In his annual State of the Sport address, NASCAR President Steve Phelps stood by the four drivers competing for the Cup Series championship this weekend at Phoenix Raceway. The finalists include reigning champion Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick, despite some fans arguing that other drivers with better statistics were more deserving.
Phelps addressed the backlash, emphasizing that all four drivers knew the playoff format and deserve their spots in the finale. Logano, who was reinstated after a post-race inspection failure by Alex Bowman, aims to become the only active three-time champion in NASCAR's top series.
Blaney and Logano are seeking a third consecutive Cup title for team owner Roger Penske and Ford, while Reddick secured a spot in the championship race with a dramatic last-corner pass at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Byron earned his place on points after Christopher Bell's disqualification for a safety violation.
Phelps also discussed NASCAR's recent penalties totaling $600,000 and the suspension of nine team members for race manipulation at Martinsville Speedway. The chief operating officer, Steve O'Donnell, expressed disappointment over the incidents and emphasized the need for stricter rules moving forward.
NASCAR held a meeting with drivers and manufacturers to address the issue of team interference and clarified their intentions to implement new rules next season to prevent such incidents. O'Donnell defended NASCAR's officiating consistency and reiterated the commitment to the playoff system despite ongoing discussions for potential improvements.
The article also mentioned NASCAR's refusal to comment on the federal antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, as well as bidding farewell to retiring Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and Tony Stewart, who is selling his stake in Stewart-Haas Racing to focus on NHRA drag racing.
Phelps praised Truex for his sportsmanship and expressed hope for his continued involvement in the sport, while extending well wishes to Stewart in his new endeavors. The NASCAR community acknowledged the contributions of both champions and wished them success in their future endeavors.
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