Phoenix Raceway Cup Fast Facts

Phoenix Begins Stretch of Traditional Tracks

 

Fast Facts

• Track: Phoenix Raceway
• Location: Avondale, Arizona
• Track length: 1 mile
• When: Sunday, 3: 30 p.m. ET
• Where to tune in: FS1, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Race purse: $11,055,250
• Race distance: 312 laps | 312 miles
• Stages: 60 | 185 | 312
• Defending winner: Christopher Bell, March 2024
• Starting lineup: William Byron wins Busch Light Pole

History tells us…

Team Penske will be the trio to beat Sunday. Since the debut of the Next Gen car in the 2022 season, no driver has led more laps at Phoenix than reigning (and three-time) Cup champ Joey Logano, who’s paced the field for a combined 298 laps in those six races. Next in line? His teammate at Team Penske, Ryan Blaney. The duo has won each of the last three Cup titles, with Logano claiming the 2022 and 2024 titles and Blaney in 2023, all at Phoenix in the November finale. Logano starts second Sunday, and Blaney 12th. Blaney has still yet to find Victory Lane at Phoenix, but that could change in a hurry.

 

He may not be the favorite to win, but watch out for …

 

ROSS CHASTAIN - The Trackhouse Racing driver won the season finale in 2023 at Phoenix, preventing Blaney from winning the race but not the championship. Chastain is averaging a 9.2 finish in his last six Phoenix starts, with three top fives in that span. He finished runner-up to Chase Briscoe in the spring Phoenix event in 2022 and may be in contention to score a second Arizona win on Sunday.

 

Three-in-a-Row Bid at Phoenix

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell — the defending Phoenix spring race winner — is attempting to make history this weekend by claiming a third consecutive win early in the season. It would be the 29th time a driver has done that in the NASCAR Cup Series’ modern era (post-1972) although no driver has ever won three straight with the Next Gen car that debuted in 2022.

 

PHX🦂@RCRracing x #zone_partner pic.twitter.com/LugSOQ7GtK

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) March 8, 2025

Most recently among current full-time drivers, Joey Logano and Kyle Busch earned three straight trophies in 2015. Brad Keselowski and Busch won three races in a row in 2018. Kyle Larson is the last to accomplish the feat — doing it twice in his 2021 championship-winning season. Eleven times the driver who has won three straight has gone on to win the title that same year.

 

Lineup for Shriners Children's 500

(24) William Byron, Chevrolet

(22) Joey Logano, Ford

(77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet

(21) Josh Berry, Ford

(43) Erik Jones, Toyota

(9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet

(71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet

(7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet

(45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota

(11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota

(20) Christopher Bell, Toyota

(12) Ryan Blaney, Ford

(17) Chris Buescher, Ford

(2) Austin Cindric, Ford

(8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet

(16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet

(5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet

(35) Riley Herbst, Toyota

(23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota

(6) Brad Keselowski, Ford

(3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet

(47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet

(41) Cole Custer, Ford

(1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet

(10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet

(38) Zane Smith, Ford

(34) Todd Gilliland, Ford

(60) Ryan Preece, Ford

(88) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet

(19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota

(99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet

(48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet

(4) Noah Gragson, Ford

(54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota

(51) Cody Ware, Ford

(42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota

(78) Katherine Legge, Chevrolet

        (Car Number in Parentheses)

Her debut on stock car racing's biggest stage happens today. @katherinelegge | @teamlivefast pic.twitter.com/6qkh9148qb

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 9, 2025

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Phoenix Weekend Schedule

ARCA – Friday / Xfinity – Saturday / Cup - Sunday

 

This weekend at Phoenix Raceway offers three exiting events: ARCA Series, Xfinity,  and #NASCAR Cup.

 

Christopher Bell, the Cup race’s defending winner, is trying to become the first driver to win three consecutive races in the Next Gen era after victories the past two weeks at Circuit of The Americas and Atlanta Motor Speedway.

 

Friday, March 7, 2025

• 6:30 am --- Camper Pad Open --- CAMPER PAD
• 8:00 am - 10:00 am --- Free Camper Shuttle to Fry’s Grocery Store --- NEAR STAGECOACH AND ROAD COURSE ROAD
• 9:00 am --- Ice Sales Open --- Camped Pad
• 9:00 am - 11:00 am --- Merchandise Shopping --- GATE 4
• 9:00 am --- Gate 3 Ticket Office Open | Open till End of Stage 2 --- GATE 3
• 11:30 am - 2:00 pm --- Free Camper Shuttle to Fry’s Grocery Store --- NEAR STAGECOACH AND ROAD COURSE ROAD
• 11:00 am --- AMR Hauler Parade --- PHOENIX RACEWAY
• 12:00 pm --- Parking Lots Open --- ALL PARKING LOTS
• 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm --- Huss Brewing Co. Alehouse Open | *6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Open to Campers --- HUSS BREWING CO. ALEHOUSE
• 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm --- ARCA Menards Series Practice --- ON-TRACK
• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm --- Photo opportunity with the General Tire 150 Trophy --- MOBIL 1 VICTORY LANE
• 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm --- ARCA Menards Series Qualifying --- ON-TRACK
• 4:00 pm --- Q&A with Carson Kvapil --- DESERT DIAMOND CASINO INFIELD EXPERIENCE
• 4:00 pm --- Q&A with Zach Magras & Dave Magras --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm --- ARCA Menards Series Autograph Session --- MOBIL 1 VICTORY LANE
• 4:30 pm --- Q&A with Harrison Burton --- DESERT DIAMOND CASINO INFIELD EXPERIENCE
• 4:30 pm --- Q&A with Brice Bonnett --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 5:40 pm --- ARCA Menards Series Driver Introductions --- PRE-RACE STAGE
• 6:00 pm --- GENERAL TIRE 150 RACE | ARCA MENARDS SERIES --- ON-TRACK
• 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm --- The Barn Brewed by Busch Light featuring Josh Roy (21+) --- THE BARN ---

