AVONDALE, Ariz. — The roar of engines returns to Phoenix Raceway for the Shriners Children’s 500, but one question hangs heavy in the desert air: Can Christopher Bell duplicate last year’s dominance? With a packed house of over 40,000 fans anticipating a high-speed spectacle, the focus is squarely on Bell, the current +450 betting favorite.
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Christopher Bell celebrates his win at NASCAR Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Bell, already boasting two early-season victories, appears to be on a tear. Yet, the track at Phoenix presents a unique challenge, and rivals like Ryan Blaney (+550), Kyle Larson (+750), and Daytona 500 winner William Byron (+850) are eager to disrupt his momentum. Blaney, despite a lack of recent top-three finishes, remains a consistent threat, having finished second in this very race last year.
Mar 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece (41) drives alongside driver Tyler Reddick (45) and driver Ryan Blaney (12) during the Shriners Childrens 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Byron, fresh off his Daytona triumph, and Larson, hungry to break Bell’s streak, add layers of intrigue to the race. Can Blaney’s consistency overcome Bell’s speed? Will Larson’s drive stop Bell’s record? The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Blaney, has a very consistent history at Phoenix.
Mar 2, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) walks out onto the stage for driver introductions before the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Harms-Imagn Images
Despite not recording a top-three finish in his last few races, Blaney is still the second favorite to take home the Shriners Children’s 500 trophy. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion is one of the most consistent drivers in Phoenix. Blaney is second in NASCAR points standings, behind Byron, at Phoenix Raceway, finishing second at the event in 2023.
Sunday is setting up for a stellar race between the four favorites looking to inch closer to securing their spot in the NASCAR playoffs, the road beginning at Phoenix Raceway.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
