Cole Cusumano
| Special to The Arizona Republic

Campers fill the Phoenix Raceway for a NASCAR weekend filled with excitement and anticipation.

As the NASCAR Shriner Children’s 500 unfolds on March 10, 2024, enthusiastic fans have arrived at the Phoenix Raceway, their RVs in tow, filling the grounds with vibrant energy and optimism for the races ahead.

NASCAR Championship Weekend marks a thrilling return to Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, where the world’s greatest stock car drivers will vie for the illustrious Bill France Cup, a prestigious trophy symbolizing their status as the 2024 Cup Series champion.

Among the title contenders are familiar faces and high-profile names, each of whom has carved out their unique paths to this marquee event, setting the stage for thrilling competition in the desert.

Over the past nine weeks, the season has been filled with thrilling moments and unexpected controversies, culminating in a captivating finale that features an assortment of compelling characters.

Leading the pack is Team Penske, bolstered by early wins in the Round of 8 by both Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, against a backdrop of first-time title contenders Tyler Reddick and William Byron, who returns for a second consecutive shot at the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Logano ignited the momentum for Team Penske two years ago, initiating a current stretch that has seen the organization secure back-to-back titles, including notable achievements during the 2024 playoffs. The two-time champion not only clinched victory in the opening race of the postseason but also became the first driver to lock in a spot in the Championship 4, echoing his triumphant journey in 2022 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

However, Logano’s quest to secure a third consecutive championship for Roger Penske came at a cost to Tucson-born racer Alex Bowman, who faced disqualification in the Round of 12 elimination race, enabling Logano and the No. 22 team to advance. Despite criticism for qualifying for the championship race with a less impressive season record, the 34-year-old Logano has consistently demonstrated that he seizes opportunities when they arise.

“Anytime you can get locked in early and start thinking about the championship race before everybody else, it’s a little bit more relaxed when you get to Phoenix,” Logano shared. “It really can feel a lot more like just a race that you’re prepared for, giving you an advantage over the competition.”

In a striking parallel to his teammate’s approach to success, reigning champion Blaney made an emphatic statement with a late-race rally, clinching another victory at Martinsville (Virginia) Speedway with a thrilling finish. The third-generation driver surged past former champions Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, securing his third win of the season and simultaneously eliminating both from championship contention.

Blaney’s performance stands out, characterized by his ability to rise to the occasion during the playoffs despite a regular season that lacked remarkable consistency. His recent success is further underscored by his ability to endure a high-pressure must-win scenario after nearly finishing as runner-up the previous weekend.

“It’s nice to have two Penske cars in. It’s exciting joining (Logano) and having a solid opportunity to bring Roger another title — a third title in a row. This organization is incredibly strong right now, and I’m hopeful this momentum carries over,” Blaney conveyed.

Byron secured the final spot in the Phoenix showdown amid some controversy, resulting from a safety violation on the final lap committed by Christopher Bell. In a breathtaking turn of events, Bell accelerated heavily in the last corner, gaining a position in a move deemed illegal by NASCAR following Ross Chastain’s earlier controversial maneuver in 2022.

Byron will proudly represent Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful organization in NASCAR history, as he contends for victory in his second Championship 4 appearance. With a remarkable run in the postseason, which includes six consecutive finishes of sixth or better, Byron looks to repeat his previous success at Phoenix, where he claimed victory last spring and secured a fourth-place finish in the finale.

“I’ve never been a part of anything like this, so it’s hard to gauge my emotions,” Byron stated. “I’m disappointed for everyone affected, but I’m thrilled for this No. 24 team. We’ve faced ups and downs this year, not as stellar as last year, but we still find ourselves in the same position — with a chance to race for the championship. I learned a lot last year, increasing my enthusiasm for this opportunity.”

Reddick emerges as the biggest surprise and unknown in the title chase, marking his first bid for the championship. The dynamic driver for 23XI Racing has built a reputation for thriving in high-pressure situations, proving he is a competitor who cannot be underestimated.

