Ryan Blaney's Gritty Phoenix Triumph Caps Historic Team Penske Weekend

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner ... Ryan Blaney (left) finishes out a Team Penske Desert Double weekend sweep. During qualifications, Blaney shares a humorous reflection with a Dent Wizard crewmate while awaiting his turn to qualify for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 - love how this moment captured a crewmate was caught laughing at a comment Blaney had made - note the Start/Finish line in the background. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2026)

Ryan Blaney's Gritty Phoenix Triumph Caps Historic Team Penske Weekend

Ryan Blaney showcased the kind of perseverance that defines champions, storming back from two loose wheel setbacks to capture the checkered flag in the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 8, 2026. 

The Team Penske driver turned what could have been a disastrous afternoon into a defining victory, his first of the season and a fitting close to an extraordinary cross-series sweep for the legendary organization. With the IndyCar side having already secured the pole and the win the previous day through Josef Newgarden, Blaney's triumph in the NASCAR Cup Series event completed a rare and celebrated Penske "Desert Double" at the one-mile Arizona oval.

Ryan Blaney (center image), driving his Team Penske Dent Wizard No. 12 Ford Mustang badged NASCAR, takes the GREEN Flag to start the Straight Talk Wireless 500 lined up in P5 at Phoenix Raceway. Image Credit: Getty Images via NASCAR (2026)

The race unfolded as a test of resolve for the No. 12 Ford team. Blaney dominated early, claiming Stage 1 honors with a car he described as "really fast," only to suffer the first loose wheel penalty on pit road that dropped him deep in the field. A second similar issue followed, forcing another trip to the garage area for repairs. Yet the crew, led by crew chief Jonathan Hassler, refused to let frustration derail their focus. They quickly diagnosed the problems, adjusted their approach, and maintained composure, allowing Blaney to methodically claw his way forward through the chaos of a caution-filled event that tied the Phoenix record with 12 yellow flags.

Tire management and strategic adaptability proved crucial amid elevated track temperatures and the added horsepower making rubber wear more punishing. Blaney noted the tires were tough to drive late in long runs, with drivers pushing air pressures low and risking failures that triggered many of the cautions. Hassler's outside-the-box thinking shone on the late restarts, where a two-tire call provided the grip needed for Blaney to seize the lead and pull away from Christopher Bell in the final laps, securing the win by a narrow margin in a hard-fought finish.

Ryan Blaney with Josef Newgarden in the Good Ranchers 250 Victory Circle wearing a Team Penske Rick Mears INDY500 Champion honor t-shirt. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

What elevated the victory beyond a typical comeback story was the broader Team Penske context. IndyCar stars Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and David Malukas were on site for the organization's 60th anniversary celebration, adding internal pressure to complete the weekend sweep after poles in both series and Newgarden's victory. Blaney admitted feeling that extra motivation, not wanting to be the one who let the perfect weekend slip away. He expressed genuine delight at the camaraderie across disciplines, highlighting how the drivers root for one another and share in each other's successes—a refreshing dynamic in a high-stakes sport.

In the post-race press conference, Blaney's reflections carried a tone of deep appreciation. He praised his pit crew's mentality for not dwelling on mistakes but instead learning and pushing forward, crediting their unbreakable spirit for turning the day around. The win also carried personal significance as his first since becoming a father, though he humorously noted forgetting to FaceTime his wife and son from Victory Lane amid the post-race whirlwind. He looked forward to heading home to share the moment with his family, underscoring how fatherhood has shifted his perspective even in the heat of competition.

Blaney's Phoenix victory tied him with racing legends Harry Gant, Geoff Bodine, Neil Bonnett, Kasey Kahne, and Ryan Newman on the all-time Cup wins list, a milestone he greeted with humble admiration for those drivers and their legacies. He spoke fondly of personal connections, from stories of Neil Bonnett shared during his Wood Brothers days to his longstanding fandom of Kasey Kahne. The result not only halted Tyler Reddick's early-season momentum but positioned Blaney firmly in the championship conversation after a performance built on resilience and teamwork.

For Roger Penske, the sweep delivered something new to an already unparalleled resume—an IndyCar-NASCAR double at the same venue—adding another chapter to a storied career during this milestone anniversary year. Blaney's drive embodied the fighting spirit that has long defined Team Penske, turning adversity into triumph and capping a weekend that showcased the organization's depth across racing worlds.

