Bill_Elliott)
|[Evernham Motorsports](/source/Evernham_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.465
|131.076
|-
!15
|21
|[Elliott Sadler](/source/Elliott_Sadler)
|[Wood Brothers Racing](/source/Wood_Brothers_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.474
|131.033
|-
!16
|20
|[Tony Stewart](/source/Tony_Stewart)
|[Joe Gibbs Racing](/source/Joe_Gibbs_Racing)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|27.478
|131.014
|-
!17
|44
|[Christian Fittipaldi](/source/Christian_Fittipaldi)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.479
|131.009
|-
!18
|45
|[Kyle Petty](/source/Kyle_Petty)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.480
|131.004
|-
!19
|27
|[Scott Wimmer](/source/Scott_Wimmer)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.492
|130.947
|-
!20
|99
|[Jeff Burton](/source/Jeff_Burton)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.493
|130.942
|-
!21
|36
|[Ken Schrader](/source/Ken_Schrader)
|[MB2 Motorsports](/source/MB2_Motorsports)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|27.493
|130.942
|-
!22
|83
|[Ron Hornaday Jr.](/source/Ron_Hornaday_Jr.)
|[FitzBradshaw Racing](/source/FitzBradshaw_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.493
|130.942
|-
!23
|10
|[Johnny Benson Jr.](/source/Johnny_Benson_Jr.)
|[MBV Motorsports](/source/MBV_Motorsports)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|27.502
|130.900
|-
!24
|28
|[Ricky Rudd](/source/Ricky_Rudd)
|[Robert Yates Racing](/source/Robert_Yates_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.512
|130.852
|-
!25
|29
|[Kevin Harvick](/source/Kevin_Harvick)
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.521
|130.809
|-
!26
|22
|[Ward Burton](/source/Ward_Burton)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.521
|130.809
|-
!27
|88
|[Dale Jarrett](/source/Dale_Jarrett)
|[Robert Yates Racing](/source/Robert_Yates_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.545
|130.695
|-
!28
|17
|[Matt Kenseth](/source/Matt_Kenseth)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.562
|130.615
|-
!29
|2
|[Rusty Wallace](/source/Rusty_Wallace)
|[Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.579
|130.534
|-
!30
|26
|[Todd Bodine](/source/Todd_Bodine)
|[Haas-Carter Motorsports](/source/Haas-Carter_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.594
|130.463
|-
!31
|5
|[Terry Labonte](/source/Terry_Labonte)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.606
|130.406
|-
!32
|1
|[Steve Park](/source/Steve_Park)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.607
|130.402
|-
!33
|18
|[Bobby Labonte](/source/Bobby_Labonte)
|[Joe Gibbs Racing](/source/Joe_Gibbs_Racing)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|27.625
|130.317
|-
!34
|4
|[Mike Skinner](/source/Mike_Skinner_(racing_driver))
|[Morgan–McClure Motorsports](/source/Morgan%E2%80%93McClure_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.635
|130.270
|-
!35
|32
|[Ricky Craven](/source/Ricky_Craven)
|[PPI Motorsports](/source/PPI_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.637
|130.260
|-
!36
|7
|[Jason Leffler](/source/Jason_Leffler)
|[Ultra Motorsports](/source/Ultra_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.645
|130.223
|-
! colspan="7" |Provisionals
|-
!37
|48
|[Jimmie Johnson](/source/Jimmie_Johnson) '''(R)'''
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.674
|130.086
|-
!38
|15
|[Michael Waltrip](/source/Michael_Waltrip)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.758
|129.692
|-
!39
|30
|[Jeff Green](/source/Jeff_Green_(racing_driver))
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.848
|129.273
|-
!40
|55
|[Bobby Hamilton](/source/Bobby_Hamilton)
|[Andy Petree Racing](/source/Andy_Petree_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.781
|129.585
|-
!41
|14
|[Mike Wallace](/source/Mike_Wallace_(racing_driver))
|[A. J. Foyt Enterprises](/source/A._J._Foyt_Enterprises)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|27.883
|129.111
|-
!42
|49
|[Derrike Cope](/source/Derrike_Cope)
|[BAM Racing](/source/BAM_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.959
|128.760
|-
!43
|74
|[Tony Raines](/source/Tony_Raines)
|[BACE Motorsports](/source/BACE_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.730
