Joey Logano will start Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway from the pole position after earning his third Busch Light Pole Award at the one-mile track in Avondale, Arizona. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion set a fastest lap of 135.537 mph to lead the field on race day.
Kyle Larson, the reigning Cup Series champion, will join Logano on the front row after posting a strong lap at 134.943 mph, setting up an exciting start to the race broadcast live on FS1, HBO Max, and covered on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Starting Grid Overview and Top Contenders for the Sunday Race
Austin Cindric, Daniel Suárez, and Ryan Blaney—winner of the 2025 Phoenix fall race—rounded out the top five starting positions after posting speeds above 134.5 mph. Other drivers securing top-ten spots include Ross Chastain, Carson Hocevar, the points leader Tyler Reddick, William Byron, and Josh Berry, all closely packed in with competitive times.
Practice Session Highlights and Track Conditions Ahead of the Race
During Saturday’s practice, Spire Motorsports demonstrated speed with Daniel Suárez leading the 37-car field at 133.944 mph, closely followed by teammate Carson Hocevar. Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric also posted top-five practice times, indicating multiple drivers in strong form ahead of the race.
The session wasn’t without incidents, as Tyler Reddick, winner of the first three races of 2026, experienced a spin in Turns 1 and 2 late in practice. Additionally, RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher, along with 23XI Racing’s Riley Herbst, each dealt with tire issues during the session, reflecting the track’s challenging conditions.
Implications of Qualifying and Practice Results for the Upcoming Race
Logano’s pole-winning performance at Phoenix Raceway positions him well to control the pace at the start, while the strong qualifying efforts of Larson and other top drivers suggest a highly competitive field. With several drivers showing speed in both qualifying and practice, including Suárez and Hocevar, the race promises intense battles for position throughout the lineup.
Team Penske’s No. 22 and Spire Motorsports’ entries will be key contenders as the event unfolds, while others like Reddick will look to overcome practice setbacks and maintain their early-season momentum. Fans can expect dynamic action in the desert as the NASCAR Cup Series continues its season.
