Story perspectives

Larson Starts 22nd at Phoenix, Threatens Chase Lead

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 2:42 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kyle Larson will start 22nd at Phoenix Raceway, threatening his Chase points lead.
Ryan Blaney captured pole with a 26.250-second lap, putting Joey Logano beside him on the front row.
Chase Briscoe entered Phoenix after back-to-back wins, moving into fourth in the standings.
Only three of 60 Cup winners have started 22nd or worse at Phoenix, a 5 percent occurrence.

History

Historical Context

In February 2001, Michael Waltrip captured his first Cup victory at the Daytona 500, winning for Dale Earnhardt Inc. after starting 26th and breaking a 463-start winless streak. The race also saw Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s fatal crash, prompting NASCAR’s safety overhaul that later mandated HANS devices and SAFER barriers. The upset proved starting position need not dictate results.

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Story summary

Kyle Larson will start 22nd at Phoenix Raceway, threatening his Chase points lead.
Ryan Blaney captured pole with a 26.250-second lap, putting Joey Logano beside him on the front row.
Chase Briscoe entered Phoenix after back-to-back wins, moving into fourth in the standings.
Only three of 60 Cup winners have started 22nd or worse at Phoenix, a 5 percent occurrence.

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