|129.823
|-
! colspan="7" |Failed to qualify or withdrew
|-
!44
|07
|[Ted Musgrave](/source/Ted_Musgrave)
|[Ultra Motorsports](/source/Ultra_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|27.746
|129.748
|-
!45
|60
|[Jack Sprague](/source/Jack_Sprague)
|[Haas CNC Racing](/source/Haas_CNC_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|27.830
|129.357
|-
!46
|11
|[Brett Bodine](/source/Brett_Bodine)
|[Brett Bodine Racing](/source/Brett_Bodine_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|27.848
|129.273
|-
!47
|51
|[Jerry Robertson](/source/Jerry_Robertson_(racing_driver))
|[Ware Racing Enterprises](/source/Ware_Racing_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|28.074
|128.232
|-
!48
|89
|[Morgan Shepherd](/source/Morgan_Shepherd)
|[Shepherd Racing Ventures](/source/Shepherd_Racing_Ventures)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|28.183
|127.737
|-
!49
|37
|[Jeff Jefferson](/source/Jeff_Jefferson_(racing_driver))
|[Quest Motor Racing](/source/Quest_Motor_Racing)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|28.361
|126.935
|-
!WD
|47
|[Lance Hooper](/source/Lance_Hooper)
|Dark Horse Motorsports
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
| -
| -
|-
!WD
|93
|[Mike Harmon](/source/Mike_Harmon_(racing_driver))
|GIC Motorsports
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|
| --
|-
! colspan="7" |[https://web.archive.org/web/20021112205854/http://www.nascar.com/races/wc/2002/35/data/lineup.html Official qualifying results]
|}

== Race results ==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
!Fin<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil - The Third Turn |url=https://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/2002_Checker_Auto_Parts_500_presented_by_Pennzoil |access-date=2022-05-03 |website=www.thethirdturn.com |language=en}}</ref>
!St
!#
!Driver
!Team
!Make
!Laps
!Led
!Status
!Pts
!Winnings
|-
!1
|28
|17
|[Matt Kenseth](/source/Matt_Kenseth)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|55
|running
|180
|$211,895
|-
!2
|29
|2
|[Rusty Wallace](/source/Rusty_Wallace)
|[Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|0
|running
|170
|$163,825
|-
!3
|4
|24
|[Jeff Gordon](/source/Jeff_Gordon)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|312
|16
|running
|170
|$152,328
|-
!4
|7
|6
|[Mark Martin](/source/Mark_Martin)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|2
|running
|165
|$129,218
|-
!5
|3
|8
|[Dale Earnhardt Jr.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt_Jr.)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|312
|105
|running
|160
|$97,850
|-
!6
|13
|97
|[Kurt Busch](/source/Kurt_Busch)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|117
|running
|160
|$76,500
|-
!7
|5
|77
|[Dave Blaney](/source/Dave_Blaney)
|[Jasper Motorsports](/source/Jasper_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|1
|running
|151
|$86,400
|-
!8
|16
|20
|[Tony Stewart](/source/Tony_Stewart)
|[Joe Gibbs Racing](/source/Joe_Gibbs_Racing)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|312
|0
|running
|142
|$101,178
|-
!9
|27
|88
|[Dale Jarrett](/source/Dale_Jarrett)
|[Robert Yates Racing](/source/Robert_Yates_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|0
|running
|138
|$89,100
|-
!10
|15
|21
|[Elliott Sadler](/source/Elliott_Sadler)
|[Wood Brothers Racing](/source/Wood_Brothers_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|0
|running
|134
|$76,650
|-
!11
|6
|23
|[Kenny Wallace](/source/Kenny_Wallace)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|312
|0
|running
|130
|$57,000
|-
!12
|20
|99
|[Jeff Burton](/source/Jeff_Burton)
|[Roush Racing](/source/Roush_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|0
|running
|127
|$93,267
|-
!13
|24
|28
|[Ricky Rudd](/source/Ricky_Rudd)
|[Robert Yates Racing](/source/Robert_Yates_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|312
|0
|running
|124
|$92,117
|-
!14
|2
|43
|[John Andretti](/source/John_Andretti)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|312
|0
|running
|121
|$77,783
|-
!15
|37
|48
|[Jimmie Johnson](/source/Jimmie_Johnson) '''(R)'''
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|312
|1
|running
|123
|$51,325
|-
!16
|23
|10
|[Johnny Benson Jr.](/source/Johnny_Benson_Jr.)
