Championship 4: Statistical Comparison of the Drivers

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season finale arrives this November 10th with the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. This one-mile oval, known for its distinctive "dogleg," presents a unique challenge for drivers, demanding a precise balance between tire wear management and maintaining a competitive pace.

Joey Logano: The Phoenix Oval Expert

Joey Logano, from Penske team, is focused on expanding his legacy with another title. With three wins at Phoenix, he is the only finalist with multiple victories at this track. His proven ability to handle high-pressure situations, as demonstrated in 2022, makes him a strong contender. This year, he has secured 3 victories and led 307 laps, although his average finish is 17.6. Logano will need to maximize his strengths and avoid mistakes in critical moments to aim for the championship.

Tyler Reddick: Seeking to Defy Expectations

Tyler Reddick makes his debut in the Championship 4 following a standout season. The 23XI Racing driver has accumulated 3 wins, 12 top 5 finishes, and 20 top 10s, while leading 597 laps—the most among the finalists. However, his performance at Phoenix has been inconsistent, with an average finish of 17.89 and only 62.3% of laps in the top 15. To compete for the title, Reddick will need to execute a flawless strategy and react quickly to any changes in race conditions. His ability to lead laps makes him a threat if he can establish a strong pace from the start.

William Byron: Consistency at the Crucial Moment

William Byron, from Hendrick Motorsports, arrives with the consistency and determination needed to stand out among the best. With a victory at Phoenix in 2023, he has proven his ability to perform under pressure at this track. His average finish at Phoenix is 11.77, and he has remained in the top 15 in 79.3% of the laps raced, demonstrating his regularity. In the 2024 season, he has accumulated 3 wins and 20 top 10s while leading 338 laps. Byron's consistency and recent experience make him a strong contender for the final victory.

Ryan Blaney: The Quest to Defend the Title

Ryan Blaney, from Penske, arrives at Phoenix seeking to defend the title he captured last year. Blaney has shown remarkable consistency throughout the season, with an average finish of 13.2. At Phoenix, he has been particularly strong, consistently staying within the top 15 in 83.9% of laps raced. In 2024, he has secured 2 wins, 9 top 5s, and 18 top 10s, leading 290 laps. The key for Blaney will be replicating his precise approach and staying competitive during the long stages of the race.

Phoenix Raceway: The Season's Final Great Challenge

The race will be divided into three stages: the first ending on lap 60, the second on lap 185, and the third on lap 312. Proper tire wear management and precise pit strategy will be critical factors in determining the next champion. Since 2020, Phoenix has been the final track for the championship, and in three of the last four editions, the winner of this race has claimed the title.

Analysis of the Championship 4 Finalists

Driver	Wins	Top 5s	Top 10s	Laps Led	Average Finish
Joey Logano	3	8	15	307	17.6
Tyler Reddick	3	12	20	597	14.3
William Byron	3	10	20	338	12.5
Ryan Blaney	2	9	18	290	13.2

Note: Statistics reflect the performance of each driver during the 2024 season up until the final race at Phoenix.

Ryan Blaney has shown notable consistency throughout the season and at Phoenix, staying consistently among the top 15. William Byron, meanwhile, has proven his ability to win under pressure, including his 2023 victory at Phoenix.

Joey Logano brings decisive experience, being the only driver with multiple wins at Phoenix, making him a highly competitive contender.

Tyler Reddick has led more laps than his rivals this season, but his performance at Phoenix has been variable. If he can execute a mistake-free strategy, he could pose a considerable threat.

Prediction for the Championship 4

Ryan Blaney and William Byron emerge as the main favorites thanks to their consistency and strong results at Phoenix. Joey Logano, with his experience in finals and multiple wins at this oval, is also a serious contender.

Tyler Reddick could surprise if he executes a flawless strategy and capitalizes on opportunities during the race. However, the title will mainly be decided by who can minimize errors and maintain consistent performance over the 312 laps of the Phoenix oval.