This Week in Racing

March 09, 2026

The Big Story

The NASCAR Cup Series made its way to Phoenix Raceway, where Ryan Blaney recovered from multiple early race setbacks to claim his first victory of the 2026 season. This win marked a significant milestone for Blaney, who had to overcome adversity to take the top spot on the podium. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell, who had the best car in the race, was left to ponder what could have been after missing out on the win. Bell's disappointment serves as a reminder that having the fastest car does not always guarantee a trip to Victory Lane. The win also completed a weekend sweep for Team Penske, following a successful outing on Saturday.

Around the Track

In other news, the 23XI driver Tyler Reddick saw his three-race win streak come to an end at Phoenix Raceway, finishing in eighth place. Despite this setback, Reddick remains the Cup Series points leader. The IndyCar Series has announced changes to its qualifying format for the Java House Arlington Grand Prix, with single-car qualifying set to take place in the final round. George Russell had a less-than-ideal start to the Australian Grand Prix, struggling with battery issues that left him trailing behind the pack. However, Russell was able to recover and minimize the damage. The NHRA season got off to a thrilling start at the Gatornationals, with Hart, Green, Hartford, and Gadson all claiming victories in their respective categories.

Worth Watching

As the racing season heats up, driver safety remains a top priority. With the increased emphasis on protective gear, items like the Bell Sport II SA2020 (~$280) helmet will become even more crucial for drivers. Looking ahead to the next Formula 1 race, fans will be keeping a close eye on the grid to see if the issues with flat batteries that plagued several drivers at the Australian Grand Prix have been resolved. The upcoming event promises to be an exciting one, with teams and drivers fine-tuning their strategies and equipment to gain a competitive edge. Meanwhile, the debate surrounding the 2026 Formula 1 regulations continues to simmer, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff weighing in on the matter, stating that the fans' opinions are of the utmost importance. As the racing community continues to navigate the complexities of the new rules, one thing is certain – the 2026 season will be filled with plenty of twists and turns, both on and off the track.

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