|[MBV Motorsports](/source/MBV_Motorsports)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|312
|1
|running
|120
|$73,825
|-
!17
|25
|29
|[Kevin Harvick](/source/Kevin_Harvick)
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|311
|0
|running
|112
|$88,653
|-
!18
|1
|12
|[Ryan Newman](/source/Ryan_Newman_(racing_driver)) '''(R)'''
|[Penske Racing](/source/Penske_Racing)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|311
|14
|running
|114
|$69,950
|-
!19
|26
|22
|[Ward Burton](/source/Ward_Burton)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|311
|0
|running
|106
|$85,450
|-
!20
|38
|15
|[Michael Waltrip](/source/Michael_Waltrip)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|311
|0
|running
|103
|$56,975
|-
!21
|32
|1
|[Steve Park](/source/Steve_Park)
|[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.](/source/Dale_Earnhardt%2C_Inc.)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|311
|0
|running
|100
|$75,675
|-
!22
|30
|26
|[Todd Bodine](/source/Todd_Bodine)
|[Haas-Carter Motorsports](/source/Haas-Carter_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|311
|0
|running
|97
|$71,262
|-
!23
|10
|41
|[Jimmy Spencer](/source/Jimmy_Spencer)
|[Chip Ganassi Racing](/source/Chip_Ganassi_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|310
|0
|running
|94
|$53,739
|-
!24
|34
|4
|[Mike Skinner](/source/Mike_Skinner_(racing_driver))
|[Morgan–McClure Motorsports](/source/Morgan%E2%80%93McClure_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|310
|0
|running
|91
|$45,100
|-
!25
|11
|19
|[Jeremy Mayfield](/source/Jeremy_Mayfield)
|[Evernham Motorsports](/source/Evernham_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|310
|0
|running
|88
|$52,875
|-
!26
|31
|5
|[Terry Labonte](/source/Terry_Labonte)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|310
|0
|running
|85
|$73,883
|-
!27
|9
|31
|[Robby Gordon](/source/Robby_Gordon)
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|310
|0
|running
|82
|$70,481
|-
!28
|41
|14
|[Mike Wallace](/source/Mike_Wallace_(racing_driver))
|[A. J. Foyt Enterprises](/source/A._J._Foyt_Enterprises)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|310
|0
|running
|79
|$44,300
|-
!29
|40
|55
|[Bobby Hamilton](/source/Bobby_Hamilton)
|[Andy Petree Racing](/source/Andy_Petree_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|310
|0
|running
|76
|$51,675
|-
!30
|14
|9
|[Bill Elliott](/source/Bill_Elliott)
|[Evernham Motorsports](/source/Evernham_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|310
|0
|running
|73
|$67,606
|-
!31
|36
|7
|[Jason Leffler](/source/Jason_Leffler)
|[Ultra Motorsports](/source/Ultra_Motorsports)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|309
|0
|running
|70
|$40,925
|-
!32
|18
|45
|[Kyle Petty](/source/Kyle_Petty)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|309
|0
|running
|67
|$40,775
|-
!33
|8
|25
|[Joe Nemechek](/source/Joe_Nemechek)
|[Hendrick Motorsports](/source/Hendrick_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|309
|0
|running
|64
|$48,650
|-
!34
|35
|32
|[Ricky Craven](/source/Ricky_Craven)
|[PPI Motorsports](/source/PPI_Motorsports)
|[Ford](/source/Ford_Motor_Company)
|309
|0
|running
|61
|$48,525
|-
!35
|39
|30
|[Jeff Green](/source/Jeff_Green_(racing_driver))
|[Richard Childress Racing](/source/Richard_Childress_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|307
|0
|running
|58
|$40,400
|-
!36
|22
|83
|[Ron Hornaday Jr.](/source/Ron_Hornaday_Jr.)
|[FitzBradshaw Racing](/source/FitzBradshaw_Racing)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|307
|0
|running
|55
|$40,275
|-
!37
|21
|36
|[Ken Schrader](/source/Ken_Schrader)
|[MB2 Motorsports](/source/MB2_Motorsports)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|306
|0
|running
|52
|$48,150
|-
!38
|42
|49
|[Derrike Cope](/source/Derrike_Cope)
|[BAM Racing](/source/BAM_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|302
|0
|running
|49
|$40,025
|-
!39
|33
|18
|[Bobby Labonte](/source/Bobby_Labonte)
|[Joe Gibbs Racing](/source/Joe_Gibbs_Racing)
|[Pontiac](/source/Pontiac_(automobile))
|269
|0
|engine
|46
|$85,678
|-
!40
|12
|40
|[Jamie McMurray](/source/Jamie_McMurray)
|[Chip Ganassi Racing](/source/Chip_Ganassi_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|253
|0
|crash
|43
|$82,067
|-
!41
|17
|44
|[Christian Fittipaldi](/source/Christian_Fittipaldi)
|[Petty Enterprises](/source/Petty_Enterprises)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|252
|0
|crash
|40
|$39,600
|-
!42
|19
|27
|[Scott Wimmer](/source/Scott_Wimmer)
|[Bill Davis Racing](/source/Bill_Davis_Racing)
|[Dodge](/source/Dodge)
|130
|0
|crash
|37
|$39,475
|-
!43
|43
|74
|[Tony Raines](/source/Tony_Raines)
|[BACE Motorsports](/source/BACE_Motorsports)
|[Chevrolet](/source/Chevrolet)
|120
|0
|engine
|34
|$39,593
|-
! colspan="11" |[https://web.archive.org/web/20021202092042/http://www.nascar.com/races/wc/2002/35/data/results_official.html Official race results]
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}{{NASCAR next race|Previous_race=[2002 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400](/source/2002_Pop_Secret_Microwave_Popcorn_400)|Next_race=[2002 Ford 400](/source/2002_Ford_400)|Series=NASCAR Winston Cup Series|Monsteryear=2002}}{{NASCAR on NBC}}{{2002 Winston Cup}}

Category:2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
Category:NASCAR races at Phoenix Raceway
Category:November 2002 sports events in the United States
Category:2002 in sports in Arizona

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [2002 Checker Auto Parts 500](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Checker_Auto_Parts_500) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Checker_Auto_Parts_500?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.