AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Reigning NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney paced the first practice session at Phoenix Raceway, where he is one of four drivers who will race for the title Sunday.
Blaney in a Ford for Team Penske topped the standings during Friday’s 50-minute free practice session. He is trying to become the first driver to win back-to-back titles since Jimmie Johnson won five consecutive championships from 2006 to 2010.
A victory by Blaney or teammate Joey Logano would give team owner Roger Penske three straight Cup titles. Logano, who finished ninth in Friday practice, won the 2022 title. Penske is coming off sports car championships in IMSA and the World Endurance Championship, which it won last weekend in Bahrain.
Martin Truex Jr., who was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round and is retiring from full-time competition after Sunday’s race, finished second in a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.
Kyle Larson, winner of a Cup Series-high six races this season, finished third in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. He was eliminated from championship contention last week during final playoff qualifying.
William Byron, winner of the Daytona 500 and one of the title contenders, finished fourth in a Hendrick Chevy. Byron moved into the championship with four points after Christopher Bell’s move at Martinsville Speedway last Sunday was denied.
Tyler Reddick, the fourth and final driver in the championship race, was the slowest of the contenders in 21st in a Toyota for 23XI Racing. Reddick is the only driver to make his first appearance in the winner’s final. He drives for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, two owners who are suing NASCAR over the lease agreement they and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign in September.
Logano is seeking a third Cup title and Byron is trying to become a first Cup Series champion.
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