Saturday, March 8, 2025

• 6:30 am --- Parking Trams Open --- ALL PARKING LOTS
• 6:30 am --- Camper Pad Open --- CAMPER PAD
• 7:00 am --- Parking Lots Open --- ALL PARKING LOTS
• 8:00 am - 11:00 am --- Free Camper Shuttle to Fry’s Grocery Store --- NEAR STAGECOACH AND ROAD COURSE ROAD
• 9:00 am --- Spectator Gates / Infield Experience / Ally Curve / Suites Open --- PHOENIX RACEWAY
• 9:00 am --- Gate 3 Ticket Office Open --- GATE 3
• 9:00 am --- Ice Sales Open --- CAMPER PAD
• 9:00 am - 9:00 pm --- Huss Brewing Co. Alehouse Open *3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Open to Campers* --- HUSS BREWING CO. ALEHOUSE
• 9:35 am - 10:30 am --- NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice --- ON-TRACK
• 10:00 am - 10:15 am --- Q&A with John Hunter Nemechek --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 10:00 am --- Mariachi Nueva Fusion Performance --- VIVA LA FIESTA ZONE
• 10:15 am - 10:30 am --- Q&A with Noah Gragson --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 10:30 am - 10:45 am --- Michael McDowell Q&A --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 10:40 am - 11:30 am --- NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying --- ON-TRACK
• 10:45 am --- Q&A with Denny Hamlin --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 11:00 am --- Q&A with Ty Dillon --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 11:00 am - 12:00 pm --- Photo opportunity with the GOVX 200 trophy --- MOBIL 1 VICTORY LANE
• 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm --- Q&A with Taylor Gray --- TOYOTA GAZOO RACING EXPERIENCE
• 12:00 pm --- Ballet Folklorico De Colores Performance --- VIVA LA FIESTA ZONE
• 12:05 pm - 12:50 pm --- NASCAR Cup Series Practice --- ON-TRACK
• 1:00 pm --- Q&A with Josh Williams --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 1:10 pm - 2:00 pm --- NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying --- ON-TRACK
• 1:30 pm --- Mariachi Nueva Fusion Performance --- VIVA LA FIESTA ZONE
• 2:25 pm --- NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Introductions --- PRE-RACE STAGE
• 3:00 pm --- GOVX 200 RACE | NASCAR XFINITY SERIES --- ON-TRACK
• 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm --- The Barn Brewed by Busch Light featuring Friendly Jesture (21+) --- THE BARN
• TBD --- NASCAR Xfinity Series Mobil 1 Victory Lane --- DESERT DIAMOND CASINO INFIELD EXPERIENCE

Sunday, March 9, 2025

• 6:00 am --- Parking Lots Open --- ALL PARKING LOTS
• 6:00 am --- Parking Trams Start --- ALL PARKING LOTS
• 6:30 am --- Camper Pad Open --- CAMPER PAD
• 7:00 am --- Camping Shuttle --- CAMPGROUNDS
• 8:00 am --- Spectator Gates / Infield Experience / Ally Curve / Suites / Hillside / Busch Light Lounge Open --- PHOENIX RACEWAY
• 8:00 am --- Gate 3 Ticket Office Open --- GATE 3
• 8:00 am --- Mariachi Nueva Fusion Performance --- VIVA LA FIESTA ZONE
• 8:00 am - 6:00 pm --- Huss Brewing Co. Alehouse Open *12:30 PM – 6:00 PM Open to Campers* --- HUSS BREWING CO. ALEHOUSE
• 8:00 am --- Ice Sales Open --- CAMPER PAD
• 8:15 am - 9:00 am --- Sunrise Service --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 8:45 am - 9:00 am --- Q&A with Christopher Bell --- MOBIL 1 VICTORY LANE
• 9:00 am - 9:15 am --- Q&A with Erik Jones --- TOYOTA GAZOO RACING EXPERIENCE
• 9:00 am - 9:15 am --- Q&A with Cole Custer --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 9:00 am --- Q&A with Christopher Bell --- MOBIL 1 VICTORY LANE
• 9:20 am - 9:35 am --- Q&A with Christopher Bell --- TOYOTA GAZOO RACING EXPERIENCE
• 9:30 am --- Mariachi Nueva Fusion Performance --- VIVA LA FIESTA ZONE
• 9:35 am --- Q&A with Ross Chastain (BLL TICKET REQUIRED) --- BUSCH LIGHT LOUNGE
• 9:40 am - 9:55 am --- Q&A with Alex Bowman --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 9:45 am - 10:00 am --- Q&A with Noah Gragson --- DESERT DIAMOND CASINO INFIELD EXPERIENCE
• 10:00 am --- O’Reilly Auto Parts Pre-Race Party --- INFIELD & TURN 3 AND 4 CROSSOVER GATES
• 10:00 am - 10:15 am --- Q&A with Justin Haley --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 10:00 am - 10:20 am --- Autograph Session with Denny Hamlin --- TOYOTA GAZOO RACING EXPERIENCE
• 10:15 am - 10:30 am --- Q&A with Todd Gilliland --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 10:30 am --- Mariachi Nueva Fusion Performance --- VIVA LA FIESTA ZONE
• 10:30 am --- Q&A with Cody Ware --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 10:30 am - 11:30 am --- Harry Luge Pre-Race Concert --- PRE-RACE STAGE
• 10:45 am - 11:00 am --- Q&A with Latasha Causey --- NASCAR EXPERIENCE STAGE
• 11:20 am --- Driver Red Carpet Walk --- DESERT DIAMOND CASINO INFIELD EXPERIENCE
• 11:55 am --- NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions --- PRE-RACE STAGE
• 12:30 pm --- SHRINERS CHILDREN'S 500 RACE | NASCAR CUP SERIES --- ON-TRACK
• TBD --- NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 Victory Lane --- DESERT DIAMOND CASINO INFIELD EXPERIENCE




