Avondale, AZ— The NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024, showcased the season’s top four drivers: Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Joey Logano. This “Championship 4” featured a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with Logano aiming to defend his 2022 title after clinching his spot by winning the South Point 400 in Las Vegas. Byron, who had an outstanding season with the most wins, was also in contention for the ultimate championship.
After practice and qualifying, Martin Truex Jr. secured the pole position, marking a bittersweet moment for the veteran driver and 2017 Cup Series champion, as this race would be his final one as a full-time competitor after announcing his retirement earlier in the season. Logano qualified second, leading all Championship 4 drivers to the green flag. Byron lined up in eighth, Tyler Reddick in tenth, and defending champion Blaney in seventeenth after struggling with his qualifying lap.
Truex’s retirement signifies the end of an era for both his team at Joe Gibbs Racing and his many fans. Despite his recent challenges on the track, he expressed a strong desire to win in his final race, stating, “This is another weekend where it’s business as usual, trying to do the best we can.” Truex received a standing ovation from his fellow drivers during the pre-race meeting, acknowledging the honor and humility of such recognition.
As the race unfolded, Logano took the lead in the closing laps, fending off teammate Blaney to clinch victory by just .33 seconds. With this win, Logano became the only active driver with three championships, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. The race was notably clean, with few cautions, including an early incident involving Ty Gibbs that brought out the first yellow flag.
This season marked Logano’s 11th playoff appearance, and becoming the tenth driver in history to win three or more championships highlights his consistency and skill. Despite not dominating the regular season, Logano consistently performed when it mattered most, demonstrating the importance of strategy and timing.
Denny Hamlin, known for his candid opinions, remarked that Logano’s championship win would spark a debate about the playoff format. “If Joey Logano wins this title, there is going to be a firestorm on social media about this format,” he warned, pointing out the disparity between race wins and playoff participation.
Crew Chief Paul Wolfe praised the team’s ability to adapt and execute under the NextGen playoff format. “We executed what the format is now, and that’s why we’re the champions,” he explained, emphasizing that while they may not have been the fastest car during the season, their preparedness for key moments paid off.
Logano’s resilience and mental toughness, particularly in even-numbered years, suggest that he is far from finished adding championships to his resume. As he celebrates this victory, attention will soon shift to the 2025 season, where the focus will be on continuous improvement.
Team Owner Roger Penske reflected on Logano’s journey, noting, “He had to shake off some of the reputation he had, but he grew and grew both on and off the track.” Penske’s support has been crucial in Logano’s development as a driver.
Logano’s evolution into a fierce competitor is evident. “When he puts the helmet on, there’s nobody out there that runs harder than he does,” Penske remarked, highlighting the maturity and confidence Logano has gained over the years. As he and his team look forward to the future, they remain committed to building on their successes.
