During the recent INDYCAR and NASCAR events in Arizona, Team Penske secured a notable sweep with Ryan Blaney winning in NASCAR and Josef Newgarden topping INDYCAR. Following the races, FOX Sports personalities Kevin Harvick and Will Buxton selected their Drivers of the Week on the show SPEED With Harvick And Buxton, each choosing a standout performer from their respective competitions. The spotlight fell on Blaney for NASCAR and Christian Rasmussen for INDYCAR, highlighting their impactful performances at Phoenix Raceway.
Kevin Harvick Praises Ryan Blaney’s Determined Win
Ryan Blaney captured the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway, leading a total of 28 laps throughout the race. The victory was far from straightforward, but Blaney demonstrated resilience, overcoming challenges that brought him from outside the top 10 after Stage 2 to a commanding finish.
Harvick commended Blaney’s mental strength and tenacity during the race:
He was able to make that last pass and go to Victory Lane,
Harvick said on SPEED.
And I think for him to be able to come from the back of the field, twice. And just have his head screwed on after having all those pit stop problems and everything that he was able to deal with. To mentally put himself in a position to win at the end, was very impressive.
This win marked Blaney’s first victory of the 2026 season and underscored his ability to handle adversity on the track, solidifying his reputation as a driver with grit and determination.
Will Buxton Highlights Christian Rasmussen’s Unique Racing Style
In the INDYCAR Saturday race, Christian Rasmussen made a strong impression despite ultimately finishing 14th after starting in 18th position. Rasmussen led for 69 laps, the second-highest total in the event, setting a challenging pace for other competitors.
Buxton admired Rasmussen’s approach to racing, particularly on short ovals:
Such an exciting guy to race on track. And interestingly, given the way that he approaches short ovals, there is a mindset and a theory going around the INDYCAR paddock, that people are going to have to adapt the way that they race, to be able to compete with this guy because he’s going about it in such a different way.
This unique style has begun to influence the strategies of drivers within the INDYCAR paddock, signaling a shift in competitive tactics moving forward.
Fan Support Aligns with Harvick’s Pick of Blaney
The fan vote for Driver of the Week reflected the same sentiment as Harvick’s choice, favoring Ryan Blaney for his impressive comeback and hard-fought win at Phoenix. This recognition from both experts and the NASCAR audience highlights the significance of Blaney’s achievement during this stage of the season.
Blaney’s ability to prevail despite early setbacks exemplifies the challenges and excitement that define NASCAR racing, strengthening his standing among fans and competitors alike as the season progresses.
