The NASCAR Cup Series shifts to Phoenix Raceway in Arizona this Sunday, March 8, for the Straight Talk Wireless 500, a marquee event featuring 312 laps around the 1.0-mile track. Denny Hamlin Phoenix odds put Joe Gibbs Racing’s veteran driver, along with Ryan Blaney of Team Penske, at the top of betting favorite lists as they prepare to battle for victory and critical series momentum.
Top Contenders in the Spotlight for Phoenix
DraftKings Sportsbooks opened this race week with Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney listed as co-favorites, each receiving the best odds at +550 to win the Straight Talk Wireless 500. Blaney, who drives the No. 12 car for Team Penske, carries a reputation as a dominant force at Phoenix Raceway. He secured a victory in last year’s season-finale, outpacing Brad Keselowski to take the checkered flag. Building further on his dominance, Blaney has managed eight top-five finishes in his last nine races at the Arizona oval, a statistic that underpins why the reigning Cup Series champion is among the main favorites entering this weekend’s showdown.
Denny Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, also stands near the top of the odds due to his recent performances at Phoenix. In last season’s championship-deciding event, Hamlin led 208 laps—more than any other competitor. Despite his impressive showing, Hamlin lost his opportunity to claim the title as Kyle Larson ultimately clinched the championship. Over his last five appearances at Phoenix, Hamlin hasn’t finished worse than eleventh, demonstrating a persistent ability to remain competitive at this challenging circuit. As a 60-time Cup Series race winner, Hamlin is orchestrating a strong campaign toward capturing his elusive first championship.
Other significant challengers include Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, each priced at +650. Larson, the driver of the No. 5, has achieved top-four finishes in five of his last six outings at Phoenix but has not secured a victory there since November 2021. Christopher Bell, driving the No. 20, brings momentum from winning the last two spring races at Phoenix, positioning himself as a formidable competitor, albeit with slightly longer odds than Blaney and Hamlin.
Brad Keselowski and Other Underdogs to Monitor
While the spotlight falls on the weekend’s top names, several underdogs could play spoiler at Phoenix. Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing is among the most notable with odds at +2800. In the last eight races at Phoenix, Keselowski, sporting the No. 6 car, has earned two top-10 finishes. His most promising result came last fall when he finished as runner-up behind Ryan Blaney, showcasing that he can be a contender under the right circumstances.
Kyle Busch, another former Cup Series champion, emerges as a potential disruptor with +3000 odds. Now driving the No. 8 for Richard Childress Racing, Busch is currently navigating a nearly three-year winless streak. Nonetheless, his recent Phoenix form includes two consecutive top-10 finishes, keeping him within striking distance if race conditions align.
Alex Bowman, representing Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 48, is listed as a longshot at +6500 to win. Despite his underdog status and currently sitting 36th in the Cup Series standings, Bowman has accumulated two top-10s in his last six Phoenix starts and has not finished outside the top 20 in his remaining appearances there. Determined to improve his season trajectory, Bowman is aiming for a turnaround this Sunday at his home-state track.
Race Day Details and What to Watch
The Straight Talk Wireless 500 will get underway at Phoenix Raceway at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with national television coverage provided by FS1. Fans can also listen in live on the Motor Racing Network. As the Cup Series returns to the Arizona desert, all eyes will be on Denny Hamlin Phoenix odds and whether favorites like Hamlin and Ryan Blaney can continue their strong runs, or if a determined underdog such as Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, or Alex Bowman will upset the frontrunners and claim the victory. With numerous storylines converging and a competitive field, the Phoenix race is set to have significant implications for the remainder of the NASCAR season.
