RIDING WITH … Dave Blaney

November 13, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

This weekend: NASCAR’s top series heads to Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale (Ariz.) for the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500. The race will be run on Sunday (3;15 p.m.), and is the ninth of 10 races in NASCAR’s Chase for the Championship. Qualifying is today at 5:30 p.m.

TV times: Television (ABC, 33) coverage begins at 2:30 p.m.

Last week: Blaney did not qualify for the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. He remains in 41st place with 1,167 points.

Next week: NASCAR’s top series ends its season on Nov. 22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Ford 400.

Staff report