In a stunning climax to the NASCAR Cup Series season, Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano of Team Penske emerged as the undeniable stars of the Phoenix finale, overshadowing championship contenders and proving that glory can still be tasted even in defeat. While the spotlight shone brightly on Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Kyle Larson, and William Byron, it was Blaney who pulled off a jaw-dropping performance that had everyone buzzing.
Blaney, who had been a force in the series, found himself sidelined from the championship chase after a disappointing performance at Talladega. But that did not stop him from making his presence felt in Phoenix. As the race unfolded, all eyes were on Hamlin, who led the charge for a staggering 208 laps, only to be relentlessly pursued by Blaney, who started in fifth place and showcased the raw power of his No. 12 Ford.
As tensions rose, the race took a dramatic turn when a late caution brought the field back to life. With only three laps remaining, Blaney seized the moment, catapulting from fourth to first, leaving fans and rivals alike in awe. If fate had favored him in the playoffs, he could have extended Team Penske’s championship legacy. Instead, he celebrated a sensational victory, sharing the moment with Logano in Victory Lane. “Teammate love,” they declared, a testament to their unbreakable bond.
Reflecting on his stunning performance, Blaney acknowledged the strength of his machine, stating, “It’s just cool to end it on a good note. We had a fast car all day.” But the road to victory was fraught with challenges. Blaney admitted that while he struggled to maintain the lead at times, a strategic pit call and a fierce restart propelled him back into contention. “I was able to kind of roll the bottom in three and four and eek the 6 out at the line,” he noted, embodying the grit of a true champion.
Meanwhile, the race also marked a bittersweet moment for Blaney as he congratulated Larson on clinching his second Cup Series title. “It’s a shame we weren’t in the Championship 4. Congrats to Kyle and that whole team,” he said, showing sportsmanship amid the fierce competition.
But the Phoenix finale was not devoid of drama. The race was marred by a series of tire issues that plagued several contenders, including Hamlin and Briscoe, who faced catastrophic failures. As these tire troubles unfolded, Logano emerged with a powerful message for his rivals, refusing to let Goodyear bear the blame. “No one should be blaming Goodyear or anything like that,” he asserted. “It’s on the teams and the settings that they put in their cars. The more aggressive you are, the faster it goes and the more likely it’s gonna blow out.”
Logano, who finished fourth, expressed his disappointment at missing out on a chance to compete for the win, lamenting a “little hiccup on pit road.” Yet, the spirit of Team Penske remained unbroken, as they looked forward to the next season with renewed vigor and determination.
As the dust settles on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, one thing is clear: Team Penske is far from finished. With the taste of victory fresh in their mouths and a resolve to reclaim their championship glory, Blaney and Logano are poised to make waves next season. Buckle up, NASCAR fans; the road ahead promises to be electrifying!








