NASCAR Cup Series Recap: Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway

Bell Completes the Trifecta

As predected by us last week, Christopher Bell made history at Phoenix Raceway, securing his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory and cementing his place among the sport's elite. Bell's clutch performance in the closing laps allowed him to hold off the competition and complete a rare trifecta, a feat not achieved since Kyle Larson's dominant 2021 Championship season. Bell’s rise to the top has been nothing short of spectacular, proving that his early-season momentum is no fluke. Read more on Bell's historic run.

Byron and Berry Shine Amidst the Action

As mentioned last week, William Byron continued his strong start to the season, finishing sixth and staying in the mix throughout the race. At times he looked to have the winning car before Bell took complete control. Meanwhile, Josh Berry delivered an impressive fourth-place finish, showing that he's adapting quickly and proving to be a serious contender in the Cup Series just as we spoke upon last week as well.

Katherine Legge's Rough Cup Debut Sparks Controversy

Katherine Legge's entry into the Cup race at Phoenix raised eyebrows, as she was thrown into competition with zero experience in NASCAR, subpar equipment, and minimal preparation. The situation sparked debate, with Daniel Suarez publicly calling out NASCAR for allowing it to happen. Legge’s struggles and multiple caused cautions highlighted the challenges of stepping into the highest level of stock car racing under less-than-ideal circumstances. More on the controversy here.

NASCAR Gets Strict with Officiating

After weeks of inconsistent calls, NASCAR cracked down at Phoenix, enforcing penalties by the book. Joey Logano found himself on the receiving end of one such call, which he labeled as "ridiculous" after being penalized for a restart violation. While some saw the strict enforcement as a step in the right direction, others questioned whether NASCAR was being too heavy-handed. Logano's reaction and more details here.

Looking Ahead

With Phoenix in the books, all eyes now turn to Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bell's dominance puts him firmly in the championship conversation, while Byron, Berry, and others look to keep pace. Meanwhile, NASCAR’s officiating decisions will continue to be a hot topic as the season progresses. Expect more drama, intense battles, and shifting strategies as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series rolls on.