NASCAR's Chase hits Phoenix with Blaney on pole, Larson leading
The gist
NASCAR runs the Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, the seventh of 10 Chase races.
It is the first time since 2019 Phoenix does not host the season finale.
How it unfolded
- Oct 12, 2026NASCAR publishes the Cup Series entry list for the Phoenix Chase race, with 37 cars entered, and releases the weekend schedule.
- Oct 14, 2026The full weekend schedule is published, including Truck, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Cup sessions from Oct. 16-18.
- Oct 16, 2026The Cup Series preview confirms the Freeway Insurance 500 is a 312-mile race set for Oct. 18 at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network and HBO Max.