Connect with us

NASCAR Cup Series

Podium Preview: NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix

Joey Logano hopes to be leading the way when it matters at Phoenix. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

Joey Logano hopes to be leading the way when it matters at Phoenix. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

AVONDALE, Ariz. – The road from Daytona International Speedway to Phoenix Raceway, site of Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race, spanned nine months, 35 prior races and more twists and turns than a Law and Order episode.

Sure, Lennie Briscoe and Mike Logan had their fair share of unusual cases in the past but this is more like Frank Cosgrove and Jalen Shaw solving mysteries in today’s world. Still, the fun, intensity and action proves similar to NASCAR in its glory years.

Phoenix Raceway has been through some radical changes since its debut Cup race in 1988. Originally an unorthodox track with a backstretch dogleg, today’s edition of this venue, based in “The Valley of The Sun,” is an intermediate banked track that is a hybrid course.

There are elements of superspeedway action with the winding corners and steep banking. However, it is a truly unique place with the start/finish line stripe just past Turn 4, meaning a Ross Chastain wallriding move can be considered.

Last year, Kyle Larson parlayed an impressive pole position into his 10th win, a victory leading to his NASCAR Cup Series championship. Although he is not in the driver’s championship hunt, he can capture an owner’s championship for Rick Hendrick.

This year, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain vie for stock car glory. One of these four will have bragging rights into the offseason and the balance of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season in 2023.

This weekend, Cody ShoppeJasmine SharpeKobe LambethLuis TorresMatt Sisoler and yours truly ponder about a potential wall riding move for a championship at Phoenix along with the return of a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion.

Podium Preview: NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix
Trending Topics
Question 1
The moment before the wall riding miracle for Ross Chastain. (Photo: Kevin Ritchie | The Podium Finish)

The moment before the wall riding miracle for Ross Chastain. (Photo: Kevin Ritchie | The Podium Finish)

While Ross Chastain wall rode his way last Sunday at Martinsville into the Championship 4 race this Sunday at Phoenix, there have been various perspectives expressed as to whether a move similar to his should occur again.
Should NASCAR enforce a rule for the safety of the drivers and fans and an integrity standpoint or leave well enough alone?

Tiongson : Personally, I do not want to see this becoming a regular move for future, critical parts of races. It was neat to see it once but it is not something that needs to be traditional in NASCAR.

In fairness, it was the only shot at the Championship 4 for Chastain and his No. 1 team. Based on what he said during Media Day, it does not seem like something that he wants to repeat.

Much like the 1979 Daytona 500 fight between Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison, it was a moment that captivated viewers, mainly along the East Coast. That said, NASCAR did not have to enforce a “no fight” rule and it is my hopes that the drivers and teams can self police this so a rule does not need to be enforced.

Sisoler : I don’t see the need, at the moment, for a rule specifically designed to prevent what Chastain did. It, as of the writing this midway through the final stage of the Xfinity finale on Saturday, has only happened one time. If we start to see copycats, then the sanctioning body might need to do something about it.

However, I think that most of the drivers thought it was cool, but don’t want it to become a regular occurrence and therefore won’t do it. Partially because if they need the Hail Mary type move Chastain used and there’s no rule to stop them, they’d rather have the ability to use it in a dire situation rather than there being an outright rule saying they can’t.

Shoppe : First of all, that move was, in my opinion, the greatest single move in NASCAR history! With that said, I hope to see actions made to see to it that was the only time it happens. As many have stated in various ways, this shouldn’t become the norm in our sport. I hope to see a rule come put over the off season hopefully called “the Ross Chastain Rule.” 

The problem is how do you word a rule preventing this in the future? It’s hard to draw a line between hard racing for a win or advancement that may include wall contact from what we saw last weekend. 

Question 2
That's more wins and championships than the New York Yankees. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

That’s more wins and championships than the New York Yankees. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

Jimmie Johnson will return to the NASCAR Cup Series as he has entered into an ownership agreement with Petty GMS. With Johnson slated to compete in next year’s Daytona 500, how pivotal is it for Johnson, Richard Petty and Maury Gallagher to make this opportunity possible?

