Ryan Blaney wins NASCAR Cup Series Phoenix race as Bell, Larson and Gibbs complete top four

Blaney takes Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway

Ryan Blaney won Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, delivering Ford’s first victory of the 2026 season and Team Penske’s first Cup win of the year. The event, the Straight Talk Wireless 500, was contested over 312 laps on the 1-mile oval on March 8, 2026.

Blaney, who started fifth, converted late-race track position into the win by taking two tires on the final decisive service and defending against fresher rubber behind him through the closing laps. The result marked a second consecutive Cup win for Blaney at Phoenix, following his victory in the November 2025 season finale at the same venue.

How the closing stretch unfolded

The race developed into a strategic battle shaped by cautions and tire management. Blaney’s critical move came in the final segment when he cleared Ty Gibbs for the lead with fewer than 10 laps remaining. Over the last run, Christopher Bell mounted the primary challenge, but Blaney maintained position to the checkered flag.

Bell’s runner-up finish followed a day in which he led 176 laps and collected stage points, including a Stage 2 win. Blaney won Stage 1 after chasing down and passing teammate Joey Logano during a long green-flag run early in the race.

Incidents and key setbacks

Multiple accidents and tire issues influenced the running order. Joey Logano, the pole-sitter, was eliminated after late-race contact that triggered a multi-car incident. Austin Dillon also suffered a late flat tire while running inside the top 10. Earlier, Chase Briscoe was the first car out after a flat tire while running near the front in Stage 2.

Top finishers at Phoenix (March 8, 2026)

• 1. Ryan Blaney
• 2. Christopher Bell
• 3. Kyle Larson
• 4. Ty Gibbs
• 5. Denny Hamlin
• 6. Bubba Wallace
• 7. William Byron
• 8. Tyler Reddick
• 9. Michael McDowell
• 10. Erik Jones

What the result means going forward

Blaney’s victory interrupted Tyler Reddick’s early-season streak of wins and reshaped the competitive picture as the Cup Series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15. For Penske, the Phoenix win provided early-season momentum after strong qualifying form in Arizona and underscored the team’s ability to execute decisive late-race strategy under caution-driven conditions.

Race summary: Ryan Blaney won the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix on March 8, 2026, ahead of Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson.