Following consecutive superspeedway events at Daytona International Speedway and EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway) that launched the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign, the series recently competed at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on Sunday in one of the four scheduled road course contests this season. The focus now shifts to Phoenix Raceway, where the first traditional oval race of the year will take place.
Phoenix Raceway, located in Avondale, Arizona, is classified as an intermediate track—a four-turn oval measuring 1.022 miles (1.645 kilometers) in length. In preparation, each competitor will complete a single-lap qualifying attempt, with those times used to establish the complete 37-car lineup. Notably, no second round or shootout will occur to determine the pole position, as qualifying order is decided via the NASCAR qualifying metric introduced before the 2025 season.
Complete Starting Positions for Phoenix Race Unveiled
As the full starting grid awaits formal confirmation with all drivers included, the provisional lineup features Austin Cindric of Team Penske Ford securing the pole spot. Following closely are Ross Chastain representing Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet in second place and Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota earning third. The top nine positions continue with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. of Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet in fourth, Austin Hill from Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet placing fifth, Anthony Alfredo of Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in sixth, Erik Jones driving for Legacy Motor Club Toyota seventh, Cody Ware of Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet eighth, and Cole Custer from Haas Factory Team Chevrolet rounding out the ninth spot.
Upcoming Race Broadcast and Coverage Details
The Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, with live coverage commencing at 3:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. Viewers are encouraged to begin a free trial of FuboTV to ensure they can watch the full event and experience all the on-track action.
