NASCAR Cup Series Championship Weekend: What to Expect at Phoenix Raceway

As the NASCAR Cup Series reaches its thrilling conclusion, the anticipation builds for the championship weekend at Phoenix Raceway. A total of 12 drivers will compete for the esteemed title, but only three will emerge victorious with the coveted championship trophy. This year’s event promises intense competition, notable storylines, and a farewell to the iconic Phoenix Raceway as the season finale venue before the series shifts to Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2026.

Key Drivers to Watch

In the NASCAR Cup Series, the renowned Joe Gibbs Racing team will showcase two of its top talents, Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe. They will face formidable opposition from Hendrick Motorsports, represented by Kyle Larson and William Byron. These drivers have consistently performed well throughout the season, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.

Meanwhile, in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Justin Allgaier will defend his championship title against a competitive field that includes his teammates Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil, as well as Jesse Love from Richard Childress Racing. The stakes are high as Allgaier seeks to solidify his legacy in the series.

In the Truck Series, the spotlight is on TRICON’s Corey Heim, who has had a stellar season marked by dominance. To cap off his remarkable year, he must overcome Kaden Honeycutt of Halmar-Friesen Racing, Tyler Ankrum from McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, and the defending champion Ty Majeski of ThorSport Racing. Each of these drivers has demonstrated their capability, making the Truck Series race one to watch.

A Historic Farewell to Phoenix Raceway

This year marks the last time Phoenix Raceway will host the season finale for the NASCAR Cup Series. After a long history with the track, all three NASCAR series will move to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the championship-deciding event in 2026. Fans can expect an emotional atmosphere as drivers and teams prepare to bid farewell to this iconic venue.

How to Watch the NASCAR Championship Events

To ensure you don’t miss any of the action this weekend, here’s a comprehensive look at the NASCAR championship weekend schedule at Phoenix Raceway:

Schedule Overview

• Thursday, October 30th

  • 7:35 PM EST: NASCAR Truck Series practice (N/A)

• Friday, October 31st

  • 3:35 PM EST: NASCAR Truck Series qualifying (FOX SPORTS 2)
  • 4:35 PM EST: NASCAR Xfinity Series practice (THE CW APP)
  • 5:35 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Series practice (TRUTV)
  • 7:30 PM EST: NASCAR Truck Series race (150 laps) (FOX SPORTS 1)

• Saturday, November 1st

  • 3:30 PM EST: NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying (CW APP)
  • 5:00 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Series qualifying (TRUTV)
  • 7:30 PM EST: NASCAR Xfinity Series race (200 laps) (THE CW)
• Sunday, November 2nd
  • 3:00 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Series championship finale (312 laps) (NBC)

Viewing Options for the NASCAR Cup Series Finale

The NASCAR Cup Series championship finale is set for Sunday, November 2nd, with the following details:

• TV Start Time: 2:00 PM EST
• Green Flag: 3:00 PM EST
• Distance: 312 laps
• Stages: 60 / 125 / 127
• Tires: 8 sets
• TV Channel: NBC (TSN for Canadian viewers, with other international options available)
• Live Stream: In-car cameras available on HBO MAX
• Radio Broadcast: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Competitors in the Cup Race

A full roster of 39 teams will compete in the Cup race this weekend, including two part-time entries. Notably, the Garage 66 Ford will be piloted by Casey Mears, while J.J. Yeley will drive the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet. This mix of full-time contenders and part-time racers adds an exciting dynamic to the championship event.

Special Post-Race Show: “Inside The Race”

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch the special post-race show titled “Inside The Race,” airing live from Phoenix Raceway following the conclusion of the NASCAR on NBC broadcast. Hosted by Alex Weaver and Steve Letarte, the show will feature insights and analysis from NASCAR experts Kyle Petty, Jeff Burton, and Mamba Smith. The program will also include guest appearances from the newly crowned champion and the race winner, ensuring that fans receive comprehensive coverage of the event.

Expert Analysis and Insights

Motorsport.com’s Senior NASCAR Editor, Matt Weaver, will be on-site to provide in-depth analysis of the championship finale. He will break down the critical moments of the race and share insights with the audience. This level of expertise ensures that viewers can appreciate the tactical elements and strategies employed by the drivers throughout the race.

Streaming Options

In addition to being broadcast on NBC, “Inside The Race” will also be available on the official X (formerly Twitter) social media page, allowing fans to engage with the content in real-time and participate in discussions surrounding the championship events.

Conclusion

As the NASCAR Cup Series championship weekend unfolds at Phoenix Raceway, fans can look forward to a thrilling finale filled with intense competition, emotional farewells, and expert insights. With a star-studded lineup of drivers and a packed schedule of events, this weekend promises to be a celebration of motorsport excellence. Be sure to tune in and witness history in the making as the best drivers in NASCAR vie for the ultimate prize.