Finale at Phoenix Raceway: Traffic on the Avondale Boulevard Bridge created a standstill for over an hour as fans made their way to Phoenix Raceway for the culmination of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship on Sunday.
In a thrilling conclusion, Ryan Blaney defied the odds to secure his first Cup Championship, outpacing competitors William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell in the season-long pursuit of the title.
Beyond the racing action, the event showcased prominent figures like WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Garcia (Nikki Bella), Bubba Wallace donning full Star Wars attire, and even a Stormtrooper.
The iconic command, “Gentlemen, start your engines,” echoed through the enthusiastic crowd of over 60,000 fans, marking the beginning of the race. The “Championship 4” of Byron, Bell, Larson, and Blaney led the pack, accompanied by NASCAR’s top 32 drivers.
NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick took an early lead in his final full-time race at Phoenix Raceway, where he holds the all-time record with nine wins. Despite his strong start, Harvick concluded the day in seventh place.
The race unfolded with intense competition as cars navigated the turns, leaving trails of burnt rubber on the track. Pit stops became inevitable, prompting rapid and synchronized actions from the pit crews as cars entered and exited with remarkable speed.
Ross Chastain showcased dominance, leading 157 laps during the race. While Blaney contended for the top spot, Chastain secured the lead with 57 laps to go.
Although Chastain claimed victory on the day, the ultimate prize went to Blaney, securing his first Cup Series Championship and marking a consecutive win for Team Penske after Joey Logano’s triumph last season.
Larson and Byron trailed behind in third and fourth places, respectively, while Bell faced disappointment with a non-finish due to a right-front brake rotor failure on lap 109.
ALSO READ: Ryan Blaney Drive to NASCAR Glory: A Journey of Triumph and Resilience
Our Reader’s Queries
Who won the 2023 NASCAR championship in Phoenix?
Chastain, a 2022 “Championship Four” driver, took the top spot, but Blaney held on to finish second in his No. 12 Ford, securing Team Penske’s second consecutive NASCAR Cup title. This win was especially meaningful for Blaney, as it marked his first victory and the first for his family.
What were the finishing results of the NASCAR race in Phoenix?
Ross Chastain clinched his second win of the season at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, with Ryan Blaney securing his first NASCAR Cup Series championship by coming in second.
What is the prize money for the 2023 NASCAR championship?
According to Bob Pockrass, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship purse for 2023 is a whopping $11,143,232. This includes prize money for finishing positions, as well as per-race payouts from charters and contingency awards, among other factors. It’s clear that the stakes are high in this championship, and the rewards for the winners are substantial.
Who won the NASCAR race today in Phoenix playoffs?
In a thrilling season finale, Ryan Blaney clinched his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series championship with just a second to spare. The talented driver from Team Penske finished just over a second behind the winner, Ross Chastain, and emerged as the top driver among the Championship 4 contenders after completing 312 laps at Phoenix Raceway. Blaney’s impressive performance is a testament to his skill and determination, and marks a major milestone in his racing career. Congratulations to the new champion!
