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Avondale Today
By the People, for the People
Blaney ends Reddick's streak to give Team Penske a Phoenix weekend sweep
Ryan Blaney overcame tire issues to win the NASCAR Cup Series race, denying Tyler Reddick a fourth straight victory to start the season.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, completing a weekend sweep for Team Penske. Blaney had to overcome several tire problems to catch and pass Ty Gibbs late in the race, denying Tyler Reddick a fourth consecutive victory to start the 2026 season. The win was Blaney's 18th career Cup Series victory.
Why it matters
Blaney's victory denied Reddick a chance to set a new NASCAR record by winning the first four races of the season. It also marked a successful weekend for Team Penske, which saw its IndyCar driver Josef Newgarden win on Saturday and Blaney complete the sweep on Sunday.
The details
Blaney was the race favorite after winning at Phoenix last November, but he had to overcome at least three tire problems that cost him track position. He eventually caught and passed Ty Gibbs to take the lead with 10 laps remaining and seal the victory. Christopher Bell finished second, with reigning Cup champion Kyle Larson third and Gibbs fourth.
- The race was held on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The players
Ryan Blaney
The winner of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, giving Team Penske a weekend sweep after Josef Newgarden's IndyCar victory on Saturday.
Tyler Reddick
The driver of the Michael Jordan-owned Toyota for 23XI Racing, who was denied a fourth consecutive victory to start the 2026 season.
Team Penske
The racing team that swept the weekend at Phoenix Raceway, with Blaney winning the Cup Series race and Josef Newgarden winning the IndyCar race on Saturday.
Ty Gibbs
The driver who led a significant portion of the race before being passed by Blaney late.
Christopher Bell
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver who finished second in the Cup Series race.
What they’re saying
“Just perseverance. We had a couple mistakes that we learned from, got better, had to come from the back a couple times. It's cool to win, especially after a day like that. Can't say enough about the (team) for keeping their head down and doing what they do.”
— Ryan Blaney (Newser)
“You win some, you lose some. This one stings, but on the positive side, I'm really proud of our entire team. It's something to build on. It was a day that we needed.”
— Christopher Bell (Newser)
“It would have been nice to make it four. Scored the fourth-most amount of points on the day... solid day. If we're not going to win, these are the kind of days we need to have.”
— Tyler Reddick (Newser)
What’s next
The Cup Series will race next at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Josh Berry is the defending race winner, while Denny Hamlin won the race there last fall.
The takeaway
Blaney's victory denied Reddick a chance to make NASCAR history, but it also highlighted the strength of Team Penske, which swept the weekend at Phoenix Raceway. The race featured a record-tying 12 cautions, mostly due to tire issues, underscoring the challenges drivers faced on the mile oval.
