This weekend at Phoenix Raceway marks a unique crossover event where the NASCAR Cup Series and NTT IndyCar Series will share the same venue during the Desert Double weekend. IndyCar takes the track on Saturday for the Good Ranchers 250, followed by the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 500 on Sunday. Ryan Blaney, a leading NASCAR Cup Series driver, expressed strong support for weekends that bring both series together, highlighting the benefits for racing fans.
Blaney Highlights Benefits of Shared Weekends for Fans
During an interview, Blaney emphasized how hosting both NASCAR and IndyCar races on the same weekend fosters a greater sense of unity among fans. He noted that many fans tend to follow only one type of racing, but combining events helps bridge that gap and broadens the appeal.
Personally, I would love it. I think it’s great for just the racing fan. Like, I never really understood. Like, people are like, I only watch NASCAR or Night IndyCar or vice versa. It’s like, if you’re a fan of racing, you’re a fan of racing. And this just brings everybody together.
– Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Blaney races for Team Penske, an organization involved in both NASCAR and IndyCar, and he secured the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship. This dual-team presence across two major motorsport platforms informs his appreciation of the shared event format.
Desert Double Weekend Anticipated to Attract Large Audiences
The Desert Double weekend provides fans with back-to-back race days, featuring IndyCar on Saturday and NASCAR on Sunday. Blaney believes this setup will boost attendance and offer an engaging experience over the two-day period.
So I think the crowd for both days are going to be fantastic just because it’s a doubleheader weekend. So, yeah, I would love to see more doubleheaders just because I like hanging out with those guys and watching them.
– Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Phoenix Raceway has remained vital to NASCAR’s schedule for many years, while IndyCar’s return after leaving the venue in 2018 adds renewed excitement. Being able to witness both stock car and open-wheel racing on the same Arizona oval is a strong draw for motorsports enthusiasts.
Blaney Finds Watching IndyCar Live More Engaging Than on Television
Blaney also shared that seeing IndyCar races in person is more enjoyable and accessible for him than watching on TV, especially when events take place at the same track where he competes.
It’s easier for me to watch than on TV if they’re here. They had a huge crowd with the trucks last weekend. Yeah, it’s great. It’s an awesome series. Yeah, I look up to those guys pretty hard.
– Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
The weekend features prominent IndyCar drivers racing on the same one-mile oval that NASCAR drivers will use the next day, providing a rare opportunity for fans to experience two diverse racing styles in one setting. This shared event at Phoenix Raceway highlights the collaborative spirit between the two series and offers potential for more crossover weekends in the future.
NASCAR Cup Series driver @Blaney on the IndyCar and NASCAR doubleheader weekend at Phoenix Raceway: "I would love to see more doubleheaders."
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