Ryan Blaney takes 2023 Cup Series Championship as Ross Chastain wins at Phoenix

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race Results

The NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway saw Ross Chastain (1) of Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet take the checkered flag. He was followed by Ryan Blaney (12) of Team Penske Ford and Kyle Larson (5) of Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Other notable finishers included William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Chris Buescher of RFK Racing Ford, and Martin Truex Jr. of Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.

Buescher Wins Stage 2 as Bell Retires

Chris Buescher emerged victorious in Stage 2, passing Ross Chastain and taking the lead with just 14 laps to go in the stage. William Byron finished fourth, the best of the Championship 4, with Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson taking the sixth and seventh spots, respectively. Unfortunately, Christopher Bell’s day and championship chances were cut short when his right front brake rotor exploded on lap 109, causing him to hit the wall and retiring from the race.

Byron Claims Stage 1

William Byron managed to secure victory in Stage 1 at Phoenix, showing early dominance by starting from the pole position, leading most of the 60-lap opening stage. His championship rival, Kyle Larson, finished fourth during the stage. The race marked a crucial step in Byron’s quest for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship.

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race Details

The NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway saw a competitive field set to vie for the title, featuring competitors such as Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, and William Byron. The 312-lap race was set to determine the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion.

NASCAR Cup Series Championship TV/Streaming Schedule

To catch all the thrilling action, fans could tune in to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race coverage on NBC through the Peacock streaming service and the NBC Sports app. The race weekend was set to kick off with practice and qualifying sessions leading up to the main event on Sunday.

Top Drivers and Best Bets for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship

All eyes were on the championship quartet, with drivers like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Christopher Bell coming in as the favorites to win according to BetMGM. Notably, the past nine years of the current playoff format have seen the champion emerge victorious at the season finale, adding an extra layer of intensity to the event.

Kevin Harvick’s Final Ride

Amidst the championship excitement, the race marked the final event in Kevin Harvick’s illustrious NASCAR Cup Series career. The respected veteran, who announced his retirement earlier in the year, was poised to bid farewell after a remarkable 23-season journey that included 60 wins through 826 starts.

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Entry List

The entry list for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway featured a lineup of skilled drivers from various top teams, ready to battle it out on the low-banked dog-leg oval track. Each competitor was keen on grabbing the coveted victory and etching their name alongside NASCAR’s elite.

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Weather

The weather forecast for the championship race at Phoenix Raceway promised clear, sunny conditions with high temperatures in the upper 80s. The drivers, especially the Championship 4 contenders, would have to navigate the slick track with minimal cloud cover, adding an element of unpredictability to the hotly contested race.

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