There's magic in these mountains. 🏜️ pic.twitter.com/3LWaGQzIRu

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 6, 2025

Weekend weather

Friday: Showers in the morning and afternoon. Mostly cloudy, high of 56 with a 70% chance of rain.

 

Saturday: Sunny with a high of 68 degrees. It’s expected to be 65 degrees and no chance of rain for the start of the Xfinity race.

 

Sunday: Sunny with a high of 76 degrees and a 0% chance of rain at the start of the Cup race.

  

source: NASCAR Media

Joey Logano – 2024 NASCAR Cup Champion

Ford Performance & Roush Yates Engines Win 3rd NASCAR Cup Series Championship In A Row

 

Team Penske’s Joey Logano won Sunday’s Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, marking his 36th career NASCAR Cup Series victory, fourth of the year, and his fourth at Phoenix. This win also marks the first time Ford has won the NASCAR Cup Series title three years in a row (Logano in 2022, Blaney in 2023, and Logano in 2024) and the first time that has been achieved by Team Penske. Logano is the first Ford driver to win at least three Cup Series championships and the 10th driver in NASCAR history, joining fellow three-time winners Tony Stewart, Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, David Pearson and Lee Petty; four-time champion Jeff Gordon; and seven-time champions Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty.

 

 

“Congratulations to Roger, Tim, Paul, Joey, and everyone at Team Penske on a 1-2 finish at Phoenix and the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship!,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Both of the Team Penske cars were fast throughout the race and Joey did an amazing job on that last restart. We’re proud to have powered three NASCAR Cup Series Championships in a row, and it’s an honor to stand alongside such a talented and hardworking team.”

 

 

“I love the playoffs. I love it, man. What a race. What a Team Penske battle there at the end. I had a good restart and was able to get in front of the 12. He had a lot of long run speed there and that was all I had there to hold him off. We have three of them. That’s really special. What a team to fight through today. We went through a little bit of adversity in throughout the race. I can’t thank Ford enough and Shell and Pennzoil and Hunt Brother’s Pizza.  Paul Wolfe, what a crew chief I have. I’ve got the best team. I don’t know if I’m the best driver, but I’ve got the best team and together we’re very well-rounded and can show up when it matters the most. We’ve got a mentally tough team that can make things happen when it matters,” commented Logano.

 

Race Win ✅ | Championship ✅ | 3X Champion ✅@Team_Penske @shellracingus @Pennzoil @FordPerformance @CocaColaRacing #CokePartner #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/hgZewQeadf

— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) November 11, 2024

 

 

source: Roush Yate PR

NASCAR Championship Weekend Schedule - Phoenix Raceway

Cup, Xfinity, Trucks, plus ARCA West

 

The NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, Truck Series and ARCA West Series Championships are up for grabs at Phoenix Raceway this weekend!

 

Thursday, November 7, 2024

• 8:00 p.m. ET ARCA Menards Series West Practice
• 9:20 p.m. ET ARCA Menards Series West Qualifying

Friday, November 8, 2024

• 1:30 p.m. ET ARCA Menards Series West Race Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100
• 100 Laps / 100 Miles
• 4:05 p.m. ET Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying
• 8:00 p.m. ET Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race
• 150 laps / 150 miles

 

Saturday, November 9, 2024

• 4:00 p.m. ET Xfinity Qualifying
• 5:05 p.m. ET Cup Qualifying
• 7:00 p.m. ET NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race
• 200 laps / 200 miles

 

Sunday November 10, 2024

• 3 p.m. ET NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race
• 312 laps / 312 miles

 

Heres how to watch all the #Championship4 action all week! pic.twitter.com/WfEJVlTIVh

— Phoenix Raceway (@phoenixraceway) November 5, 2024

 

source: NASCAR https://www.nascar.com Media

GRAMMY-Winning Icon Nelly to Perform Pre-Race Concert

Ahead of #NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race on Sunday November 10th

 

Phoenix Raceway announced that diamond selling, multi-platinum, and GRAMMY award-winning rapper Nelly will perform prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race on Sunday, Nov. 10, with a portion of the performance set to air live on NBC’s pre-race show.

