NASCAR Cup - Phoenix II

Phoenix II represents the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series season at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. This championship event determines the season champion through a 312-lap race covering 312 miles on the unique one-mile tri-oval circuit. The Phoenix II race at Phoenix International Raceway concludes the 36-race schedule with three distinct stages of 60, 185, and 312 laps. NBC provides television coverage while MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio offer audio broadcasts.

Phoenix Raceway features a distinctive dogleg configuration on the backstretch that sets it apart from traditional oval tracks. The tri-oval layout includes variable banking with turns 1 and 2 at 9 degrees, turns 3 and 4 at 11 degrees, and a frontstretch banked at 9 degrees. The backstretch carries just 3 degrees of banking. This one-mile asphalt track stretches 1,551 feet along the front and 1,179 feet on the back stretch. The facility accommodates 42,000 spectators who can witness the unique racing action this layout produces.

The track opened in 1964 and originally included a road course and dragstrip along with the oval. NASCAR first visited in 1978, with the Cup Series arriving in 1988 when Alan Kulwicki won and introduced his famous clockwise victory lap. International Speedway Corporation acquired the facility in 1997. The venue underwent several renovations over the years, including a major reconfiguration in 2011 that sealed off the infield road course. Phoenix Raceway became the championship host starting in 2020, though this role will rotate to other venues beginning in 2026.

The NASCAR Cup Series nascar-cup field utilizes Next Gen cars for Phoenix II competition. These vehicles feature a 5.86-liter V8 engine producing up to 670 horsepower at Phoenix Raceway. Each car includes a five-speed sequential manual transmission and weighs a minimum of 3,400 pounds with driver and fuel. The steel tube frame incorporates an integral safety roll cage and improved impact absorption zones. Teams use Goodyear tires and Sunoco Green E15 fuel rated at 98 octane. The composite bodywork enhances aerodynamics while maintaining the distinct manufacturer identities.

Several driver changes mark the 2025 season lineup for this Phoenix II event. Shane Van Gisbergen joins Trackhouse Racing full-time in the number 88 car as a rookie contender. Riley Herbst drives the number 35 for 23XI Racing, also competing for rookie honors. Zane Smith moves to the number 38 at Front Row Motorsports, which expands to three full-time entries. Ryan Preece pilots the number 60 for RFK Racing using a charter from Rick Ware Racing. Cole Custer represents the new Haas Factory Team, which acquired a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing.

Phoenix International Raceway earned the nickname "desert oddball" due to its uncommon shape and location. The dogleg exists because planners needed to accommodate the original road course layout. Monument Hill rises alongside turns 3 and 4, providing a natural viewing area for fans. The pit road speed limit stands at 45 mph while the caution car circulates at 50 mph. The flat banking and tight corners create distinct racing compared to other tracks on the schedule.

Championship contenders face the final test of the season during Phoenix II at this Arizona venue. Four drivers compete for the title with equal points, making every lap critical. The stage breaks at laps 60 and 185 award points before the final run to lap 312. Teams can invest between $300,000 and $500,000 per Next Gen car, reflecting the advanced technology these machines employ. The nascar-cup championship battle at Phoenix Raceway delivers competitive racing as drivers push their limits on this challenging circuit.