AVONDALE, Ariz. — Reigning NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney led the way during the initial practice session at Phoenix Raceway, where he competes as one of four drivers vying for the championship title on Sunday.

During Friday’s 50-minute practice, Blaney, racing in a Ford for Team Penske, emerged at the top of the time charts. His goal is to become the first driver to clinch back-to-back titles since Jimmie Johnson achieved the feat five times in a row from 2006 to 2010.

If either Blaney or his teammate Joey Logano secures the victory, team owner Roger Penske will celebrate three consecutive Cup titles. Logano, who finished ninth in Friday’s practice session, was the 2022 champion. Penske recently added to his accolades, coming off wins in both IMSA and the World Endurance Championship, with the latest victory earned just last weekend in Bahrain.

Second place in practice went to Martin Truex Jr., who, despite being eliminated from playoff contention early, is set to retire from full-time racing after Sunday’s event. He was driving a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Kyle Larson, who has had the most successful season with six Cup Series victories, clocked in as the third-fastest in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Despite his success, Larson was unable to advance in the championship race, having been eliminated in the final playoff qualifier last week.

William Byron, the Daytona 500 champion and one of the title hopefuls, ranked fourth in a Hendrick Chevrolet. Byron made it into the championship four on points after a key wall-riding maneuver by Christopher Bell at Martinsville Speedway was deemed illegal.

The final driver involved in the championship battle, Tyler Reddick, finished practice in 21st position in a Toyota for 23XI Racing, making him the slowest among the contenders. This race marks Reddick’s first appearance in the winner-take-all finale. He competes for a team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, who are currently involved in a lawsuit against NASCAR regarding the charter agreement that both they and Front Row Motorsports declined to sign last September.

Logano is looking to secure his third Cup title, while Byron is aiming for his first-ever championship in the Cup Series.