After running second in Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, Kurt Busch was less interested in talking about his solid performance than in lavishing praise on the performance race winner Jimmie Johnson.

What caught Busch's eye in particular was a restart on lap 219, after Johnson had lost the lead to Jamie McMurray in the pits, while Johnson's crew was adding tape to the grille of the No. 48 Chevrolet.

“I'd like to talk about Jimmie,” Busch said after the race. “I know I'm supposed to do the NASCAR thing and talk about my team and sponsors, but he's doing something pretty special. There was a restart with 94 (laps) or something to go, when he was second behind Jamie McMurray.

“I was third, and the way that he went high, went low and was in the lead before you could snap your fingers - it was unbelievable to watch that type of display, and it was something pretty special. To be able to race against him right now - that team, (crew chief) Chad Knaus, (team owner) Mr. (Rick) Hendrick and Jimmie Johnson - that combination is potent.”

by Reid Spencer/Sporting News