Harvick wins as truck title race tightens

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kevin Harvick raced to his first Truck Series victory in five years Friday night in a bizarre event that saw championship contenders Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday practically try to give the title away.

Hornaday wrecked on the very first lap at Phoenix International Raceway, and Benson was involved in four of his own incidents as neither driver was able to take command of the title race. Benson started the night with a six-point lead over Hornaday, and they now head to next week's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway separated by just three points.

It's the closest margin between first and second with one race remaining in Truck series history, surpassing the 13-point margin Hornaday held over Jack Sprague en route to the 1998 title.