As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship approaches, fans are buzzing about the fierce competition among the top four contenders. This weekend at Phoenix Raceway, Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe from Joe Gibbs Racing, along with Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson, will all vie for victory. Each driver has previously won at the track and secured at least three wins this season, making this Championship 4 one of the closest in recent history.
Ryan Blaney’s Championship Narrative in Question
While these four drivers are dominant, there’s ongoing speculation about Ryan Blaney’s potential as a championship frontrunner. He was eliminated after failing to win at Martinsville Speedway, leading some to argue he could have been a favorite if he had advanced. However, this narrative raises several questions.
- Blaney has a 6.4 average finish at Phoenix, the best among active drivers.
- Despite this, he has yet to win at the track after 19 attempts.
- Other Championship 4 drivers—including Byron, Logano, and Bell—have multiple wins at Phoenix.
Comparing Track Performance
Ryan Blaney’s record at Phoenix contrasts with his competitors. His fellow contenders have won multiple races at this venue:
- William Byron: 1 win (2023)
- Joey Logano: 2 wins (2022, 2024)
- Christopher Bell: 2 wins (2024, 2025)
- Chase Briscoe: 1 win (2022)
- Denny Hamlin: 2 wins (2012, 2019)
- Kyle Larson: 1 win (2021)
While Blaney has shown strong performance, leading fewer laps than his peers also diminishes claims of him being a clear favorite. His statistics underscore that although he has skill, he lacks the winning pedigree at Phoenix that others possess.
Blaney’s Championship History
This year, Blaney remains unique in qualifying for the round of 8 without a win at Phoenix. His previous success includes a 2023 championship victory at this venue, where he finished second to a teammate in 2024. However, he has consistently fallen short in the final races over the past years.
Conclusion
As the NASCAR Cup Series Championship unfolds this Sunday, with coverage airing live on NBC, the question remains: Should fans rethink their assumptions about Ryan Blaney? While he is a formidable driver, his track record at Phoenix and recent eliminations position him differently than what some fans believe. The Championship 4 members demonstrate an impressive combination of skill and track success, highlighting a competitive landscape that promises an exciting finale.