Reddick’s journey includes triumph as he clinched the regular-season title by a mere point, overcoming a stomach ailment in the process. The No. 45 team demonstrated resilience through a remarkable recovery from an early wreck during the Round of 12 elimination race, securing their spot in the playoffs on points. Most notably, Reddick seized victory at Homestead-Miami (Florida) Speedway, overtaking Blaney in the final corner and solidifying his place in Phoenix.

“It feels good, but the job’s not done,” Reddick remarked. “We have our work cut out for us, but these are the moments we strive for. I’m looking forward to a week of preparation, settling in early, and getting ready to compete.”

Grandstand seating for the upcoming Cup Series finale is sold out, yet limited tickets remain available for Sunday’s championship, where either Blaney, Byron, Logano, or Reddick will ultimately be crowned champion. Additionally, fans still have the opportunity to secure their seats for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship on Friday, along with the Xfinity Series title race scheduled for Saturday.

**Interview with NASCAR Insider: Cole Cusumano on⁣ the Upcoming Championship Weekend in Phoenix**

**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Cole. With the NASCAR⁣ Shriner Children’s 500 right around​ the corner, what’s the‍ atmosphere like ⁤at the Phoenix Raceway?

**Cole Cusumano:** It’s electric! The campers⁤ are ​rolling⁣ in, and there’s a palpable excitement among⁢ the fans. They bring a vibrant energy that⁣ really adds to the anticipation of ⁣the weekend. It’s⁣ a perfect setting for championship ‌racing and family fun.

**Interviewer:** Speaking of championship racing, this year’s NASCAR Championship ‍Weekend is⁢ set to be thrilling. What are your ‍thoughts on Team Penske’s performance this season?

**Cole​ Cusumano:** Team Penske⁢ has been formidable. Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney have both shown incredible strength this season, especially⁣ during the playoffs. Logano’s early victories set the ⁤tone, and being the first to ⁤lock in a Championship 4 ⁣spot gives him an advantageous edge. Having two cars in the finale is also a ⁣huge boost for the team.

**Interviewer:** Logano has⁢ faced some criticism but seems to thrive under pressure. Do you think he can achieve a ⁣third​ consecutive title for Penske?

**Cole Cusumano:** Logano has a⁣ knack for rising⁤ to the occasion. His ability to lock ⁤in ⁤early allows him to ​treat the⁤ race as a moment to showcase ⁢his skills without the added stress. I think ​he’s hungry for that third ⁤title,‍ and his recent performances suggest he’s more than capable of pulling it ⁢off.

**Interviewer:** And ⁤what ⁤about Ryan‍ Blaney? ⁤His recent victory⁢ at Martinsville was impressive—do you⁢ think he has⁤ what it takes ​to take home the championship?

**Cole Cusumano:** Absolutely! Blaney’s experience and ability to perform in ‍high-pressure situations make him a top contender. He’s had a solid postseason run and ‌is riding the momentum from that Martinsville win. His goal to bring Roger Penske a third consecutive title could very well drive him ⁣to‌ victory.

**Interviewer:**‌ What about the‍ rising star William Byron? What do you see⁣ in him as‌ he aims for a championship?

**Cole Cusumano:** ‍Byron is ‍a strong⁢ competitor, especially after his performance in the ‌postseason.​ He’s proven he can handle the pressure, and ‍being with Hendrick Motorsports‌ gives him an additional edge, considering their rich⁣ history in NASCAR. I think fans⁤ should keep an eye on him—he’s more than capable of⁣ making ⁤another deep run.

**Interviewer:** With everything that has unfolded this⁤ season, do you believe the ​upcoming race will be one for the books?

**Cole Cusumano:** Absolutely! The combination of top drivers, the competitive‍ tension, and the unpredictable nature of racing always makes for an ⁣exciting event.‍ With the stakes high and so many storylines intertwining, this year’s championship race is sure to be unforgettable.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Cole, for ‍sharing your‍ insights! We ​look⁣ forward to‍ a⁤ thrilling NASCAR weekend ⁣in Phoenix.

**Cole ⁢Cusumano:** Thank you! I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.