Sharpe : The news was quite shocking to hear and accept, but not in a negative way. To see one generation pick up and want to carry the torch for such a prestigious and history soaked organization is something that brings long time fans of the sport much needed hope and joy.

Jimmie Johnson is one of the few who can relate to the achievements and experience that Richard Petty has, both have won seven championships in the Cup Series. Both have done so through various changes and steep competition from the likes of figures like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Benny Parsons, etc.

It’s a blessing to see Richard Petty still in great health, but it is inevitable that he will pass someday. To give another man the chance to fulfill as much as he has over the years is an incredible honor. 

It’s been great to see GMS grow and I believe this will help them to further excel and grow as they continue to expand their portion of the racing program. It gives me hope that other drivers will go in this direction as they retire and help grow the next generation of stock car racers.

Lambeth : I think this is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure the future of Petty GMS Motorsports. After Erik Jones took the King’s iconic No. 43 car back to Victory Lane in the Southern 500 at Darlington, I remember the leadership group at Petty GMS bringing up their old age and how they wouldn’t be around forever. 

Therefore, they want to build this two-car organization into a playoff contender as soon as possible. At age 47, Jimmie Johnson is younger than Richard Petty and Maury Gallagher, so he could run things when those two are no longer around. It provides a clear succession plan to ensure the future of this team on the rise.

In 2023, Petty GMS will have Jones returning to the organization and Noah Gragson graduating from the NASCAR Xfinity Series to replace Ty Dillon in the No. 42 Chevrolet. There’s a lot to be excited about with these two young drivers in the building. Adding another seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion to the ownership group is a major power move.

After focusing on driving for so many years, it’ll be interesting to see if Johnson can introduce new ideas like other recent owner-drivers at the Cup level, Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing) and Denny Hamlin (23XI Racing). Sky is the limit!

Torres : Richard Petty admitted during Friday’s announcement that there’s no telling how long he’ll be around. Having another seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion at the throne of running such an organization is pivotal. More so when Maury Gallagher and Mike Beam are also key pieces to the progression everyone has made over the past season.

We’ve seen how quick Erik Jones has been and could be a legit contender to make a good run in the 2023 playoffs. Then you have Noah Gragson coming along, who has had some reps in the Cup Series this season. I can imagine he’ll continue to improve with the current car and make some noise for the right reasons.

The biggest question remains is how well of a business mindset Johnson will be. After what we’ve seen from Justin Marks the past two seasons, that’s the bar you must go for. Johnson has connections and peers that’ll give him some tips on how running a Cup program works.

In this day in age, alliances are important but this time, it can be effective. Helps to have Hendrick Motorsports as well.

That is two laps around Phoenix Raceway and we had the track to ourselves. Now, let us rewind to last Sunday’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, site of Race No. 35 of 36 of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season!
A couple of Pokémon trainers mastered Martinsville.

A couple of Pokémon trainers mastered Martinsville.

It is a slender points lead for yours truly.

It is a slender points lead for yours truly.

Next, here is a look at our top 10 starters for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix!
Row 1
Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney (Photo: Luis Torres and Christopher Vargas | The Podium Finish)

Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney (Photo: Luis Torres and Christopher Vargas | The Podium Finish)

Row 2
Chase Briscoe and Kyle Larson (Photo: Christopher Vargas and Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

Chase Briscoe and Kyle Larson (Photo: Christopher Vargas and Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

Row 3
Chase Elliott and Harrison Burton (Photo: Michael Donohue and Christopher Vargas | The Podium Finish)

Chase Elliott and Harrison Burton (Photo: Michael Donohue and Christopher Vargas | The Podium Finish)

Row 4
Kevin Harvick and William Byron (Photo: Christopher Vargas | The Podium Finish)

Kevin Harvick and William Byron (Photo: Christopher Vargas | The Podium Finish)