... notes from The EDJE

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Tyler Reddick's Historic NASCAR Three-Peat Leads 23XI 1-2 In Points After COTA Masterclass

Tyler Reddick is the 1st NASCAR driver EVER to win the FIRST 3 races of the season ... Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing are changing the game and putting everyone on notice. Image & Caption Credit: NBA FANS Group on FB/META (2026) 

Tyler Reddick's Historic NASCAR Three-Peat Leads 23XI 1-2 In Points After COTA Masterclass

Tyler Reddick's historic surge continued to dominate the narrative three races into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, as the 23XI Racing driver delivered a commanding performance at Circuit of the Americas to become the first driver ever - since the series launched in 1949 - to win the opening trio of events. From a winless 2025 following his 2024 regular-season championship, Reddick has flipped the script with victories across superspeedway, draft-heavy intermediate, and now technical road course layouts. 

Tyler Riddick celebrates his "Three-Peat" win with the NASCAR fans in Texas on the Formula 1 front straight near the Start/Finish line at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA). One can never be replaced as a first-time ever! Image Credit 23XI via FB/META (2026)

Leading 58 of 95 laps at COTA, including the decisive final 20, he outdueled road-course maestro Shane van Gisbergen, who had claimed five straight road wins entering the weekend. "We did not like getting beat like that at road courses," Reddick noted post-race. "It's one race, but it was so important, so fitting that we were able to get three in a row and make history." The streak has elevated 23XI to early title-contender status, with Michael Jordan's "It's time for change" proclamation ringing truer by the lap.

NASCAR.com’s Pat DeCola ranks the top 20 Cup Series drivers - Click-Image - competing for the 2026 championship after Tyler Reddick’s win at Circuit of The Americas — an unprecedented third straight victory to open the season — and before Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway (3:30 p.m. ET, FS1, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell enters as the defending winner. - Image Credit: NASCAR (2026)

Teammate Bubba Wallace has quietly but effectively kept pace in the points hunt, sitting second overall ... just 70 back of Reddick's 186 after finishing 11th at COTA. With no wins through three races but two top-10 finishes (including strong runs at Daytona and Atlanta that netted consistent stage points and solid finishes), Wallace has maximized every opportunity in the new points format. His steady, mistake-free approach - coupled with 23XI's clearly dialed-in equipment - has positioned him as the closest pursuer, turning the team's 1-2 lock in the standings into a genuine powerhouse story rather than a one-man show.

Trackhouse Racing entered the weekend with sky-high expectations ... Ross Chastain starting on the front row, van Gisbergen chasing history, and rookie Connor Zilisch showcasing his road-racing pedigree. Yet the day unraveled into frustration. Van Gisbergen chased hard but faded in the closing laps, admitting, "Just following Tyler, his driving was immaculate and his car was very good, too. I tried but didn't quite have enough." Zilisch flashed promise, climbing into contention multiple times only to suffer incidents, including a late-race spin with Zane Smith that cost him a top-five opportunity. Chastain ran solidly in the top 10 until a wheel departed his Chevrolet, triggering a two-lap penalty and likely a two-race crew suspension. What promised to be a showcase for Trackhouse turned into a day of near-misses and costly mistakes.

In a bizarre twist amid the on-track drama, Alex Bowman stepped out of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet after feeling ill and falling toward the rear. With little hope of a strong finish, the team opted for a mid-race driver change, bringing in Myatt Snider - who had been working as a FOX Sports pit spotter that very day. The part-time Xfinity/O'Reilly series competitor climbed aboard to salvage owner points, marking one of the more unusual in-race swaps in recent memory.

Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, is running his seventh full season in the NASCAR Cup Series. He opened the 2026 season with a bang, breaking a 38-race winless drought to earn his first Daytona 500 and crown-jewel victory. Reddick followed that with wins at EchoPark Speedway and Circuit of The Americas, becoming the first driver, EVER, to win three consecutive races to open the season. Image Credit 23XI via FB/META (2026)

The early points table already shows deep holes for several drivers after just three events. Bowman sits dead last among the 36 full-timers, while five others - Connor Zilisch, Cody Ware, Austin Dillon, Erik Jones, and Bowman - trail by at least 30 points. The margin isn't insurmountable over the remaining 23 races, but any further slip-ups could burn through their playoff mulligans quickly.

Next up: Phoenix Raceway, the series' first sub-1.5-mile venue of the year, sharing the weekend with INDYCAR. Reddick owns two top fives in 12 prior starts there, and with Michael Jordan confirming on the broadcast, "I’ll be at Phoenix," the 23XI contingent arrives carrying momentum and the weight of chasing the unprecedented four-peat. The season is young, but the storylines are already writing themselves in bold.