 

“We’re ecstatic to have Nelly help us close out the 2024 NASCAR season in style,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey. “His timeless, high-energy hits will surely set the stage for a thrilling finale and amp up our crowd at Phoenix Raceway.”

 

“Performing for NASCAR is always crazy,” said Nelly. “The energy level is high and the fans are incredible!”

 

The pre-race concert on November 10th is free to fans who hold tickets to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race. Grandstand seats are already sold out, but a select number of Hillside, Infield General Admission and Busch Light Lounge tickets remain available.

 

The 2024 season will come to a dramatic conclusion with the Cup Series Championship Race at 1 p.m. MST on Sunday, Nov. 10, as four drivers vie for the highly coveted Bill France Cup.

 

You may not be a fan of @Nelly_Mo the artist, but it’s next to impossible to overlook Nelly the person. 🥰#AllTheFeels #NASCAR

(🎥 from @dennyhamlin)pic.twitter.com/9V9vVS49Un

— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 10, 2022

 

source: Phoenix Raceway Media

William Sawalich earns #ARCA Redemption

Rain-Shortened Victory at Phoenix

 

A late-race spin from the lead at Phoenix Raceway last March prevented William Sawalich from winning in his ARCA Menards Series debut.

 

The reigning ARCA Menards East Series champion earned redemption in Friday’s General Tire 150 by putting together a typically efficient run from the pole. A thunderstorm descending upon one-mile tri-oval with less than 40 laps remaining forced ARCA officials to call the race early, handing Sawalich the win.

 

Sawalich felt Phoenix owed him a victory after he came so close to prevailing in his first race with Joe Gibbs Racing one year ago. While he would have preferred to settle the outcome on track, Sawalich was more than grateful to celebrate with his team in Victory Lane regardless of the circumstances.

 

“Not the way I wanted to win a race, but I knew we had the best car out there,” Sawalich said. “We kind of fell back during that first stint, but the guys made a really good adjustment, so I’m super proud of them doing that. We ran a good race and I knew we had a chance to win it.”

 

With his triumph on Friday evening, Sawalich is now two for three in ARCA appearances at Phoenix.

 

Sawalich was untouchable when the ARCA Menards Series West wrapped up its 2023 season around the one-mile oval last November. Leading 93 of 100 possible laps, Sawalich’s victory wrapped up a nearly perfect rookie ARCA campaign that saw him visit Victory Lane seven times across the three divisions.

 

Just like the West Series finale last year, Sawalich’s closest competition came in the form of a Venturini Motorsports car. This time it was Gio Ruggiero, who was making his ARCA Menards Series national debut.

 

Ruggiero managed to chase down Sawalich during the longest green flag run of the evening before trading blows with him on several successive restarts. Sawalich gained the upper hand after the halfway break, with Ruggiero being forced to settle for second when rain brought the General Tire 150 to a premature end.

 

Facing Sawalich will be a common theme for Ruggiero throughout his rookie ARCA campaign. His busy schedule includes running all eight events in the East Series, where he will look to dethrone Sawalich as the champion.

 

Following Ruggiero in third was NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series veteran Grant Enfinger, who was making his first West Series appearance as part of Friday’s combination event. Connor Mosack and defending West Series champion Sean Hingorani completed the top-five.

 

 

Race results: General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway

.@WilliamSawalich wins his first ARCA race of the season at @phoenixraceway! @starkeyhearing @SoundGearHear pic.twitter.com/usHcCzZDGr

— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) March 9, 2024

 

source: ARCA Racing Media 

Phoenix Raceway Weekend Schedule

#NASCAR Cup; Xfinity Series; ARCA Menards Series

 

Friday, March 8

Garage Open

• 10 a.m. — ARCA Menards Series
• 2 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Cup Series
• 3:30 – 8:30 p.m. — Xfinity Series

Track Activity

• 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. — ARCA Menards Series practice (No TV)
• 4:30 - 4:50 p.m. — ARCA Menards Series qualifying (No TV)
• 5:05 – 5:55 p.m. — Cup practice (FS1)
• 8 p.m. — ARCA Menards Series race (150 laps, 150 miles; FS1, Motor Racing Network)

Saturday, March 9

Garage Open

• 11 a.m. — Xfinity Series
• 12 – 4 p.m. — Cup Series

Track Activity

• 12:35 – 12:55 p.m. — Xfinity Series practice (FS2)
• 1:05 - 2 p.m. — Xfinity Series qualifying (FS2)
• 2:10 – 3:30 p.m. — Cup Series qualifying (FS1)
• 4:30 p.m. — Xfinity Series race (200 laps, 200 miles; FS1, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Sunday, March 10

Garage Open

• 12:30 p.m. — Cup Series

Track Activity

• 3:30 p.m. — Cup race (312 laps, 312 miles; Fox, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

(All times Eastern)

 

source: NBC Sports Media 

Cole Custer-Unfair Championship Advantage?

