Based on how the first green flag run of the Checker Auto Parts 500 went, it appeared as though Sorenson and the Target team were going to be contenders for a top-10 finish at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). After starting 28th, Sorenson rocketed up to 16th before the first caution on lap 70. Battling an overall lack of grip, Sorenson pitted the Target Dodge for what typically are minor changes (air pressure) to tighten up the chassis. From that point forward, however, severe handling issues plagued the Target team until late in the race. Sorenson would eventually take the checkered flag in 29th.
About midway through the next green flag run that started on lap 76, Sorenson radioed in that he had no grip whatsoever on corner exit and that the right rear tire was completely worn out. He went on to comment that the car was all over the place and just a few laps later said he felt he had a tire going down. Rather than risk blowing a tire and hitting the fence, Sorenson pitted under green on lap 146 for four tires and fuel along with air pressure and wedge adjustments. The hope was the rest of the field would have to complete a round of green flag stops as well, but unfortunately the caution came out on lap 150, trapping Sorenson and crew two laps down to the lead cars.
“Going into the race I thought we were going to be pretty good,” said Sorenson after the 312 lap event. “We battled a lack of forward bite (grip exiting the corners) during the first run, but we thought we could fix that with some air pressure adjustments. After that first stop though, the car was wicked to drive and at one point it felt like I had a tire going down. From there we pretty much had to play catch up for the rest of the day. We got it going pretty good in the end, but it was a little too late to make a big difference.”
The team stayed in the game and used the remainder of the event to adjust on the chassis and gather information for the next event at PIR and other tracks similar in design. Additionally they were able to gain positions as the attrition rate picked up in the closing laps.
Sorenson and the Target team maintained 25th position in the overall standings heading into the final event of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 19. The team has a legitimate shot to move up as high as 22nd (-90) before taking the checkered flag on the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.
