It’s still early in the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season, but reigning champion Joey Logano once again looks like the driver to beat. He’ll try to widen the gap on the rest of the circuit Sunday in the TicketGuardian 500 in Phoenix, where he can earn a second consecutive victory and third top-five finish in four races this year.
There should be stiff competition. Last year, Kevin Harvick claimed this race, and he is expected to once again be near the top of the leaderboard amid his own strong start to the campaign. Others, such as regular frontrunners Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski, could burnish their playoff standing with a positive finish.
MORE: Watch the TicketGuardian 500 live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
Qualifying provided high drama for NASCAR fans with Daniel Suarez and Michael McDowell engaging in a post-race brawl Friday. NASCAR has met with both drivers to try and quell tensions, but the feud will undoubtedly continue to be a major storyline Sunday.
Sporting News will provide full coverage of the TicketGuardian 500. Follow along for live updates below.
NASCAR at Phoenix: Live race updates, highlights from TicketGuardian 500
4:45 p.m. — Kyle Busch leads early in Stage 2. Clint Bowyer is up to second place.
4:32 p.m. — Keselowski is apparently going to try to come back after repairing his sway bar in pit stall.
NASCAR said Keselowski can make the sway bar repair in his pit stall, so that’s what they’re going to do under caution. He got the free pass after meeting minimum speed.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 10, 2019
4:30 p.m. — Blaney takes Stage 1!
Ryan Blaney wins Stage 1 at Phoenix. Second stage win of the year, second playoff point.
Also getting stage points: Almirola, Logano, Bowman, KyBusch, Larson, A.Dillon, Byron, Elliott, Harvick.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 10, 2019
4:21 p.m. — Another caution late in Stage 1. This time it’s for Keselowski crashing into the wall. He’s done for the afternoon, it appears.
Something broke for Brad … pic.twitter.com/PXxYn6sAsn
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 10, 2019
4:15 p.m. — Kyle Busch is in first place through 50 laps. Denny Hamlin is in second, Ryan Blaney is in third and Austin Dillon is in fourth.
4:06 p.m. — Caution. Erik Jones lost control.
Take a look at what happened to Jones’ @JoeGibbsRacing machine.#NASCARGoesWest pic.twitter.com/IXUip9AbDd
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 10, 2019
3:59 p.m. — We’re a third of the way through Stage 1, and Blaney continues to lead the field.
3:53 p.m. — Ryan Blaney leads after 10 laps. Chase Elliott was penalized for jumping the start of the race.
PENALTY: @chaseelliott is penalized for a restart violation.
He must serve a pass-through penalty. pic.twitter.com/h66Bk60WPx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 10, 2019
3:48 p.m. — Green flag! It’s go-time in Phoenix.
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