NASCAR Cup Series Phoenix playoff weekend

Drivers prepare for the Phoenix tripleheader with qualifying results, standings battles and rule adjustments for the event.

3 stories34 sourcesUpdated Oct 18, 2026

In this storyline:NASCAR NASCAR Cup Series Chase Briscoe Kyle Larson Ryan Blaney

NASCAR Cup Series Phoenix playoff weekend — Photo: Zach Catanzareti Photo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

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Key developments

Oct 17, 2026
Ryan Blaney won the pole for the Cup race at Phoenix with Joey Logano alongside him.
11 sources on this →
Oct 17, 2026
Kyle Larson leads the Cup standings by 49 points heading into the Phoenix tripleheader.
11 sources on this →
Oct 17, 2026
NASCAR will allow front brake changes at Phoenix after recent failures at Gateway.
12 sources on this →

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Sports

Blaney takes Phoenix pole; Larson qualifies 22nd

Ryan Blaney won the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix, with Team Penske teammate Joey Logano joining him on the front row. Playoff leader Kyle Larson qualified 22nd, while recent race winner Chase Briscoe starts third.

11 sources

Sports

Three NASCAR Series Set for Phoenix Tripleheader Sunday

Phoenix Raceway hosts a NASCAR playoff tripleheader, with the Cup Series Freeway Insurance 500 on Sunday and O’Reilly and Truck Series races Friday and Saturday; Phoenix is no longer the championship finale, which has moved to Homestead. Kyle Larson leads the Cup standings heading into the weekend, while previews highlight strong Phoenix form from drivers including Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson and playoff pressure across the series.

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NASCAR allows front brake changes at Phoenix after failures

NASCAR will let Cup Series teams replace front brake pads and rotors after practice and qualifying at Phoenix, with rear-rotor inspections allowed before the race; the change follows brake failures at Gateway and is intended to address the demands of Phoenix’s higher-horsepower package. The procedure is also expected to apply at Martinsville.

12 sources