Blaney Shines in Practice Session: In the final practice session ahead of NASCAR’s title-deciding season finale at Phoenix Raceway, it was Ryan Blaney who showcased his prowess, topping the charts among the championship contenders. Blaney’s crew chief, Jonathan Hassler, praised his ability to navigate Phoenix, emphasizing the consistent speed they’ve had at the track.
While drivers like Kyle Busch and Bubba Wallace, who were already eliminated from the playoff field, led the Friday night practice, Blaney secured the third spot. Christopher Bell, one of the final four drivers vying for the title, followed closely behind.
William Byron, the spring race winner at Phoenix, displayed solid performance, ranking seventh fastest, while Kyle Larson, the odds-on favorite according to bookmakers, faced a minor setback. Larson brushed the wall with his Chevrolet during the practice session, but his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, reassured that it was a minor issue that the team could easily address.
Larson, the defending Cup champion who won the title at Phoenix in 2021, is looking to secure his second championship in three years. Bell, who made it to the finale last year, is aiming for his first Cup title, while Blaney and Byron are making their debut appearances in the championship round.
Despite Larson being the betting favorite, Blaney enters the race with significant momentum. His recent win at Martinsville Speedway, coupled with two victories in the last five races and back-to-back runner-up finishes at Phoenix in the past NASCAR visits, positions him as a strong contender. Blaney’s success could potentially deliver Team Penske its second consecutive Cup title, following teammate Joey Logano’s victory last year.
Both Byron and Larson drive Chevys for Hendrick Motorsports, a team that clinched consecutive titles in 2020 and 2021 with Chase Elliott and Larson, respectively. On the other hand, Bell, representing Toyota, is the sole contender from his manufacturer, racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, which last secured a title with Kyle Busch in 2019. As the anticipation builds for the championship-deciding race, these contenders are gearing up for an intense battle on Sunday.
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