The NASCAR Cup Series Championship will be decided this Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, where the sport’s top drivers will compete for the title in an intense showdown. Fans and oddsmakers alike are focused on who will emerge as champion, with the latest odds adding anticipation to one of racing’s most awaited events.
Championship Four Set for High-Stakes Showdown
After a dramatic season, the NASCAR Cup Series comes down to its final race at Phoenix. William Byron punched his ticket to the Championship 4 with a vital win at Martinsville, joining his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson, as well as Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe from Joe Gibbs Racing. Of this group, only Larson holds a previous championship, winning the trophy in 2021, while Hamlin, Byron, and Briscoe all aim to secure their first.
BetMGM Sportsbook has released the latest odds on who is expected to capture the title. The competition is fierce, and although history suggests that a championship contender often wins the race itself, it’s not a necessity for taking home the season trophy.
Denny Hamlin Leads the Favorites for the Title
Denny Hamlin arrives in Phoenix as the frontrunner according to oddsmakers, yet a Cup Series championship has eluded him throughout his accomplished career. With 60 career wins, Hamlin remains one of NASCAR’s elite drivers, lacking only a title to complete his resume. He last celebrated a victory at Phoenix in November 2019 and posted a runner-up finish there earlier this year. As he enters his fifth Championship 4 appearance, Hamlin faces another chance to finally secure his first Cup championship.
Kyle Larson Chases Second Championship
Kyle Larson returns to the Championship 4 for a third time and seeks to add a second title to his name. He first won the Cup Series Championship at Phoenix in 2021, a memorable victory that stands as his lone win at the track. Larson finished third there earlier in the current season, showcasing his skills as one of the strongest drivers on the Phoenix circuit. While this season may not have been his most dominant, Larson’s consistency positions him as a prime contender for another championship.
William Byron’s Momentum After Martinsville
William Byron advanced to the title showdown with an impressive victory in Martinsville. This marks Byron’s third straight season reaching Phoenix with the title on the line, but he remains in pursuit of his first championship. Byron collected a win at Phoenix in March 2023 and finished sixth earlier this season. With his recent surge and the absence of Team Penske in the final, Byron’s momentum could make the difference in his pursuit of a career-defining title.
Chase Briscoe Looks to Capitalize on Consistency
Chase Briscoe secured his Championship 4 berth with a crucial win at Talladega and has shown remarkable consistency since joining Joe Gibbs Racing. Although his last trip to Phoenix ended in a P35 result, Briscoe has previously won at the track, capturing a victory in March 2022 while driving for Stewart-Haas Racing. With his No. 19 Toyota team performing well throughout the second half of the season, Briscoe remains a dark horse who could capitalize if the opportunity arises.
Other Top Contenders and Their Stories
Ryan Blaney narrowly missed out on a spot in the Championship 4 after finishing second to Byron at Martinsville. While he won’t compete for the title, Blaney could still impact the outcome at Phoenix, especially since he has four runner-up finishes at the venue but no victories yet.
Christopher Bell finished behind Kyle Larson in Virginia and thus failed to reach the Championship 4, but his odds remain strong due to his earlier win at Phoenix this season. He will look to end his season with another victory, even if his championship hopes are over.
Defending champion Joey Logano saw his bid to repeat cut short in the Round of 8. His previous success at Phoenix, including a win last season that delivered his third championship, positions him as a spoiler who could gain momentum with another strong showing in Arizona.
Chase Elliott, a former series champion, watched his Hendrick Motorsports teammates advance while his own hopes ended after Talladega. Elliott’s previous win at Phoenix provides him with motivation to close out the year by delivering another memorable victory for his significant fanbase.
Full Odds: Where Every Driver Stands for Phoenix
Here are the latest odds for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway:
- Denny Hamlin (+375)
- Kyle Larson (+425)
- William Byron (+500)
- Chase Briscoe (+600)
- Ryan Blaney (+600)
- Christopher Bell (+900)
- Joey Logano (+1200)
- Chase Elliott (+1500)
- Tyler Reddick (+2000)
- Josh Berry (+2200)
- Ross Chastain (+3000)
- Bubba Wallace (+3500)
- Kyle Busch (+3500)
- Alex Bowman (+4000)
- Chris Buescher (+4000)
- Carson Hocevar (+4000)
- Austin Cindric (+4000)
- Brad Keselowski (+5000)
- Ty Gibbs (+6000)
- Ryan Preece (+8000)
- Erik Jones (+8000)
- Austin Dillon (+8000)
- Noah Gragson (+20000)
- Daniel Suarez (+20000)
- Michael McDowell (+20000)
- Justin Haley (+20000)
- Zane Smith (+25000)
- John H. Nemechek (+35000)
- Todd Gilliland (+35000)
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr (+50000)
- AJ Allmendinger (+50000)
- Shane van Gisbergen (+50000)
- Cole Custer (+100000)
- Ty Dillon (+100000)
- Riley Herbst (+200000)
- Cody Ware (+200000)
Championship Showdown’s Wider Significance
The atmosphere surrounding this year’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship is highly charged, with each contender bringing both talent and narrative weight into the title race. Denny Hamlin seeks a crowning achievement to complete his legendary resume, while Kyle Larson aims to further establish himself among the sport’s greats by capturing a second championship. William Byron and Chase Briscoe represent the new generation hungry for their first big title wins. Meanwhile, others such as Joey Logano, Christopher Bell, and Chase Elliott will not only influence the championship outcome, but also seek to end their seasons on a high note at Phoenix Raceway.
With BetMGM Sportsbook providing the latest odds, expectations are running high among fans and competitors. The conclusion of the season at Phoenix will shape the legacies of top drivers like Hamlin, Larson, Byron, Briscoe, and their teams, including Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing, and Team Penske. This Sunday’s race promises to deliver memorable moments as the next NASCAR Cup Series champion is crowned at one of the sport’s signature venues.
Please note, all odds and betting information are for entertainment purposes only and do not constitute professional betting advice. For help with gambling issues, reach out to a licensed health professional or call a dedicated helpline in your area. This coverage is not responsible for any outcomes related to wagering activities.
