AVONDALE, Ariz. — A late restart turned the tide Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway, allowing Ryan Blaney to seize control in the closing laps and capture a dramatic NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Much of the attention entering the race centered on 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, who was seeking his fourth win of the season, and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell, a driver who has historically excelled at the one-mile Arizona oval.
Bell appeared poised to deliver another dominant performance. The No. 20 Toyota controlled much of the race, leading 176 laps while showcasing impressive speed through Phoenix’s flat corners. Bell consistently managed tire wear and maintained track position during long green-flag runs, keeping most of the field at bay.
But everything changed late.
A caution in the closing laps erased Bell’s comfortable advantage and set up a pivotal restart that reshaped the outcome. When the green flag waved again, Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney capitalized.
Blaney launched perfectly off the restart, charging through Turns 1 and 2 with momentum. Carrying speed down the backstretch, he surged past the front row and cleared Bell as the field approached the final lap. From there, Blaney controlled the race when it mattered most, crossing the finish line to secure the victory in one of the season’s most thrilling finishes.
Bell was forced to settle for second place after dominating most of the afternoon.
For 23XI Racing, the weekend still delivered solid results despite falling short of the win. Both of the organization’s drivers finished inside the top 10, with Bubba Wallace placing sixth and Reddick finishing eighth after showing strong speed throughout the race.
Team co-owner Michael Jordan, the six-time NBA champion, was on hand at Phoenix Raceway and spent time in the pit area and on the team’s pit box during the race as he watched Reddick battle near the front of the field. The organization entered the weekend hoping to secure its fourth victory as a team, a milestone that would further cement its place among NASCAR’s rising contenders.
The weekend also carried special significance beyond the competition on the track. NASCAR honored the legacy of Wendell Scott, one of the sport’s most important trailblazers.
In 1963, Scott became the first Black driver to win a race at NASCAR’s top level, overcoming immense obstacles during an era when opportunities were limited and the path forward was far from welcoming.
Despite facing discrimination, financial struggles, and mechanical disadvantages, Scott persevered and helped open doors for future generations in stock car racing.
Throughout the weekend, teams and drivers paid tribute to Scott’s legacy. All Cup Series cars carried special decals honoring him during Wendell Scott Weekend, and members of Scott’s family — including his son and grandson — were in attendance to celebrate his lasting impact.
Scott’s influence continues to be felt today through drivers such as Bubba Wallace, Rajah Caruth, and Lavar Scott, as well as through the growing diversity seen among NASCAR pit crews and team personnel.
Adding to the excitement, Phoenix Raceway hosted both NASCAR and IndyCar events during the weekend, creating a packed schedule that delivered an unforgettable experience for fans.
Next up for the NASCAR Cup Series is Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the series will race on March 15.