... notes from The EDJE

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Tony Stewart Notches Another Victory In A New Motorsports Challenge Series

Tony Stewart raises first NHRA Mission Foods NHRA first place trophy for Top Fuel four-wide drags at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Image Credit: Tony Stewart Racing Nitro via FB/META (2025)

Tony Stewart Notches Another Victory In A New Motorsports Challenge Series
By Motorsports Journal Staff | April 15, 2025

Tony Stewart, the versatile racing legend from Columbus, Indiana, continues to etch his name into the annals of motorsport history with a career that spans an astonishing array of racing disciplines. His recent victory in the NHRA Top Fuel Dragster class at The NHRA Las Vegas 4-Wide Nationals 2025 event held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 13 marks yet another chapter in a storied career defined by adaptability, tenacity, and an unyielding will to win. Stewart’s ability to conquer new challenges - from open-wheel racing to stock cars, sprint cars to dragsters - sets him apart as one of the most accomplished and diverse racers in motorsports history.

Motorsports Journal - Edmund Jenks with Tony Stewart on Press Conference ZOOM Call

A Career Rooted in Versatility

Stewart’s journey began in 1978 at the age of seven, wheeling a go-kart at a local racetrack in Westport, Indiana. From those humble beginnings, he rose to prominence in the United States Auto Club (USAC), where he achieved a historic feat in 1995 by becoming the first driver to win the USAC “Triple Crown,” capturing the National Midget, Sprint Car, and Silver Crown Series championships in a single season. His 27 USAC National Midget wins, 10 sprint car victories, and three Silver Crown triumphs laid the foundation for a career that would transcend traditional racing boundaries.

Tony Stewart answers Motorspot Journal's ZOOM Call question (above video) directly via a "TAL-ENT" graphic published and shared at the team FB/META page.

Stewart’s open-wheel prowess carried him to the IndyCar Series, where he competed from 1996 to 1998, securing the 1997 championship with three wins, including a career-best fifth-place finish in the 1997 Indianapolis 500. His ability to compete at the highest level of open-wheel racing was evident, but Stewart’s ambitions extended far beyond the ovals of IndyCar.

Event Recap written by Stewart & Hagan (click-link) for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals

Dominance in NASCAR

In 1999, Stewart transitioned to the NASCAR Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing, immediately showcasing his talent by earning Rookie of the Year honors with three victories. Over an 18-year career in NASCAR’s premier series, he amassed 49 wins, ranking him 13th among all-time Cup Series winners, and captured three championships (2002, 2005, and 2011). His 2011 title was particularly dramatic, as he tied Carl Edwards in points but won the championship via a tiebreaker with five race victories, becoming the first driver-owner to win the Cup since Alan Kulwicki in 1992.

Stewart’s NASCAR success wasn’t limited to the Cup Series. He won 11 races in the Xfinity Series, including a record-tying seven season-opening races at Daytona International Speedway (2005, 2006, 2008–2011, 2013), and two races in the Craftsman Truck Series. His victories at iconic tracks like Daytona (11 wins across all series) and the Brickyard 400 (2005, 2007) cemented his status as a stock car icon. Notably, Stewart is the only driver to complete the Indianapolis 500–Coca-Cola 600 “Double Duty” in a single day, finishing sixth and third, respectively, in 2001, covering all 1,100 miles.

Sprint Cars and Dirt Track Mastery

Stewart’s love for dirt track racing has been a constant throughout his career. He has competed extensively in sprint car series, including the World of Outlaws (WoO), All-Star Circuit of Champions, and IRA Sprint Car Series, securing three WoO main event wins, with his first coming at Ohsweken Speedway in 2011. His team, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), fields entries in the WoO, with driver Donny Schatz earning 10 championships and 315 career wins under Stewart’s ownership.

Stewart’s dirt track accolades also include two Chili Bowl Midget Nationals victories (2002, 2007), a prestigious all-star midget race, and wins in iconic USAC events like the Copper World Classic (2000), Turkey Night Grand Prix (2000), and 4-Crown Nationals (1995). His six “Rumble in Fort Wayne” USAC Midget wins further highlight his dominance in short-track racing.

