The NASCAR Cup Series Championship is set to culminate this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, where four top drivers will battle for the coveted title. The iconic desert track will host its sixth consecutive championship finale, bringing anticipation and emotion to the finish of a dramatic season.
Veterans and Newcomers Compete for Glory
This year’s Championship 4 features a blend of seasoned racers and newcomers. Kyle Larson, the 2021 champion, is the lone previous titleholder among the finalists. William Byron returns to the championship race for a second consecutive year, while Chase Briscoe steps into the finale for the first time. Denny Hamlin, known for consistent performances but without a championship to his name, aims to finally secure the trophy. If successful, Hamlin would become the third-oldest champion in NASCAR Cup Series history at 44 years, 11 months, and 15 days.
Kyle Larson’s Consistency Remains Key
Kyle Larson arrives at Phoenix without a Playoff win, a rare but not unprecedented scenario. Only Kyle Busch has managed to secure a title under these circumstances, doing so in both 2015 and 2019. Tony Stewart is notable as the only champion to have gone winless through the Playoffs in 2005. Larson’s record at Phoenix is strong, with 10 finishes inside the top five and 14 in the top ten—his best performance statistics at any venue on the schedule.
Diverse Achievements Among Contenders
The quartet of Championship 4 drivers has notched a combined 15 victories this year, led by Denny Hamlin’s six wins. All four competitors have previously triumphed at Phoenix Raceway, highlighting their familiarity and prowess at the challenging track. However, Hamlin’s last Phoenix win dates to 2019. William Byron has demonstrated exceptional pace in the Next Gen era, logging the most laps inside both the top five and top ten at Phoenix among all drivers.
Team Dynamics Shape the Finale
For just the second time, multiple teams have placed more than one car in the Championship 4. Hendrick Motorsports fields Kyle Larson and William Byron, while Stewart-Haas Racing is represented by Chase Briscoe. This scenario mirrors the 2021 finale, when Hendrick Motorsports captured the title with Larson.
Spring Race Offers Insights, Challenges for Drivers
In the spring event at Phoenix, Denny Hamlin finished second, Kyle Larson secured third, William Byron came home in sixth place, and Chase Briscoe endured a difficult day, finishing 35th. Briscoe enters the championship round with hopes of turning things around in his debut title fight.
Notable Milestones Mark the Weekend
Alongside the championship drama, other historic milestones will be achieved. Kyle Busch is set to make his 750th Cup Series start, joining a select group as only the 14th driver to reach this mark. The best finish in a 750th start is second, achieved by Mark Martin in 2009. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will celebrate his 400th consecutive start, placing him third among currently active streaks in the series.
Looking Ahead to a Historic Championship Conclusion
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix promises a showcase of talent, determination, and fiercely competitive racing. With drivers like Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and Denny Hamlin all gunning for the sport’s highest honor, fans can expect an emotional and hopeful conclusion to the season at the legendary Phoenix Raceway.
