AVONDALE, Ariz. — In advance of Sunday’s season finale, Martin Truex Jr. has secured the pole position at Phoenix Raceway, marking an emotional moment as he prepares to conclude his full-time NASCAR career. Truex reached a lap speed of 134.741 mph during Saturday’s qualifying rounds, which has now set him at the front for the championship race. Though he plans to participate in a few races in 2025, this marked race signifies a pivotal point in his career.
Truex expressed a mix of anticipation and introspection regarding the significance of the day. “I don’t really know the significance of it — I guess it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m excited for the weekend,” he remarked, noting his indecisiveness about the impending emotions surrounding his final full-time event. He stated, “I’m looking forward to having a fun weekend and hopefully a great day.”
Joining Truex at the forefront will be title contender Joey Logano, who is chasing his third Cup championship while driving for Team Penske. Logano conveyed a sense of determination, stating, “Yeah, we’ve got ‘em where we want ’em. We just gotta put our foot on their throats from here.” He aims to solidify his status as the only active three-time champion in the series.
Ross Chastain, the defending race champion at Phoenix, secured the third spot on the grid in his Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet. In the previous year, he notably became the first driver not in contention for the title to win in this race format. Other notable qualifiers included Kyle Larson in fifth and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott in sixth, both representing Chevrolet.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs qualified sixth in his Toyota, closely followed by teammate Christopher Bell. Among the championship contenders, William Byron claimed the eighth position aboard a Hendrick Chevrolet while Harrison Burton, who is parting ways with Wood Brothers Racing, qualified ninth.
Tyler Reddick, driving for the 23XI Racing team led by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, rounded out the top ten, as he vies for his first Cup title, with Jordan present on pit road during the qualifying. Reigning champion Ryan Blaney, however, found himself lowest among the title contenders in 17th place. Blaney is on the quest to repeat his success and become the first driver to clinch back-to-back championships since Jimmie Johnson’s remarkable five in a row from 2006 to 2010. Alongside Logano, he represents a shot for Roger Penske to achieve three consecutive Cup titles.