Defending NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney paces 1st practice of title-deciding weekend at Phoenix
Reigning NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney paced the first practice session at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Reigning NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney paced the first practice session at Phoenix Raceway, where he is among four drivers who will race for the title Sunday.
Blaney in a Ford for Team Penske topped the leaderboard in Friday's 50-minute practice session. He is trying to become the first driver to win back-to-back titles since Jimmie Johnson won five consecutive championships from 2006 through 2010.
A victory by Blaney or teammate Joey Logano would give team owner Roger Penske three consecutive Cup titles. Logano, who was ninth in Friday practice, won the title in 2022. Penske is coming off sports car championships in both IMSA and the World Endurance Championship, which he won last weekend in Bahrain.
Martin Truex Jr., who was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round and is retiring from full-time competition after Sunday's race, was second-fastest in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.