What's Your Opinion

 

Is it just me, admittedly a NASCAR Nut, or did the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity champion have an unfair advantage during Saturday’s Season Finale at Phoenix Raceway?

 

This moment is one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/F15g1dM0Ey

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) November 7, 2023

Of the four championship contenders Custer, Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, and John Hunter Nemechek, only Cole Custer had the opportunity to spend a little extra time on the 1-mile, low-banked tri-oval racetrack located in Avondale, Arizona.

 

What happened, you ask?

 

 

Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski, pilot of the No. 6 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing, a team he co-owns, had to leave the track to fly home to join wife Paige for the birth of their baby boy.

 

While the new #BoyDad was able to fly back and participate in Sunday’s Cup race, he was not there to qualify his car. Cole Custer stepped in and took over those duties for his fellow Ford driver.

 

Now in my mind, such as it is, that gives Custer a better look at the track and current track conditions than his other three championship competitors. With today’s limited practice, every second on the track reaps huge benefits.

 

BRAD IS BACK.

BK has arrived at @phoenixraceway to drive the No. 6! https://t.co/5TQNIIuGbH pic.twitter.com/Nv1OIf7XyT

— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) November 5, 2023

Conversely, you must keep in mind that a Cup car and a Xfinity car are totally different. The Cup Series cars have a five-inch longer wheelbase than the Xfinity Series cars (105” compared to 100”), which makes a major difference to every other aspect of the car, from the crash structures and aerodynamic packages to the sizes of engines used.

 

Go get em, Cole! pic.twitter.com/CBVgzropNk

— No. 6 Team (@RFK6Team) November 4, 2023

Nevertheless, this NASCAR fan cannot help but wonder if qualifying Keselowski’s Cup car gave our newly crowned 2023 NASCAR Xfinity series champion a slight unjust advantage. Mayhaps not; however, could the 'powers to be' not have picked another Ford driver to step in for the ‘FMLing' Keselowski to avoid any such implication during such an important race?

 

If I was one of the other three Championship Contenders, especially Allgaier who finished third in the race and second in the championship, I think I would have posed that question of fairness before the green flag flew.

 

With all that being said, congratulations to Cole on his first Xfinity Championship. Additionally, congratulations to Brad on his entry into #BoyDad adventures! Both are going to fare well in their new roles.

 

source: NASCAR Race Mom’s Opinion

Kevin Harvick – One Last Time

NASCAR Veteran Straps in for Final Ride Sunday in Phoenix

 

Who owns Phoenix Raceway? NASCAR or Kevin Harvick? NASCAR owns the facility, at least on paper, but Harvick owns the track.

 

The driver of the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has won a record nine Cup Series races at the desert mile. No other active Cup Series driver has won more than three races at Phoenix. Former fulltime Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson is the closest to Harvick with four wins at the track.

 

A legacy not defined by trophies but by how you built your career.

You did it your way, @KevinHarvick. And built one hell of a legacy.

We're all #4EVER proud. pic.twitter.com/uvlbfmhTyH

— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) November 4, 2023

Question: Phoenix marks your final race as a NASCAR Cup Series driver. What’s it like to leave while still at the top of your game?

 

“That’s really one of the things I’m most proud of. Somebody asked me when did I ever feel like I’ve made it. This is really the only time that I’ve ever felt like I’ve made it because I got to choose how I ended it. I know that that’s rare, and as you look at it, I got to plan my last year and say this was it, and then we were still competitive, and then we went out and did what we were supposed to do. It’s really the first time I felt comfortable saying that I’ve made it.” Kevin Harvick, Driver of the No. 4 Busch Light HARVICK Ford Mustang

 

The Harvick Family

 

• Event: NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale (Round 36 of 36)
• Time/Date: 3 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 5
• Location: Phoenix Raceway
• Layout: 1-mile oval
• Laps/Miles: 312 laps/312 miles (502 kilometers)
• Stage Lengths: 
• Stage 1: 60 laps
• Stage 2: 125 laps
• Final Stage: 127 laps
• TV/Radio: NBC / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

We're honored to have been a part of @KevinHarvick's incredible journey, but we're not the only ones feeling all the feels. See what fellow teammates and drivers had to say about The Closer. #TheBestof4Ever pic.twitter.com/uF6tz91SJm

— Busch Beer (@BuschBeer) November 4, 2023

 

source: Stewart Haas Racing Media

Arizona Diamondbacks OF Corbin Carroll, Actress Tiffany Haddish named to Honorary Roles

Today’s #NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race

 

The sparkplug that ignited the Arizona Diamondbacks to the 2023 National League pennant and one of the top comedic actresses of today will serve key honorary roles during Sunday’s sold-out NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.

 

The track announced today that Dbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll will be the Honorary Starter, and Emmy and Grammy Award winning actress/comedian/author Tiffany Haddish will be the Honorary Pace Car driver for the historic final race of NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary Season. Carroll will wave the green flag shortly after 1 p.m. MST for a race that will air live on NBC, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

 

“Talk about two incredibly talented performers,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey.

