The absence of Ryan Blaney from the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway for the first time since the Next Gen era began marks a significant shift in this season’s title showdown. After a dramatic race at Martinsville, the anticipated showdown for the NASCAR Cup Series is now completely open, as Blaney’s loss in the final elimination race means Team Penske will not be represented among the final contenders—a major story in the context of the Ryan Blaney Championship 4 exit.
Both Blaney and Joey Logano, his teammate at Team Penske, were eliminated from championship contention following the conclusion at Martinsville, shaking up expectations among competitors. Historically, Team Penske’s Ford Mustangs have dominated at Phoenix. Joey Logano claimed the title there in both 2022 and 2024, while Blaney secured the top spot in 2023. Their recent dominance made them the pair other contenders feared most when approaching this deciding race.
Championship 4 Field Wide Open After Team Penske’s Departure
Kyle Larson, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, expressed palpable relief after the elimination results were confirmed. He acknowledged that Team Penske’s absence at Phoenix alters the dynamic for everyone in the field, referencing William Byron’s performance as a sign of strength among the remainder of the grid.
I was obviously happy to see William [Byron] win, just because we know how strong they are there. We don’t know if they are going to be that strong next week or not, but based on the past, I’d say they’re going to be fast.
— Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
As Larson spoke to the press, he underlined that, without Blaney or Logano, there is no longer a clear frontrunner for the championship title at Phoenix.
I really couldn’t tell you who would be the favorite now,
— Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
If Blaney had won, we all would say he is the favorite. So, yeah, we will see.
— Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
The Championship 4 now features a balanced lineup, with Kyle Larson and William Byron representing Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, while Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell carry the banner for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. This marks a battle not only between elite drivers, but also between major manufacturers and powerhouse teams, resetting the competitive landscape at Phoenix.
Ryan Blaney’s Challenging Battle and Near Miss at Martinsville
Ryan Blaney delivered a remarkable performance at Martinsville, one of the toughest tracks on the circuit. Blaney started deep in the field in 31st position but methodically worked his way through traffic. Following a fierce restart on Lap 272, he surged to the front, leading the race for 177 laps—a testament to his resilience and skill as a contender for the title. However, fate had other plans, as William Byron ultimately overtook him in the final stretch, relegating Blaney to a second-place finish.
Having previously clinched Championship 4 berths with wins in the last two fall races at Martinsville, Blaney’s close call was an emotional setback. Reflecting on his performance and his team’s dedication, Blaney stated,
Just proud of the effort. A shame we’re not going to Phoenix as part of the Championship 4. We’ll be doing the best we can to finish the year out strong. But I’m just proud of the 12 guys.
— Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Driver
The margin that separated Byron and Blaney at the checkered flag was only 0.717 seconds—a razor-thin difference after such an intense race. Nevertheless, Blaney and his crew are determined to close the season with the same spirit, even if the title is no longer within reach.
What the Open Finale Means for the Cup Series
The Ryan Blaney Championship 4 exit fundamentally changes the story for the Phoenix finale. With no Team Penske or Ford Mustangs in the hunt, the path is open for drivers from Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing to seize the moment. As the championship contenders take to the track next weekend, the lack of a dominant favorite promises a finale brimming with drama, unpredictability, and passionate competition among NASCAR’s brightest stars.
.@KyleLarsonRacin is relieved that neither @Blaney or @joeylogano made the #Championship4 based on their recent Phoenix success.
Larson says Blaney would be the clear favorite if he’d won…now there isn’t a clear favorite.
Added that all of the Champ 4 are deserving.… pic.twitter.com/YD2moT27h9
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) October 26, 2025
