Scheduled start: 3:00 p.m. ET (green flag shortly after)
Venue: Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, Arizona
TV/Radio: USA Network (primary broadcast), HBO Max streaming (including in-car cameras); MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
This is Race 33 of 36 in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season and the seventh race of the 10-race Chase (playoffs). For the first time since 2019, Phoenix is not hosting the championship finale (Homestead-Miami takes that role). Freeway Insurance is the title sponsor.
Track Details
Phoenix Raceway is a 1-mile (1.609 km) low-banked asphalt tri-oval (commonly called a dogleg oval).
Race distance: 312 laps / 312 miles (≈502 km).
Stages: 60 / 185 / 312.
Layout: Progressive banking (Turns 1-2 roughly 8–11°, Turns 3-4 similar or slightly higher; frontstretch and backstretch lower). The signature dogleg on the backstretch alters the entry into Turn 3, creating unique racing lines, passing opportunities, and restart dynamics.
Character: Flat, technical short-intermediate track that emphasizes tire management, clean air, short-run speed, and strategy. Pit road speed is typically ~45 mph. The configuration often produces multi-groove racing and late-race drama.
Weather Conditions
Sunday’s forecast for Avondale/Phoenix calls for partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies after possible early clouds or a slight chance of morning showers. High temperature is expected near 83–84°F (28–29°C), with a low around 66–68°F. East to east-northeast winds of 5–10 mph (occasional higher gusts possible earlier in the weekend) should keep conditions comfortable. Precipitation chances during the race window are low (around 10% or less), making a dry race the most likely scenario. Track temperatures should favor standard tire strategies.
Key Drivers and Championship Context
Current Chase standings (entering the weekend):
Kyle Larson (#5 Hendrick) – 2,367 points (leader by 49)
Denny Hamlin (#11 Joe Gibbs) – 2,318 (-49)
Christopher Bell (#20 Joe Gibbs) – 2,316 (-51)
Chase Briscoe (#19 Joe Gibbs) – 2,302 (-65)
Ryan Blaney (#12 Team Penske) – 2,282 (-85)
Joey Logano (#22 Team Penske) – 2,275 (-92)
Others in contention include Tyler Reddick, Austin Cindric, Ty Gibbs, and Carson Hocevar.
Notable matchups:
Larson (points leader, strong historical Phoenix results including prior titles decided here) vs. the Joe Gibbs Racing trio (Hamlin, Bell, Briscoe) chasing him.
Team Penske strength (Blaney and Logano have strong recent Phoenix form; Blaney won the spring race and has multiple top finishes here).
Restart and short-run battles among the top contenders on the dogleg layout.
Potential dark horses or strong runners: William Byron, Josh Berry, Chris Buescher, and others with solid intermediate/short-track speed.
Entry list includes the full Chase field plus regulars (approximately 37–38 cars). Practice and qualifying occur Saturday afternoon.
Recent Driver Forms
Kyle Larson: Points leader with consistent results; led many laps recently but has noted recent struggles at Phoenix compared to earlier success.
Denny Hamlin: Strong average finishes, multiple poles and top-10s this season; excellent short-track and intermediate form.
Christopher Bell / Chase Briscoe: Bell is a consistent contender; Briscoe has recent back-to-back wins and momentum.
Ryan Blaney: Excellent recent Phoenix results (including a spring win and high top-5 rate); strong short-run and restart performer.
Joey Logano: Multiple prior Phoenix wins and reliable playoff form.
Overall, the top of the standings features drivers with proven ability on flat tracks and in high-pressure Chase situations.
Race History at Phoenix
Phoenix has hosted Cup races for decades and served as the championship venue from 2020–2025. The dogleg layout frequently produces competitive racing with cautions, strategy plays, and late passes. Recent winners and strong performers include Ryan Blaney (multiple strong finishes and a recent win), Joey Logano, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Larson. The track rewards tire conservation and clean air but can produce multi-car battles on restarts.
Betting Trends
Trends at Phoenix favor drivers with strong historical results on the 1-mile dogleg, recent flat-track success, and teams that excel at tire management and restarts. Public money often backs the points leaders and recent Phoenix winners. Stage points remain critical in the Chase. Value can appear on consistent top-5/top-10 drivers or those with strong short-run speed.
DRIVER ODDS
Ryan Blaney + 370
Christopher Bell + 400
Denny Hamlin + 600
Joey Logano + 650
Kyle Larson + 750
Chase Briscoe + 800
William Byron + 1300
Tyler Reddick + 1300
Austin Cindric + 1600
Ty Gibbs + 1800
Chase Elliott + 2000
Bubba Wallace + 2800
Josh Berry + 3000
Carson Hocevar + 3000
Corey Heim + 4000
Ross Chastain + 4000
Chris Buescher + 4000
Alex Bowman + 4500
Brad Keselowski + 5000
Ryan Preece + 7000
Daniel Suarez + 7000
Shane Van Gisbergen + 15000
Michael McDowell + 20000
Erik Jones + 20000
Connor Zilisch + 25000
Austin Hill + 25000
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. + 35000
Austin Dillon + 35000
AJ Allmendinger + 35000
Noah Gragson + 40000
Zane Smith + 50000
Todd Gilliland + 50000
Riley Herbst + 50000
John Hunter Nemechek + 50000
Cole Custer + 80000
Ty Dillon + 100000
Cody Ware + 100000
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, October 17, 2026
