NASCAR Cup Series Set to Ignite Phoenix Raceway: A Preview of the Shriners Childrens 500

The roar of engines will once again echo through the Arizona desert this Sunday as the NASCAR Cup Series descends upon Phoenix Raceway for the Shriners Childrens 500. This race marks the first of two visits to the track this season, with the second, of course, holding the weight of destiny as it will ultimately crown the 2025 champion.

The memory of the last race at Phoenix, where Joey Logano secured his third career Cup Series title in November 2024, is still fresh in the minds of drivers and fans alike. Logano’s dominant performance served as a fitting culmination to a hard-fought season, etching his name further into NASCAR history. However, as the page turns to a new season, the slate is wiped clean, and every driver will be vying for victory and a chance to build momentum towards the ultimate prize.

While a strong showing in the early Phoenix race doesn’t guarantee success in the season finale, history suggests a correlation that drivers and teams will undoubtedly be mindful of. Since the championship race found its home at the Avondale, Arizona, track in 2020, the early Phoenix race has served as a surprisingly reliable indicator of potential contenders.

Consider the trends: In four of the past five seasons, at least three drivers who finished in the top seven in the first Phoenix race went on to replicate that feat in the season finale. The 2022 season stands out as a particularly strong example, with a remarkable five drivers managing to secure top-seven finishes in both races. This pattern suggests that mastering the unique challenges of Phoenix Raceway early in the season can provide a significant advantage when the stakes are at their highest.

Last season, however, bucked this trend to some degree. Only Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney managed to achieve top-seven finishes in both the March and November races at Phoenix. This deviation highlights the unpredictable nature of NASCAR and the constant evolution of car setups and driver strategies.

Bell, the defending champion of this very race, enters Sunday’s competition with considerable momentum. He is aiming for his third consecutive victory of the 2025 season, a feat that would solidify his position as an early championship favorite. His past success at Phoenix, coupled with his current form, makes him a formidable contender to watch.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend, Katherine Legge is set to make history as she becomes the first woman in seven years to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series race. Her presence will undoubtedly draw significant attention and inspire a new generation of racers.

Despite the historical trends, one statistic stands out: No driver has managed to win both Phoenix races in the same season since the championship race moved to the track. This fact suggests that while consistency at Phoenix is beneficial, outright dominance across both races remains an elusive challenge. The question remains: will this year be different? Will a driver emerge to conquer both the spring and fall races at Phoenix?

The Shriners Childrens 500 promises to be a captivating spectacle, filled with high-speed action, strategic decisions, and fierce competition. As the drivers prepare to take on the 312-lap challenge, here’s what you need to know to get ready for the race:

• Race Time: The Shriners Childrens 500 kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. local time) at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.

• Television Coverage: Catch all the action on FS1, with pre-race coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. local time).

• Live Streaming: For those on the go, the Shriners Childrens 500 can be live-streamed on Max and the Fox Sports app. Fubo also offers a free trial for new subscribers, providing another convenient way to watch the race.

• Track Details: The Shriners Childrens 500 consists of 312 laps around the 1-mile oval at Phoenix Raceway, covering a total distance of 312 miles (502.115 kilometers).

• Stage Breakdown: The race is divided into three segments:

  • Stage 1: 60 laps
  • Stage 2: 125 laps
  • Stage 3: 127 laps

The breakdown into stages adds strategic elements, as teams must carefully consider when to pit and optimize their car setups for each segment of the race.

Looking back at the past few years, the following table shows how many drivers each year finished in the top seven of both Phoenix races since the championship race moved to the Avondale, Arizona, track in 2020. Keep an eye on these drivers, as they have a proven track record of success at this challenging track.

As the green flag waves on Sunday, the Shriners Childrens 500 promises to be a thrilling event that sets the stage for the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a newcomer to the sport, prepare for an afternoon of high-octane action and unpredictable twists as the drivers battle for supremacy at Phoenix Raceway. The quest for the championship begins now!