NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race Entry List: The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway promises an exhilarating showdown with 39 entries vying for the title. Among the notable competitors is Ryan Blaney, who rides high on momentum following his XFINITY 500 victory. Veteran Jimmie Johnson‘s return adds a compelling narrative to the event. The race features two open entries, highlighting both established powerhouses and ambitious underdogs.
Key Highlights
- The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race features 39 competitors, showcasing a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents.
- Notable drivers include Ryan Blaney from Team Penske and Jimmie Johnson, making a highly anticipated return.
- Two open entries allow teams like Chad Finchum in No. 66 to compete, adding unpredictability to the race.
- The race at Phoenix Raceway is the culmination of a 36-race season, heightening stakes for drivers and teams.
- NASCAR Championship narratives and personal legacies create an exciting atmosphere, promising a thrilling finale for fans and competitors alike.
Overview of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race represents the peak of a grueling 36-race season, bringing together the top competitors in the sport to vie for the prestigious title. Scheduled at the Phoenix Raceway, this event marks the climax of rigorous competition, where the best drivers display their skills and tactical expertise on a challenging oval track.
Significantly, 38 cars are set to compete in this final showdown, reflecting a robust entry list that highlights the depth of talent within the series. With a maximum of 40 cars permitted to start, the absence of eliminated drivers means all participants will have the opportunity to race, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the event.
This inclusivity fosters a highly competitive atmosphere as each driver aims to leave a lasting impression in one of the most notable races of the year. The Championship Race is not merely about speed; it requires meticulous planning, team coordination, and an acute understanding of track dynamics, all of which can influence the outcome.
As the season draws to a close, the stakes are higher than ever, with NASCAR championship narratives and personal legacies on the line. Enthusiasts and analysts similarly will scrutinize each driver’s strategy and performance, as the race unfolds.
Notable Drivers and Teams in the Race
Among the elite competitors in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race, several notable drivers and teams stand out, each bringing unique strengths and narratives to the event.
Ryan Blaney, fresh off his victory at the XFINITY 500 in Martinsville, enters the Championship 4 with momentum on his side. Driving the No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske, Blaney’s blend of aggressive driving and tactical race management positions him as a formidable contender on the Phoenix Raceway’s challenging layout.
In contrast, Kaz Grala will be making his 24th start of the season in the No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing. Grala’s experience, albeit in a less competitive team, provides him with an opportunity to display his adaptability and skill against the series’ elite. His performance will be closely scrutinized as he aims to make a mark in a high-stakes environment.
Additionally, Derek Kraus will return to the cockpit of the No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro for Kaulig Racing this weekend. Despite being less heralded than some of his counterparts, Kraus has shown a consistent ability to navigate the complexities of race strategy and tire management, critical components that could influence the outcome of the race.
These drivers, representing a mix of established powerhouses and underdog teams, contribute to the engaging narrative of the Championship Race, promising an exhilarating finale as they vie for supremacy on the track.
Open Entries and Full Entry List for the Championship Race
With the anticipation building for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, a notable aspect of this year’s event is the inclusion of a pair of Open Entries. This format allows teams that do not qualify through traditional points standings to compete, adding an intriguing dynamic to the championship lineup.
Chad Finchum will pilot the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for MBM Motorsports, while the iconic Jimmie Johnson returns in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Their participation not only heightens the competition but also enriches the narrative surrounding the race.
| Entry | No. | Driver |
| 1 | 1 | Ross Chastain |
| 2 | 2 | Austin Cindric |
| 3 | 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 4 | 4 | Josh Berry |
| 5 | 5 | Kyle Larson |
| 6 | 6 | Brad Keselowski |
| 7 | 7 | Justin Haley |
| 8 | 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 9 | 9 | Chase Elliott |
| 10 | 10 | Noah Gragson |
| 11 | 11 | Denny Hamlin |
| 12 | 12 | Ryan Blaney |
| 13 | 14 | Chase Briscoe |
| 14 | 15 | Kaz Grala |
| 15 | 16 | Derek Kraus |
| 16 | 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 17 | 19 | Martin Truex, Jr. |
| 18 | 20 | Christopher Bell |
| 19 | 21 | Harrison Burton |
| 20 | 22 | Joey Logano |
| 21 | 23 | Bubba Wallace |
| 22 | 24 | William Byron |
| 23 | 31 | Daniel Hemric |
| 24 | 34 | |
| 25 | 38 | Todd Gilliland |
| 26 | 41 | Ryan Preece |
| 27 | 42 | |
| 28 | 43 | Erik Jones |
| 29 | 44 | JJ Yeley |
| 30 | 45 | Tyler Reddick |
| 31 | 47 |
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.
|
| 32 | 48 | Alex Bowman |
| 33 | 51 | Corey LaJoie |
| 34 | 54 | Ty Gibbs |
| 35 | 66 | Chad Finchum |
| 36 | 71 | Zane Smith |
| 37 | 77 | Carson Hocevar |
| 38 | 84 | Jimmie Johnson |
| 39 | 99 | Daniel Suarez |
The full entry list for the Championship Race features a robust field of 39 competitors, capturing seasoned veterans and rising talents. Prominent names such as Ross Chastain from Trackhouse Racing and Austin Cindric of Team Penske highlight the diversity in strategies and team dynamics that will unfold over the weekend.
Each driver brings unique strengths and weaknesses, making the race unpredictable and exciting. Notably, the inclusion of drivers like Finchum and Johnson offers an opportunity for underdogs to make their mark against established contenders.
This element of surprise is a hallmark of NASCAR, ensuring that viewers remain engaged until the checkered flag waves. As teams finalize their preparations, the championship race promises not only to crown a champion but also to illustrate the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where every lap can shift the tide of victory.
News in Brief: NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race Entry List
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race promises an exhilarating finale to the season, showcasing the skill and resolve of elite drivers and teams. With a diverse range of participants, including notable contenders and open entries, the event is set to captivate fans and analysts similarly.
Anticipation surrounds the strategies and performances that will unfold, ultimately deciding the champion. This finale not only highlights individual talent but also emphasizes the competitive spirit that defines the NASCAR Cup Series.
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