During the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in Phoenix, a red flag was issued on lap 69 following an unusual incident involving the pace car. After the green flag was waved to restart the race post the first stage break, the pace car directed the field but then unexpectedly veered toward Pit Road, colliding with a sand-filled barrel positioned to protect the pit wall.
Fortunately, the pace car only suffered a dent on its right side, but the barrels were heavily damaged. The race was halted to allow track workers to reset the barrels and clear the scattered sand from the pit road entrance. At the time of the red flag, Chase Elliott was leading ahead of Christopher Bell, with all four championship contenders—William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and Tyler Reddick—placed within the top ten. Byron held third, Blaney fourth, Logano sixth, and Reddick seventh.
Thankfully, the delay was brief, lasting under 10 minutes, and the race resumed safely with the pace car returning to Pit Road without further issues. Joey Logano dominated the final 63 laps, securing the win and his third Cup Series title while holding off Ryan Blaney.
Fan Take: This unexpected pace car mishap was a rare and surprising moment that added an unpredictable twist to the championship race, reminding fans of the high stakes and unpredictability that make NASCAR thrilling. Logano’s victory amid such chaos highlights his resilience and skill, reinforcing why the sport continues to captivate its audience.