 

“Corbin Carroll was electrifying to watch with the Dbacks this season and there are few human beings funnier than Tiffany Haddish. It’s an honor to have them both with us for Sunday’s historic race.”

 

Carroll certainly had a rookie season for the ages. The 2023 National League All-Star became the first rookie to ever hit 25 home runs and steal 54 bases in a single season. Carroll was also a force in the postseason, driving in 10 runs and stealing 5 bases. He also went 3-for-4 in the Dbacks’ National League Championship Series Game 7 clincher at Philadelphia, capturing the Snakes’ first National League pennant since 2001.

 

Haddish is one of the most sought-after comedic actresses of our time and no stranger to NASCAR. She began NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary Season as the Honorary Starter for the 65th running of the DAYTONA 500. She’ll now lead the field to green in a Toyota Camry TRD pace car, providing the perfect ceremonial bookend to the year.

 

Parking lots Sunday open at 6 a.m. and gates open at 8 a.m. for the sold-out NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race. Diplo presents Thomas Wesley will perform the pre-race concert at 11:45 a.m.

 

You Thought NASCAR Couldn't Get Any More Extra? Enter Corbin Carroll & Tiffany Haddish! https://t.co/TEbEc4TFMS pic.twitter.com/Eybau9fqBL

— The NASCAR Guy (@TheNASCAR_Guy) November 5, 2023

 

source: Phoenix Raceway Media

Hendrick's Phoenix Raceway Penalties Harsh

Deduction of Owner Points, Driver Points, Playoff Points plus Crew Chief Fines and Suspensions

 

NASCAR took the hood louvers from all four Hendrick Motorsports cars for further examination after practice Friday afternoon (03/100/2023) at Phoenix Raceway. Today, the governing body, NASCAR released the details of their decision and penalty assessments.

 

NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points, 100 driver points, and 10 NASCAR Playoff Points to the Nos. 5, 24, 31, & 48.

The No. 9 team has been issued a deduction of 100 owner points and 10 NASCAR Playoff Points. pic.twitter.com/WlX83RmARS

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 15, 2023

Team 5

Infraction

• Sections 6.1.A Time/Manner/Location; 14.1 C&D&Q Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules; 14.5.4.2.A Radiator Duct Note: Unapproved modification of a single source vendor supplied part.

 

Penalty/Remarks

• Crew chief (Cliff Daniels) has been fined $100,000 and suspended from the next four NASCAR Cup Series championship points events. Team and driver have been assessed with the loss of 100 points and 10 NASCAR Playoff points.

 

Team 9

Infraction

• Sections 6.1.A Time/Manner/Location; 14.1 C&D&Q Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules; 14.5.4.2.A Radiator Duct Note: Unapproved modification of a single source vendor supplied part.

 

Penalty/Remarks

• Crew chief (Alan Gustafson) has been fined $100,000 and suspended from the next four NASCAR Cup Series championship points events. Team has been assessed with the loss of 100 points and 10 NASCAR Playoff points.

 

Team 24

Infraction

• Sections 6.1.A Time/Manner/Location; 14.1 C&D&Q Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules; 14.5.4.2.A Radiator Duct Note: Unapproved modification of a single source vendor supplied part.

 

Penalty/Remarks

• Crew chief (Ryan Fugle) has been fined $100,000 and suspended from the next four NASCAR Cup Series championship points events. Team and driver have been assessed with the loss of 100 points and 10 NASCAR Playoff points.

 

Team 48

Infraction

• Sections 6.1.A Time/Manner/Location; 14.1 C&D&Q Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules; 14.5.4.2.A Radiator Duct Note: Unapproved modification of a single source vendor supplied part.

 

Penalty/Remarks

• Crew chief (Blake Harris) has been fined $100,000 and suspended from the next four NASCAR Cup Series championship points events. Team and driver have been assessed with the loss of 100 points and 10 NASCAR Playoff points.

 

Hendrick Motorsports has announced that it will appeal the penalty issued to them by NASCAR.

 

NASCAR confiscated the louvers on all four cars 35 minutes before on-track activity began at Phoenix Raceway this past weekend. After reviewing the parts at the NASCAR R&D Center, NASCAR docked 100 owner points, 100 driver points, and 10 playoff points from the No. 5, 24, and 48 teams, and 100 owner points and 10 playoff points from the No. 9 team. Additionally, all four crew chiefs were fined $100K and suspended four races.

 

The penalty dropped Alex Bowman from first in points to 23rd, William Byron from fourth to 29th, and Kyle Larson from fifth to 32nd.

 

Click Here For Hendrick’s Motorsports Statement

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Plus ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Phoenix Raceway)

Winners: William Byron (Cup); Sammy Smith (Xfinity); Tyler Reif (ARCA West)

 

NASCAR Cup

William Byron Makes it Two in a Row

 

After a two-tire call under the fourth caution flag in Sunday’s United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway, William Byron surged past Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson in overtime to win his second straight NASCAR Cup Series race.

 

Byron can thank Ford drivers Aric Almirola and Harrison Burton, who on successive weekends spun with a handful of laps left – at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix, respectively – and gave Byron a chance to capitalize on the opportunity.

 

As a result, Byron scored his second victory of the season and a guaranteed ticket into the Cup Series Playoffs. The driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet won for the first time at Phoenix and for the sixth time in his career.

