The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series heads to Phoenix Raceway this afternoon for the Shriners Children’s 500, a critical early-season showdown with championship implications. Defending series champion Joey Logano starts on the front row, but all eyes are on Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell, who is chasing his third straight win after dominating Atlanta and Las Vegas.
Phoenix’s one-mile oval has long been a barometer for title contenders. Since 2020, six drivers who finished in the top seven during the spring race later competed for the championship in November. Last year, Bell and Ryan Blaney were the only ones to pull off the double. But with softer tires and new strategy wrinkles debuting this season, today’s race could rewrite the script.
NASCAR Phoenix Race Schedule, Broadcast Info, and Lineup Breakdown
Start Time and Viewing Details
The Shriners Children’s 500 goes green at 3:41 p.m. ET (12:41 p.m. local) on Sunday, March 9, following a pre-race show on FS1 starting at 2 p.m. ET.
The race streams live on Max, the Fox Sports App, and Fubo, which offers a free trial. Radio coverage is available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).
Race Format
- Distance: 312 laps (312 miles)
- Stages:
- Stage 1: 60 laps
- Stage 2: 125 laps
- Stage 3: 127 laps
Starting Grid Highlights
Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron won the pole with a 133.68 mph lap, edging out Logano’s No. 22 Ford. Bell starts 11th but has overcome similar spots before.
Key names to watch in the starting lineup:
- Front Row: William Byron (No. 24 Chevrolet), Joey Logano (No. 22 Ford)
- Mid-Pack Threats: Christopher Bell (No. 20 Toyota, 11th), Kyle Larson (No. 5 Chevrolet, 17th), Ross Chastain (No. 1 Chevrolet, 24th)
- Rookie Watch: Shane van Gisbergen (No. 88 Chevrolet, 29th), Riley Herbst (No. 35 Toyota, 18th)
For real-time leaderboard tracking, download the NASCAR Mobile App. Post-race analysis airs on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET, followed by highlights on NASCAR’s YouTube channel.
Why the Phoenix Race Matters
Since 2020, Phoenix’s spring race has been a strong predictor of playoff success. In 2020, Logano won the March race, and Chase Elliott won the championship finale, both finishing on the podium. In 2022, five drivers finished in the top seven in both races, including eventual champion Logano.
Last year, Bell and Blaney were the only ones to crack the top seven in both races, highlighting the track’s growing unpredictability.
For Bell, another win would solidify his early-season dominance. A strong finish could help Logano rebound after a 24th-place result at COTA.
Meanwhile, Byron looks for redemption. He won here last March but struggled in the championship finale.
Nonetheless, Phoenix remains a wild card. No driver has swept both annual races since the championship finale moved to the track in 2020.
Bell, last year’s spring winner, aims to break that trend. But softer option tires, introduced this season, add a layer of complexity. Teams must balance grip and tire wear, leading to high-risk pit strategies.
“It creates more opportunities and more tools to do different things,” said Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suárez earlier this week. His insight on tire strategy is especially relevant as teams manage six sets of primary tires and two sets of options.
