The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Phoenix Raceway this weekend for the Straight Talk Wireless 500. Former Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has already identified a favorite for Sunday’s race: Ryan Blaney.
Harvick Predicts Blaney’s Success
Harvick shared his prediction on the latest episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, citing Blaney’s consistent performance at the one-mile desert track. Blaney closed out the 2025 season with a win at Phoenix, marking his 17th career victory.
That win, while not securing the championship, demonstrated Blaney’s comfort level at the venue. His record at Phoenix supports this assessment: in his last nine starts, he has finished in the top five eight times.
Other Contenders Emerge
Harvick wasn’t the only analyst offering a prediction. Kaitlyn Vincie selected Christopher Bell, who has won the last two spring races at Phoenix and recently finished third at COTA. A strong showing at Phoenix could aid Bell regain momentum after challenging starts at Daytona and Atlanta.
Mamba Smith, meanwhile, favored William Byron. Despite an inconsistent start to the 2026 season – with finishes of 12th, 28th, and 13th at Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA respectively – Byron has historically performed well at Phoenix, including a win in 2023.
Looking Ahead
Sunday’s race is the fourth event of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season and the first on an intermediate-style track this year. Phoenix will host a second race later in 2026, but will not host the championship race in November as it has in previous years.
The weekend also features a notable storyline: Tyler Reddick’s historic start to the season. Reddick has won the first three races – at Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA – becoming the first driver in NASCAR history to achieve this feat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What race is taking place this weekend?
The NASCAR Cup Series is racing in the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway.
Who did Kevin Harvick predict will win?
Kevin Harvick predicted that Ryan Blaney will win the race.
Has Tyler Reddick won any races this season?
Tyler Reddick has won the first three races of the 2026 season: Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA.
While Reddick’s streak is remarkable, Harvick believes another driver will emerge victorious at Phoenix. If his prediction proves accurate, Ryan Blaney could be celebrating another win in the desert.
