In a nail-biting showdown at the Phoenix Raceway, the NASCAR Cup Series championship race for 2023 delivered a thrilling spectacle that left legends and fans in awe. This high-stakes battle featured an unexpected victor, an intense championship clash, and a legendary race that captured the essence of NASCAR.

The racing world was taken by surprise as Ross Chastain emerged as the winner of the NASCAR Cup Series championship race in Phoenix. Chastain, driving the #1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, secured his second victory of the 2023 season, despite not being a contender for the championship. Chastain’s dominance was evident as he led an impressive 157 laps during the race. The #1 car’s performance set the stage for a memorable day of racing in the desert.

Cup season finale left NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Dale Inman impressed

While Ross Chastain’s victory was a captivating story on its own, it was the intense battle for the championship title that stole the show. Ryan Blaney emerged as the ultimate champion, securing his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series championship. The turning point of the race occurred just 20 laps from the finish line. It was when the Team Penske star executed a strategic pass, propelling him to second place. This bold move led him to secure his championship title and cement his name among NASCAR’s elite.

The race was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride filled with action, pit strategy, and fierce competition. Legends Richard Petty and Dale Inman couldn’t help but marvel at the quality of racing they witnessed. Speaking a day after the race, Richard Petty commented, “I thought it was one of the more entertaining races that we’ve had lately. Not only because it was in for the championship. But those guys were racing each other, back in the pack also. So, to me, it was a pretty interesting race from the word go.”

Dale Inman added, “Yeah, that was different too. But you’re talking about racing back in the pack, But there’s racing for the lead too a lot Richard.” Speaking of the battles going on throughout the field, Petty added, “Yeah that was the interesting part of that like I said. Throughout the race, there was a couple moments. But they followed it enough that, those keeping up with the #1 car or those keeping it up with the #12 car. Of course, the #20 car had trouble right early. And so the competition between them was fierce. But there was people racing with them for their positions.”

Dale Inman concluded by saying, “Yeah, I know it. But the #1 car, he just eased his way once he got to the front. And he just stayed there, and he had the pace over some cars after pit stops too. Even in the qualifying, they kept bragging about the first pit you know. And of course, the #24 got it and that helped him a lot on the stages. He wound up 4th. But I don’t know they advertised a sell-out and there was a crowd there I’ll tell you that, Lord have mercy.”

While the spotlight was on the championship race, the retiring veteran Kevin Harvick made sure that he didn’t leave without making a mark at one of his favorite tracks.

Kevin Harvick hangs his helmet in style after his last race in Phoenix

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Kevin Harvick, known for his remarkable achievements and competitiveness, concluded his NASCAR journey at the 2023 season finale. Harvick’s journey to his final race showcased promise as he emerged as the fastest in the first round of qualifying and secured the third spot on the starting grid. Throughout the 312-lap event, he engaged in intense battles with the four drivers vying for the series title.

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On lap 93, Harvick’s #4 Ford overtook championship contender William Byron, igniting excitement among fans in the grandstands. However, his lead was short-lived as a caution for Christopher Bell‘s wreck sent all racers to the pit road for tires and fuel. Although Harvick briefly led for four laps after the restart, he couldn’t challenge for the top position again. He ultimately finished in the seventh position, extending his impressive streak of consecutive top-10 finishes to 21 races.

Reflecting on his final start, Harvick expressed mixed emotions, stating, “It’s kind of a relief … It’s been a great ride, and I can’t complain.” Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR journey began in 2001 when he took over Dale Earnhardt‘s rebranded team at Richard Childress Racing following Dale Sr’s tragic demise. Just a week later, Harvick had captured his first series win after a dramatic photo finish with Jeff Gordon in Atlanta, solidifying his place in NASCAR lore.

In contrast to many of today’s young Cup stars, Harvick seemed to excel in the latter stages of his career. He clinched his first Cup title in 2014 at the age of 38, and has secured 32 of his 60 Cup wins since then. Among his remarkable achievements are victories in prestigious “crown-jewel” races like the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500, a feat previously accomplished by Dale Sr, Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson.

While his final season lacked a win, Harvick remained competitive. He was the only Stewart-Haas Racing driver to advance to the playoffs and frequently contended for race victories. His final season was not about wins and losses but about showcasing the competitiveness of his team.

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway provided fans with a day of unforgettable racing action. Ross Chastain’s unexpected victory, Ryan Blaney’s championship win, and Kevin Harvick’s farewell marked this race as a significant moment in NASCAR history. As we look forward to the next season, the excitement and anticipation for more thrilling NASCAR moments continue to build.

READ MORE: Watch: Stewart-Haas Racing Sends Final Goodbye Message to Kevin Harvick