The NASCAR Cup Series completed at Phoenix Raceway and it was a very entertaining event. The extra horsepower and tire fall off allowed racing to be exciting, as drivers were able to pass and had to manage their Goodyear rubber. While Christopher Bell dominated the event, a Team Penske driver finished off a perfect weekend for the organization.
Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 team for Team Penske won the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix, earning their first victory of the 2026 Cup Series season. Blaney’s team called for two fresh tires on the final pit stop while Bell received four fresh tires. Ultimately, two tires was the right call, and Blaney benefited from the strategy.
The Team Penske driver suffered two loose wheels and one pit road penalty, making the victory even more impressive. While Bell had the best car and deserved the victory, Blaney had the right strategy. It was another heartbreaking finish for Joe Gibbs Racing at Phoenix, and Blaney benefited again.
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NASCAR results: Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway (March 2026)
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No. 97 Shane van Gisbergen
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No. 47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
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No. 42 John Hunter Nemechek
This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Ryan Blaney wins NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix in March 2026
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