Row 5
Cole Custer and Ty Gibbs (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

Cole Custer and Ty Gibbs (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

Last but not least, here is our race picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix!
It is a trio that could be in Young Guns. (Photo: Christopher Vargas, Michael Donohue and Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

It is a trio that could be in Young Guns. (Photo: Christopher Vargas, Michael Donohue and Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)

Lambeth : While Hendrick Motorsports has Chase Elliott in the hunt for the driver’s title, Elliott isn’t in the hunt for the owner’s title but his teammate Kyle Larson remains eligible. In a perfect storm, Mr. H can win both championships. At the very least, I think he can get the owner’s trophy with a victory from Larson in the Valley of the Sun!

Sisoler : For this final race of the 2022 season, I’m looking at the two title contenders who come in off of huge momentum boosts. Christopher Bell’s back-to-back walkoff wins are huge, but I can’t overlook the guy who starts the worst of the Championship 4, Ross Chastain.

Sure, starting 25th isn’t good, but it’s a long race, and Ross came from 17th in the spring to finish behind no one except for Chase Briscoe, not to mention his wall ride Hail Mary has given Trackhouse a ton of momentum heading into Phoenix. So, I’m taking the Melon Man to win the race and the championship.

Sharpe : Of course, I’m rooting for the Watermelon Man! Even if Ross doesn’t win the race, I would love for him to snag the Cup championship. His story is what makes the United States of America so great. To come from nothing and to blossom into something beautiful and grand. It’s inspiring and I cannot wait to see where this Final 4 driver goes after 2022.

Tiongson : A year ago, I chose the driver who I felt would win the race and championship. My gut feeling was right and I ended last season with a victory. This year, Joey Logano will do the same thing and capture his second NASCAR Cup Series championship on Sunday.

Torres : Joey Logano has shown some speed all week and with him leading the field to green, it’s hard to bet against the Penske driver. Experience is paramount and with a lot of time to prepare for this moment, that can be a huge advantage in the long run. The No. 22 team want the chip, making it to this point isn’t enough for them.

Shoppe : With Joey Logano on the pole, this tips the scale in the No. 22’s favor in this Championship 4. Two races this weekend, two wins from the pole resulting in a championship. The Penske team has had more time to focus on Phoenix since the Vegas win on top of being the most experienced driver amount the four, so Joey wins the race and title today!

We’re ready for some racing. How about you? What do you think are the biggest storylines heading into the race? Who are your favorites to win?  Tweet us now @ThePodiumFinish and tell us now!

Thanks as always to the TPF team for their amazing efforts this week and season!

The opinions and thoughts expressed in Podium Preview are solely of the authors. They do not reflect any organizations affiliated with the participants and author outside of TPF. This weekly feature is strictly for entertainment purposes. Ultimately, they are not indicative of TPF, the organization and its staff.

Lastly, if you are in the hunt for the latest and greatest Lionel Racing NASCAR die-cast cars, head on over to Spoiler Diecast! If you spend $20 or more to purchase in-stock and/or preorder items, you can save 5% off your order total and get free shipping with promo code “TPF!” Head to the winner’s circle with Spoiler Diecast right now!

Rob Tiongson is a 30-something motorsports journalist who enjoys sports like baseball, basketball, football, soccer, track and field and hockey. A Boston native turned Austinite, racing was the first sport that caught his eyes. From interviews to retrospective articles, if it's about anything with an engine and four wheels, it'll be here on TPF, by him or by one of his talented columnists who have a passion for racing. Currently seeking a sports writing, public relations, or sports marketing career, particularly in motorsports. He enjoys editing and writing articles and features, as well as photography. Moreover, he enjoys time with his family and friends, traveling, cooking, working out and being a fun uncle or "funcle" to his nephew, niece and cat. Tiongson, a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, pursues his Master of Arts in Digital Journalism at St. Bonaventure University. Indeed, while Tiongson is proud to be from Massachusetts, he's an everywhere kind of man residing in Texas.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in NASCAR Cup Series