SAD NEWS: NASCAR announced that Michael Jordan is Leaving immediately after Facing…..
Spearheaded by a third-place showing from Kyle Larson, the organization placed all four cars in the top 10.
William Byron was next in sixth, one spot in front of Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott rounded out the company’s effort in 10th.
It marked the first time in 2025 that Hendrick Motorsports finished with four cars in the top 10 and the second time ever at Phoenix (2023).
A final restart with two laps to go saw Larson line up on the outside of row two.
He gave Denny Hamlin a push, creating a two-way battle for the lead and Larson nearly took advantage, diving low and tapping eventual-winner Christopher Bell as the three cars sprinted to the line together.
“I felt like I made the correct decisions there,” Larson said.
“I thought being patient to try and keep them side-by-side down the back was good.
I could’ve shot to the bottom but I felt like I would’ve wrecked everybody there.
Just kind of gave ourselves a shot for them to maybe get into each other and us squeak by.
“Great to get a solid finish in here. It’s been kind of a struggle for us here to start the year, so happy about that.”
NASCAR provided all teams with six sets of “primary” tires and two sets of “option” tires, the latter of which provided more speed and short-run grip but also quicker wear.
That sent teams in a variety of directions in terms of pit calls.
Byron earned the 14th pole award of his career on Saturday and took advantage of the track position, guiding the No. 24 Z by HP Chevy to a stage one victory. It marked the fourth stage win for Byron at Phoenix, his most of any track.
Byron also matched a little Cup Series history as well. With a third-place showing in stage two, he scored points in his 19th-straight stage at Phoenix, matching Martin Truex Jr. for the most consecutive stages at any track in the top 10. Along the way, Byron led 83 laps and is the only driver to lead in each race this season.