Greatest Pf All Time NHRA racer John Force congratulates Tony Stewart at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Image Credit: Tony Stewart Racing Nitro via FB/META (2025)

Sports Cars and Endurance Racing

Stewart’s versatility extends to sports car racing, where he competed in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona five times (2002–2007). His best finish came in 2005 with Howard-Boss Motorsports, where he, Jan Lammers, and Andy Wallace secured a third-place podium in the Daytona Prototype class despite a late-race gearbox issue. In 2004, Stewart led 355 of 526 laps with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Andy Wallace, only to finish fourth after mechanical troubles, showcasing his competitiveness in endurance racing.

International Race of Champions (IROC)

Stewart’s adaptability shone in the International Race of Champions (IROC), a series pitting top drivers from various disciplines against each other in identical cars. Competing five times, he won four races and clinched the 2006 IROC championship, with victories at Texas and Daytona’s road course underscoring his ability to excel in diverse formats.

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX)

In 2021, Stewart co-founded the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a short-track series designed to showcase racing’s biggest names. Driving the No. 14 car, he competed full-time in the inaugural season, earning a podium in the first race at Stafford Motor Speedway and sweeping the dirt track events at Knoxville Raceway and Eldora Speedway. His second-place finish in the finale at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway secured the 2021 SRX championship, adding another title to his resume.

NHRA Drag Racing: A New Frontier

Stewart’s latest conquest came in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, where he began competing in 2022. After winning his first NHRA event in the Top Alcohol Dragster class on April 16, 2023, at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, Stewart transitioned to the Top Fuel Dragster class. His victory at Maple Grove Raceway on April 13, 2025, made him the only driver to win races at every venue at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, further solidifying his legacy. Stewart’s Tony Stewart Racing team also fields a Funny Car for Matt Hagan, who won the 2023 NHRA Funny Car championship, adding to Stewart’s 31 owners’ titles across multiple series.

A Legacy of Championships and Impact

Stewart’s 13 driving championships include the 1997 IndyCar title, three NASCAR Cup Series crowns, the 1995 USAC Triple Crown, the 2006 IROC title, and the 2021 SRX championship. As a team owner, his 31 titles span NASCAR, USAC, WoO, and NHRA, with TSR’s 117 USAC National event wins and 12 Knoxville Nationals victories highlighting his influence off the track. His ownership of Eldora Speedway, one of dirt racing’s crown jewels, further amplifies his impact.

Beyond statistics, Stewart’s legacy is defined by his passion and relatability. As Fox Sports analyst Larry McReynolds noted, “Tony Stewart’s legacy can’t be defined by one category. If there was a blue-collar racer, he’d be at the top of the list because he embodies what a true racer is.” His induction into multiple halls of fame—NASCAR (2020), USAC (2016), National Midget Racing (2001), and more—along with his 2023 recognition as one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers, underscores his enduring influence.

The Road Ahead

At 53, Stewart shows no signs of slowing down. His recent NHRA Top Fuel victory, celebrated across motorsport communities, adds to what X users have called “the most diverse win list in racing.” Posts on X highlight his wins in IndyCar, NASCAR (Cup, Xfinity, Truck, ARCA), sprint cars, midgets, Silver Crown, IROC, SRX, and now NHRA’s Top Fuel and Top Alcohol classes, a testament to his unparalleled versatility.

As Stewart continues to chase victories in NHRA and support his racing teams, his career serves as a reminder that true racers are defined not by the series they compete in but by their ability to win, regardless of the challenge. For Tony Stewart, the race is never over—it simply takes on new forms, and the motorsport world eagerly awaits his next triumph.

... notes from The EDJE

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Viral Compressions

NASCAR Fans Forced to Rethink Tony Stewart’s Unparalleled Legacy as Smoke Proves Kyle Larson ‘Who’s the Boss’ >>> NASCAR fans are reassessing Tony Stewart’s unmatched legacy after the three-time Cup Series champion reminded Kyle Larson “who’s the boss” at the NHRA Arizona Nationals on April 13, 2025. Stewart, aka “Smoke,” clinched his first Top Fuel win, dominating the drag strip while Larson, the 2021 NASCAR champ, watched from the sidelines as a guest. Stewart’s bold post-race quip, “Still got it,” sparked buzz on X, with fans marveling at his versatility across NASCAR, IndyCar, and now NHRA. Larson, who’s chased Stewart’s 49 Cup wins, lauded his mentor’s grit, saying, “Tony’s a legend for a reason.” Despite Larson’s 30 Cup victories and recent Bristol dominance, Stewart’s NHRA triumph at 53 proves his enduring prowess. Fans, torn between eras, see Smoke’s latest feat as a testament to his unrivaled adaptability, cementing his place atop motorsport’s pantheon. #NASCARFansForced #KyleLarson #TonyStewart

TAGS: #Vegas4WideNats, #TSRnitro, #NHRA, #Dodge, Rayce Rudeen Foundation, Leah Pruett, Mobil 1, #NHRA, #INDYCAR, #IMSA, #ALMS, #NASCAR, #XFINITY, #ARCA, #IROC, #USAC, #SRX, #WoO, The EDJE 

Auto Club 400 - NASCAR's Saint Patrick's Weekend With ACS President Dave Allen

Pitlane at Auto Club Speedway. Image Credit: ACS

Auto Club 400 - NASCAR's Saint Patrick's Weekend With ACS President Dave Allen 

Auto Club Speedway is celebrating 22 years of racing during St. Patrick's Day weekend at Southern California’s premier motorsports venue March 15-17, 2019 when NASCAR makes its only stop in Southern California for Auto Club 400 Weekend.

For the first time ever on the NASCAR circuit, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will line up five wide during the pace laps prior to the drop of the green flag for the Auto Club 400 on March 17, 2019. The “Five Wide Salute” not only pays homage to Saturday night short tracks, but will celebrate Auto Club Speedway’s signature racing style of flat out and five wide.

Welcome, DAVE ALLEN, President Auto Club Speedway ...

1) Auto Club Speedway is one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit - Everybody in NASCAR is talking about a new rules package that is expected to enhance the quality of competition, given the limited exposure shown so far during the race at Atlanta that had Brad Keselowski winning for Team Penske, what will you be looking for out of the new rules as they will be tested at Auto Club Speedway during the Auto Club 400 weekend and race on Sunday?

2) Since this track was originally a vision from the house of Roger Penske, and Brad Keselowski just became winningest Penske Racing driver of all time with 61 victories eclipsing Mark Donohue's multi-discipline mark of 60, does Auto Club Speedway plan to stage a recognition of this unique mark in motorsports history?


3) Event Weekend schedule - what do fans need to be looking for?

⦁ The NASCAR Auto Club 400 is scheduled for Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.

Weekend Schedule:

Thursday, March 14: NASCAR Hauler Parade (Free community event)
⦁ Hauler Parade at 6:30 pm
Friday, March 15: NASCAR Qualifying Day
⦁ Gates open at 9:30 am
⦁ Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying at 2:40 p.m.
Saturday, March 16: NASCAR XFINITY Series NXS 300 Race
⦁ Gates open at 8:00 am
⦁ NXS 300 starts at 2:00 pm
Sunday, March 17:  Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400
⦁ Gates open at 7:00 am
⦁ Auto Club 400 starts at 12:30 pm

----

NEW

Five Wide Salute
⦁ For the first time ever on the NASCAR circuit, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will line-up for a “Five Wide Salute” during the pace laps prior to the drop of the green flag for the Auto Club 400 on March 17, 2019.
⦁ The “Five Wide Salute” is a tribute to Saturday night short tracks, but also celebrates Auto Club Speedway’s signature racing style of flat-out and five wide.

Fan Favorites include:
⦁ Monster Energy athletes perform incredible motorcycle and truck stunts at their home track during their famous Monster Energy Smoke Show
⦁ Catch the famed high-flying maneuvers and acrobatic acts of lucha libre wrestling in the Viva La Fiesta Zone
⦁ Lefty’s Fun Zone for family-friendly games and motorsports fun designed all for kids!
⦁ Pre-Race Concert always rocks the fan zone.  Headliner will be announced soon. Past performers include Bush, Switchfoot, Smash Mouth and More!

Race Day Ticket Packages:
Whether it’s taking a behind the scenes tour of NASCAR garages, watching the Auto Club 400 race from an all-inclusive pit road Busch Lounge, or attending a NASCAR driver Q&A with Chase Elliott or Jimmie Johnson…there are a variety of unique race day experiences.  Ticket Packages are available with special pricing through March 2. 

 4) The Los Angeles basin has now experienced its coldest month of February, not one day reached 70 degrees since records have been taken starting in the late 1880's - what are the weather forecasts telling you as to what to expect for the St. Patrick's Day Auto Club 400 weekend of activities.
ENDS

March the Seventeenth ... Sleep the Eighteenth

... notes from The EDJE



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