At the recent INDYCAR and NASCAR doubleheader held in Arizona, Team Penske drivers delivered stellar performances, securing victories in both competitions. Ryan Blaney captured the NASCAR Straight Talk Wireless 500 on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, while Josef Newgarden triumphed in the INDYCAR race the day before. This impressive sweep drew attention from motorsports analysts and fans alike.
FOX Sports commentators Kevin Harvick and Will Buxton recognized standout efforts from these events by naming their Drivers of the Week on the latest episode of SPEED With Harvick And Buxton. Harvick selected a NASCAR competitor, while Buxton chose a star from the INDYCAR field, reflecting the two-day racing showdown.
Kevin Harvick Highlights Ryan Blaney’s Determined NASCAR Victory
Ryan Blaney’s win at Phoenix Raceway was marked by persistence and resilience, managing to lead for 28 laps despite facing several setbacks. After falling out of the top 10 by the end of Stage 2 and dealing with multiple pit stop issues, Blaney fought back to take the lead in the final moments and cross the finish line first. His ability to recover and seize the winning opportunity left a strong impression on Harvick.
“He was able to make that last pass and go to Victory Lane,”
Harvick remarked during the broadcast.
“And I think for him to be able to come from the back of the field, twice. And just have his head screwed on after having all those pit stop problems and everything that he was able to deal with. To mentally put himself in a position to win at the end, was very impressive.”
Will Buxton Applauds Christian Rasmussen’s Bold INDYCAR Showing
On the INDYCAR side, Will Buxton focused on Christian Rasmussen’s remarkable run in Saturday’s race. Starting 18th on the grid, Rasmussen charged forward and led for 69 laps, the second highest total of any driver that day. Despite eventually finishing in 14th place, his aggressive approach on the short oval caught the attention of competitors and commentators alike.
Buxton described Rasmussen as,
“Such an enthralling racer,” adding,
“Such an exciting guy to race on track. And interestingly, given the way that he approaches short ovals, there is a mindset and a theory going around the INDYCAR paddock, that people are going to have to adapt the way that they race, to be able to compete with this guy because he’s going about it in such a different way.”
Fan Support Aligns with Harvick’s Choice of Blaney
The racing community and fans also rallied behind Ryan Blaney following his first win of the 2026 NASCAR season. His Phoenix victory not only underscored his skill and determination but also reinforced Team Penske’s dominant weekend performance in Arizona. The positive reception from viewers matched Harvick’s commendation, emphasizing Blaney’s impact on the sport this season.
With this Phoenix win, Ryan Blaney strengthens his position as a formidable competitor in the NASCAR circuit, promising more exciting moments ahead as the season unfolds. The spotlight on drivers like Christian Rasmussen in INDYCAR highlights the evolving strategies and talents shaping the motorsports landscape.