 

Byron credited crew chief Rudy Fugle with the two-tire call that got him out front with a chance to win.

 

“Owe the last couple weeks to him,” said Byron, who also won at Las Vegas on two fresh tires. “He’s done a really good job strategy-wise, and execution-wise we’ve done a good job to put ourselves in those positions on the front row with a shot at the end.

 

“Thanks to everybody back at Hendrick Motorsports, putting together great cars, doing a great job. This is a big credit to them, engine shop, (team owner, Rick) Hendrick, everybody.”

 

Two in a row! Teamwork, love working with these guys. pic.twitter.com/vW689OpqDE

— William Byron (@WilliamByron) March 13, 2023

Pole: Kyle Larson

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on March 19th for the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Sammy Smith becomes Youngest Xfinity Winner

 

Sammy Smith won the Xfinity Series  race at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, the first victory for the 18-year-old high school student who is taking classes online so he can be a full-time driver.

 

Making his 13th start in the past two years for Joe Gibbs Racing, Smith led the final 52 laps and held off Cup Series star Kyle Busch on two restarts to take the checkered flag for the first time in a NASCAR national series event.

 

"It's amazing. It's a dream come true," Smith said. "It's awesome."

 

Dreams do come true. Winners in Phoenix. Huge thanks to my @pilotflyingJ crew, all the men and women at @JoeGibbsRacing and @ToyotaRacing for their hard work in bringing me fast race cars to the track. More to come! pic.twitter.com/46Ru9qKaaq

— Sammy Smith (@sammysmithSS) March 12, 2023

Pole: Cole Custer

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on March 18 for the RAPTOR 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

 

 

ARCA

Tyler Reif Rises to the Occasion, Earns First ARCA Menards Series Victory

 

Tyler Reif was fast in practice Friday at Phoenix Raceway, and when it counted most, he was fast during the General Tire 150.

 

Reif, making just his third start on the ARCA platform for Lowden-Jackson Motorsports, emerged as the winner of the annual ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series West combination race after a pair of green-white-checkered restarts.

 

The race wasn’t without setbacks for Reif, who was involved in a crash on Lap 11 that damaged the rear of his car. Quick work by the Lowden-Jackson Motorsports crew kept him in the race, work that would pay dividends later with a trip to Victory Lane.

 

“Got in a racing incident, got turned, no big deal,” said Reif, who is racing full-time in both the ARCA Menards Series West and ARCA Menards Series East this year. “Kept our heads straight and fought back to the lead.

 

“This team is so good to get this car hooked up. I’m happy. There are just no words to describe this.”

 

🏁 TYLER. REIF. 🏁

The 15-year-old gets his first ARCA Menards Series win in dramatic fashion!!!#GeneralTire150 | @phoenixraceway pic.twitter.com/isXjxaip0U

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) March 11, 2023

Pole: William Sawalich

Click Here for Race Results

 

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on March 25th for the Pensacola 200 at Five Flags Speedway .

Kevin Harvick Looking for his Tenth Phoenix Raceway Win

Series Leader in Phoenix Wins

 

Statistically, Phoenix Raceway is Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick’s best track, and after announcing that his retirement will be at the end of the season, he has just two chances left to become the sixth different driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to win 10 or more races at a single track.

 

The 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Kevin Harvick, returns to Phoenix Raceway as the series leader in wins at the 1-mile track with nine victories (2006 sweep, 2012 Playoff race, 2013 Playoff race, 2014 sweep, 2015 Spring race, 2016 Spring race, 2018 Spring race). Now, the 47-year-old veteran has the opportunity join an elite list of drivers with 10 or more wins at a single track - Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Jimmie Johnson, David Pearson and Dale Earnhardt. 

 

NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty holds the NASCAR Cup Series record for the most tracks with 10 or more wins at five different tracks – Martinsville, North Wilkesboro, Richmond, Rockingham and Daytona.

 

Our Ford Mustangs are running wild out west. pic.twitter.com/dwZc1Vyzw2

— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) March 8, 2023

NASCAR Cup Series Overview:

• Event: United Rentals Work United 500k (Round 4 of 36)
• Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 12
• Location: Phoenix Raceway
• Layout: 1-mile oval
• Laps/Miles: 312 laps/312 miles (502 kilometers)
• Stage Lengths:
• Stage 1: 60 laps
•  Stage 2: 125 laps
• Final Stage: 127 laps
• TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

 

SHR FAST FACTS: Kevin Harvick

Who owns Phoenix Raceway? NASCAR or Kevin Harvick? NASCAR owns the facility, at least on paper, but Harvick owns the track. The driver of the No. 4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has won a record nine Cup Series races at the desert mile. No other active Cup Series driver has won more than three races at Phoenix. Former fulltime Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson is the closest to Harvick with four wins at the track.

