Shriners Children’s 500 qualifying order brings fresh faces and fierce competition to Phoenix Raceway. The 1-mile tri-oval, with its tricky eight-degree and 11-degree banking, is set to challenge both rising stars and seasoned veterans. Katherine Legge and Riley Herbst lead their groups in a lineup packed with talent, while Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Busch prepare for battle. With strategy and speed at the forefront, this qualifying day promises unexpected twists on one of NASCAR’s most demanding tracks.
Key Highlights
- Katherine Legge leads Group A, making her Cup Series debut at Phoenix Raceway.
- Riley Herbst is the leader of Group B, also debuting in the Cup Series.
- Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin follow Legge in Group A for qualifying.
- Veteran drivers Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch are part of Group B.
- Qualifying and practice sessions take place on March 8, streamed on Amazon Prime.
Race Overview
Nestled in the heart of Avondale, Arizona, Phoenix Raceway stands as a tribute to the thrilling legacy of NASCAR racing. This weekend, it prepares to host the 21st annual Shriners Children’s 500, a reflection of its storied history since 2005.
Known for its unique 1-mile, low-banked tri-oval design, the track offers a challenging landscape for drivers with its eight-degree banking in turns one and two, shifting to 11 degrees in turns three and four, and a modest three-degree backstretch.
The anticipation is palpable as the season’s fourth race promises an electrifying 312-lap showdown, commencing at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 9.
The iconic venue is not just a stop on the Cup Series calendar but a revered battleground that also hosts the Xfinity Series and ARCA races. As engines roar to life, Phoenix Raceway renews its commitment to delivering edge-of-the-seat excitement.
Weekend Schedule & Race Details
As the weekend unfolds, anticipation builds for the exhilarating showdown at Phoenix Raceway. This historic track, a beloved staple in the NASCAR Cup Series, promises an unforgettable weekend.
The Shriners Children’s 500 brings the thrill of competition with 37 drivers ready to test their mettle. The schedule offers fans a rich tapestry of events, beginning with the electrifying practice session on Saturday, March 8, at 2:05 pm ET. As engines roar to life, the air will buzz with the scent of burnt rubber and the echoes of past races.
The desert's diamond awaits. pic.twitter.com/ifwErBPntE
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 5, 2025
Following practice, the qualifying session at 3:10 pm ET on Amazon Prime determines the grid positions for the Phoenix Spring event. This is a time of tactical precision and nerves of steel, where every moment counts.
- Practice Session: March 8, 2:05 pm ET
- Qualifying Session: March 8, 3:10 pm ET
- Race Day: Phoenix’s unique layout challenges every driver.
Qualifying Order for the 2025 Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway
The Phoenix Raceway stands as a tribute to the storied past and thrilling future of NASCAR, and the qualifying order for the 2025 Shriners Children’s 500 adds another chapter to its rich history.
The anticipation mounts as Katherine Legge, in her NASCAR Cup Series debut, leads Group A, a nod to the evolving landscape welcoming fresh talent. Following her, seasoned competitors such as Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin are poised to exhibit their skill on the iconic track.
Qualifying orders for Phoenix. One round. Cup practice won’t be in groups as all drivers will be on track for 45 minutes of practice so they can test both harder and softer tires they have for race. Xfinity practice will be in groups — 25 minutes each group. pic.twitter.com/73yi1z9e0C
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 5, 2025
Group A
| No | Car # | Driver Name |
| 1 | 78 | Katherine Legge |
| 2 | 54 | Ty Gibbs |
| 3 | 99 | Daniel Suarez |
| 4 | 51 | Cody Ware |
| 5 | 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 6 | 60 | Ryan Preece |
| 7 | 38 | Zane Smith |
| 8 | 16 |
A.J. Allmendinger
|
| 9 | 21 | Josh Berry |
| 10 | 5 | Kyle Larson |
| 11 | 10 | Ty Dillon |
| 12 | 41 | Cole Custer |
| 13 | 43 | Erik Jones |
| 14 | 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 15 | 2 | Austin Cindric |
| 16 | 22 | Joey Logano |
| 17 | 11 | Denny Hamlin |
| 18 | 42 | |
| 19 | 6 |
Meanwhile, Group B is spearheaded by Riley Herbst, another debutant, setting the stage for a dynamic clash. The tension escalates with veterans like Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch, each with their own legacy to defend.
Group B
| No | Car # | Driver Name |
| 1 | 35 | Riley Herbst |
| 2 | 7 | Justin Haley |
| 3 | 23 | Bubba Wallace |
| 4 | 47 | |
| 5 | 1 | Ross Chastain |
| 6 | 12 | Ryan Blaney |
| 7 | 4 | Noah Gragson |
| 8 | 77 | Carson Hocevar |
| 9 | 34 | Todd Gilliland |
| 10 | 71 | |
| 11 | 88 | |
| 12 | 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 13 | 48 | Alex Bowman |
| 14 | 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 15 | 9 | Chase Elliott |
| 16 | 45 | Tyler Reddick |
| 17 | 20 | Christopher Bell |
| 18 | 24 | William Byron |
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reveals this meticulous order, promising a weekend that encapsulates the essence of NASCAR: a relentless pursuit of speed, skill, and tactical brilliance under the Arizona sun.
News in Brief: Shriners Children’s 500 Qualifying Order
As the sun dips below the desert horizon, the roar of engines at Phoenix Raceway fades, leaving behind echoes of a day that blended nostalgia with high-octane passion. The 2025 Shriners Children’s 500 qualifying day, etched in memory, was a kaleidoscope of speed and strategy. Fans, old and new, share tales of legendary races past, their excitement rekindled. This day, marked by precision and dreams, is a tribute to the enduring allure of motorsport’s vibrant legacy.
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