Ryan Blaney wins the Straight Talk Wireless 500

Penske driver overcomes early setbacks for first NASCAR Cup Series victory of 2026

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Ryan Blaney completed a hard-earned Team Penske sweep at the famed Phoenix Raceway in Sunday's Straight Talk Wireless 500, recovering from multiple early race setbacks to claim his first NASCAR Cup Series trophy of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Blaney's victory marks the second straight day of success for Team Penske at Phoenix Raceway, following an IndyCar win on Saturday, and demonstrates the team's continued dominance in major motorsports events.

The details

A pair of pit stop issues, including a penalty for pitting outside his box, put Blaney at the rear of the field twice early in the race. But the 2023 series champion rallied back in his No. 12 Team Penske Ford, taking the lead for good with 10 laps remaining to secure the victory.

  • The Straight Talk Wireless 500 took place on Sunday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Ryan Blaney

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford.

Team Penske

The racing team that fields cars in both the NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar Series, and secured a sweep of the Phoenix Raceway events over the weekend.

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The takeaway

Blaney's victory demonstrates Team Penske's continued dominance in major motorsports events, as the organization followed up an IndyCar win on Saturday with a NASCAR Cup Series triumph on Sunday at the famed Phoenix Raceway.