NASCAR
Ryan Blaney Caps off Penske Perfect Phoenix Weekend with Determined Win
AVONDALE, Ariz. – Two loose wheels, nearly 50 cars passed, and the lead with 10 laps to go were the Phoenix Raceway high and lowlights for Ryan Blaney. Considered by many the desert king, Sunday marked a second straight win for Penske driver No. 12 on the flat mile. Resiliency and grit were on prime display from this team, who now take over second in points.
Phoenix Raceway’s best team across the Next Gen Era, Team Penske remained perfect across Stage 1. They led the entire opening stint between polesitter Joey Logano and eventually Ryan Blaney. The No. 12, however, would suffer two separate loose wheels and be forced to double pit twice in Stage 2, giving this win to Christopher Bell. Blaney would only muster a 12th-place Stage 2 showing after these two setbacks.
In similar vein to November’s championship race, tires and their durability were an evolving Phoenix storyline. One lone caution in Stage 2 saw four different drivers suffer blown tires. In short, teams were still testing limits with what pressures could gain more speed.
The No. 19 gets into the wall!@chasebriscoe was running third at the time of this incident. pic.twitter.com/CeTAKp8AWz
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 8, 2026
Bell remained a near constant out front for much of the final Stage, looking to pick up his third-straight spring Phoenix win. A rash of cautions kept the field close, however, never allowing Bell to build up a huge lead. The last trip down pit road also saw Bell take four tires, while others only opted for right sides. This exchange put the No. 20 back in the pack.
Another Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota would take command after Joey Logano wrecked late–Ty Gibbs. Chasing his first Cup win, the No. 54 had the top spot when the green flag flew with 12 laps left.
We’ve got more trouble!@joeylogano gets turned and slides up the track in front of @joshberry and @Daniel_SuarezG. pic.twitter.com/Na75A7Uj9b
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 8, 2026
Gibbs’ victory quest was not meant to be in Phoenix, as Blaney’s Ford came storming by the 54 with 10 laps to go and set sail. Following two separate pit road blunders, passing 49 cars, and having to rally late, Blaney drove off to a second consecutive Phoenix Raceway triumph. Combined with Saturday’s IndyCar win by Josef Newgarden, Team Penske left Phoenix undefeated on this doubleheader weekend.
“Just perseverance,” Blaney said. “I mean, everybody on the 12 group persevered all day. We had a couple mistakes that we learned from, got better, had to come from the back a couple times. Obviously the 20 was the best car. Jonathan [Hassler, crew chief] made a great call to take two [tires]. We were able to get the lead. Hold them off. I don’t know how many more laps I could have held them off. We were able to do that. Really proud of everybody at Team Penske. We swept the weekend, Newgarden winning yesterday, us winning today. Can’t wait to see Roger. Appreciate Dent Wizard, Ford, Ford Racing for what they do, Menards, Wabash, Discount Tire, BODYARMOR, Advance Auto Parts, DEX Imaging. Everything that these people put into our program is cool.”
“It’s cool to win, especially after a day like that. Can’t say enough about the 12 guys for keeping their head down and doing what they do and Jonathan again for making a good call at the end.”
“It’s awesome, unbelievable. Honestly when I crossed the start/finish line, I thought of Charley [son] and Gianna [wide]. I wish they were here. They’re watching. It’s different. Obviously winning feels great, but going home to my family, my wife, my son, it’s even better. That’s just cherry on top. Looking forward to getting home. Thank you, everybody who came out this weekend. Awesome weekend, guys. Hope to do it again soon. Thank you.”
Bell would rally late on his four fresh tires, but could only get to within four-tenths of Blaney in second. Kyle Larson, Ty Gibbs, and Denny Hamlin were other top finishers. The rest of the Phoenix top-10 were: Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Michael McDowell, and Erik Jones.
Thanks to this win, Blaney vaults up to second in points, 60 markers back of Tyler Reddick. This will be the gap between the two lone winners of 2026 heading into week five of the regular season from Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Pennzoil 400 goes green Sunday, March 15 at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Blaney will try and carry Phoenix momentum into another strong run on the west coast swing.
Written by Peter Stratta
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