The 2006 Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil was a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series racing event that took place on November 12, 2006, at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.

One of country music's top ten recording artists of 2006, Taylor Swift, sang the national anthem prior to the racing event.

Brandon Whitt would "earn" the last-place finish in his only NASCAR Nextel Cup Series start due to a rear end issue on lap 123 of 312.

[2][3][4][9] Kevin Harvick defeated Jimmie Johnson by a ¼ of a second in front of 106,000 people after three hours and fourteen minutes of racing action.

[2][3][4][9] Drivers were racing for a prize bounty of $4,892,924 ($7,395,115.9 when adjusted for inflation) with Jimmie Johnson being ahead of Matt Kenseth by a mere 17 points.