 

Today's Cup Race starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX. @hbpizza #4EVER pic.twitter.com/2Q2SPMgWwD

— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) March 12, 2023

Harvick’s last win in the NASCAR Cup Series was at Richmond Raceway (8/14/22), a total of 15 races ago. His last win at Phoenix Raceway came in the spring race of 2018. In total, Harvick has made 40 career series starts at Phoenix posting two poles, nine wins, 19 top fives and 29 top 10s. His average finish at the track is 8.650 – best among active drivers. He finished sixth in the Phoenix Spring race last season.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Trackhouse Racing Looks Strong Early

Both Teams in Series Points Top Five

 

Through three races of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, Trackhouse Racing drivers Ross Chastain  and Daniel Suárez have been putting up some impressive performances and as a result both are ranked inside the top five in the NASCAR Cup Series driver points standings for the second consecutive week – the first season the organization has had both drivers ranked within the top five in points.

 

Following Las Vegas, Ross Chastain leads the NASCAR Cup Series points standings by a mere three points over second place Alex Bowman and 21 points up on third place Kevin Harvick. Chastain’s teammate Daniel Suárez is currently ranked fourth in the series standings, only 25 points back from Chastain in the series lead. Suárez is the one of only two drivers to score top-10 finishes in all three races this season – Alex Bowman is the only other driver to accomplish the feat.

 

Looking ahead to Phoenix, expect the Trackhouse Racing success to continue. In this race last season at Phoenix, Chastain finished runner-up to race winner Chase Briscoe and Suárez finished in the top-10 (ninth).

 

Chastain has made nine series starts at Phoenix Raceway posting two top-five finishes. His average finish at the 1-mile track is an 18.5.

 

Suárez has made 12 series starts at Phoenix, and the Monterrey, Mexico native has put up three top-10 finishes.

 

Rolling off 6th tomorrow at @phoenixraceway in the No. 1 @kubota_usa @TeamChevy . Nice work, @TeamTrackhouse! pic.twitter.com/hjS3Z9KLm9

— Ross Chastain (@RossChastain) March 11, 2023

Felt like I left just a liiittle bit 🤏🏽 on the table in quali. But happy with my car and looking forward to tomorrow 👊🏽

🇲🇽 Siento que mi vuelta podria haber sido un pouquito mejor, pero feliz con mi carro. Largamos undécimo mañana 👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/W1g2QuZfXf

— Daniel Suárez (@Daniel_SuarezG) March 11, 2023

 

source: NASCAR Media

Phoenix Raceway Welcomes the Xfinity Series

Kyle Busch to Start Race in Last Position (39th)

 

After a battle in the desert last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway that saw Austin Hill snag the checkered flag for the second time this season, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will now be heading to Phoenix Raceway for the United Rentals 200 on Saturday, March 11 at 4:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR radio.

 

There have been 42 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at the Arizona track, producing 23 different race winners and 22 different pole winners. Eleven races have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Ty Gibbs in last season’s Championship Race.

 

Although Gibbs is the most recent pole winner, Kyle Busch is the most decorated driver in the Xfinity Series at Phoenix Raceway. He holds the qualifying record with a speed of 138.504 mph, leads the Xfinity Series in poles (10), has posted the most wins (11), top 10s (20), lead lap finishes (23), and is tied with Kevin Harvick for most top fives (17).

 

Xfinity Series drivers will kick off their weekend with practice on Saturday, March 11 at 12:35 p.m. ET followed by qualifying at 1:05 p.m. ET on FS1.

 

Busch looks to score Xfinity record for most wins at a single track at Phoenix

Just gotta make things interesting today 🤷🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/Ylhn5GaVtr

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) March 11, 2023

Leading the NASCAR Xfinity Series in wins at Phoenix Raceway is Kaulig Racing’s Kyle Busch,  who will be pulling double duty and making his second Xfinity Series start of the season in the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet this weekend. In the process, Busch will have the opportunity to break the tie with NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin for the most wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at a single track if he wins this weekend at Phoenix. Martin and Busch are currently tied for series most wins a single track at 11 wins each – Busch (Phoenix Raceway) and Martin (Rockingham Speedway).

 

In his 24 starts at Phoenix, Busch has posted 11 wins (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013 sweep, 2014, 2015, 2016 sweep, 2019), 17 top fives and 20 top 10s.

 

His most recent Xfinity Series stint at the track was in 2020, where he won the pole and ultimately finished third.

 

Winners Galore: Xfinity Drivers to watch at Phoenix

With Phoenix Raceway serving as home of the 2023 Championship Race, it is a track that all drivers hope to conquer – and three fulltime Xfinity Series drivers entered in this weekend’s United Rentals 200 have done just that – Justin Allgaier, Brandon Jones and Daniel Hemric.

 

JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier has made a name for himself at the one-mile track, posting two wins (2017, 2019), nine top fives and 17 top 10s in his 25 Phoenix starts. In his most recent appearance, he posted a third-place finish.

 

Allgaier’s JRM teammate, Brandon Jones, added his name to this list of drivers who have found Victory Lane at Phoenix Raceway in 2020. Jones has made 14 starts at Phoenix, posting one win (2020), three top fives and six top 10s. In last year’s Spring Phoenix race, he posted a runner-up finish.

 

Kaulig Racing’s Daniel Hemric heads into the weekend looking to post his second win at Phoenix Raceway after taking the checkered flag at the 2021 Xfinity Series Championship Race. In his 10 series starts at Phoenix, he has posted one win (2021), three top fives and seven top 10s. In both Phoenix races last season, he posted an eighth-place finish.

 

 

source: NASCAR Media