This weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series and the NTT IndyCar Series converge at Phoenix Raceway for a unique crossover event known as the Desert Double. Saturday features the Good Ranchers 250 race for IndyCar, followed by the NASCAR Cup Series’ Straight Talk Wireless 500 on Sunday, both held on the same one-mile oval. Ryan Blaney, a notable NASCAR driver, expressed enthusiasm for hosting more race weekends where both series compete at the same venue, highlighting the benefits for racing fans.
Blaney Highlights Benefits of Shared Race Events for Fans
Speaking about the Phoenix weekend during a recent interview, Ryan Blaney revealed his support for the combined race format because it unites different groups of racing enthusiasts at a single event. He emphasized that true fans appreciate all forms of motorsport, rather than limiting themselves to just one series.
Personally, I would love it. I think it’s great for just the racing fan. Like, I never really understood. Like, people are like, I only watch NASCAR or Night IndyCar or vice versa. It’s like, if you’re a fan of racing, you’re a fan of racing. And this just brings everybody together.
– Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Blaney races for Team Penske, an organization with a strong presence in both NASCAR and IndyCar. He earned the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship and is uniquely positioned to appreciate the synergy between the two disciplines through his team’s involvement.
Desert Double Expected to Attract Large, Enthusiastic Crowds
The format of the Desert Double offers fans two main races across two days, beginning with IndyCar on Saturday and concluding with NASCAR the next day. Blaney anticipates that this setup will lead to solid attendance for both events, boosting excitement and engagement throughout the weekend.
So I think the crowd for both days are going to be fantastic just because it’s a doubleheader weekend. So, yeah, I would love to see more doubleheaders just because I like hanging out with those guys and watching them.
– Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Phoenix Raceway has long been an important site for NASCAR, regularly appearing on the Cup Series calendar. IndyCar had previously raced at this track but stopped after the 2018 season. Its return as part of the crossover weekend marks an important moment for the Arizona venue, bringing open-wheel racing back to the fans.
This joint weekend allows motorsport enthusiasts to experience two distinct racing styles on the identical circuit, increasing the weekend’s appeal and providing a comprehensive motorsports festival atmosphere.
Blaney Finds Watching IndyCar in Person More Engaging Than on TV
Beyond supporting the combined events, Blaney shared that viewing IndyCar races at the track offers him a better experience compared to watching on television. The presence of both series at the same location allows easier access for drivers like him to observe and appreciate their peers from another form of racing.
It’s easier for me to watch than on TV if they’re here. They had a huge crowd with the trucks last weekend. Yeah, it’s great. It’s an awesome series. Yeah, I look up to those guys pretty hard.
– Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Your weekend at Phoenix includes some of the top IndyCar names competing on the same oval NASCAR will race on the following day. This crossover event represents a significant collaboration in motorsports, giving fans and drivers alike an opportunity to share the excitement and passion for racing in a single location.
NASCAR Cup Series driver @Blaney on the IndyCar and NASCAR doubleheader weekend at Phoenix Raceway: "I would love to see more doubleheaders."
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