The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series qualifying lineup for Phoenix Raceway has been announced, with drivers preparing for the first regular oval track race of the season in Avondale, Arizona. NASCAR Cup Series qualifying procedures and the official starting order are central as the event approaches its green flag on March 8.
First Regular Oval Event in the 2026 Schedule
Following high-speed contests at Daytona International Speedway and EchoPark Speedway, the series shifted gears last Sunday at Circuit of the Americas for the initial non-oval race of this year’s schedule. Now, teams and fans are turning attention to Phoenix Raceway. Known as an intermediate four-turn oval, Phoenix measures 1.022 miles and presents a different challenge compared to previous superspeedway and road course events.
Qualifying Structure and Methodology
At Phoenix, each driver makes a single qualifying attempt—no multi-round pole shootouts this week. The times from these individual laps determine the starting positions for all 37 entries. The order is set using the NASCAR qualifying metric, a formula revised prior to the 2025 season incorporating two variables for fair placement of drivers. While more details are available from NASCAR, the key is that this formula aims to reward consistent speed and past performance.
Top Starters for the Phoenix Race
Although the lineup remains unofficial until all 37 drivers are confirmed, the current top starters are as follows:
1 – Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
2 – Anthony Alfredo, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
3 – Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
Broadcast Details and Race Timing
The Straight Talk Wireless 500 from Phoenix Raceway will be broadcast live nationally on Fox Sports 1, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET this Sunday, March 8. This race will mark a significant moment in the early part of the NASCAR Cup Series season as drivers such as Chase Briscoe, Anthony Alfredo, and Erik Jones compete for valuable points on the traditional oval.
What This Means for the Championship Season
With Phoenix Raceway representing the first oval after varied early season tracks—including Daytona, EchoPark, and Circuit of the Americas—the outcome here could influence team momentum going forward. The grid, set by a metric emphasizing recent speed and performance, underscores the importance of adapting quickly to different track types. As teams from organizations like Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Legacy Motor Club prepare, spectators can expect competitive action that may shape the early championship narrative.
