The NASCAR Cup Series is gearing up for an exciting weekend at Phoenix Raceway as it joins forces with the NTT IndyCar Series for a special crossover event. The two series will compete at the same track during the highly anticipated “Desert Double” weekend, with IndyCar racing on Saturday in the Good Ranchers 250 and the NASCAR Cup Series taking on the Straight Talk Wireless 500 on Sunday.
The idea of a crossover event between NASCAR and IndyCar is not a new one, but it has gained a lot of traction in recent years. Fans and drivers alike have been clamoring for more opportunities to see the two series compete together, and this weekend’s event at Phoenix Raceway is a step in the right direction.
One driver who is particularly excited about the crossover event is Ryan Blaney. The 27-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver has expressed his desire to see more doubleheader weekends between the two series, and he believes it will be a great opportunity for fans and drivers alike.
Blaney, who currently drives for Team Penske, has had a successful career in the NASCAR Cup Series with three wins and 48 top-ten finishes. But he has also dabbled in the IndyCar Series, making his debut at the 2018 Indianapolis 500 and finishing in an impressive 12th place. He has also competed in the IndyCar Series’ Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the IndyCar iRacing Challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As someone who has experience in both series, Blaney understands the appeal of a crossover event. He believes that it not only brings together fans of both series but also gives drivers a chance to showcase their skills in a different type of racing.
In an interview with Heavy Sports, Blaney said, “I think it’s great for the fans to see two different styles of racing on the same track. It’s also a great opportunity for drivers to challenge themselves and see how they stack up against their counterparts in a different series.”
The crossover event at Phoenix Raceway will also be a special one for Blaney as he will be competing in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NTT IndyCar Series races. He will be driving the No. 12 Verizon 5G Chevrolet for Team Penske in the NASCAR race and the No. 12 Menards/PPG Chevrolet for Team Penske in the IndyCar race.
Blaney is no stranger to doubleheader weekends, having competed in a similar event last year at Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he finished in the top ten in both races. He believes that these types of weekends not only benefit the fans and drivers but also the sport as a whole.
“I think it’s great for the sport to have these crossover events. It creates a lot of buzz and excitement, and it’s something that fans and drivers have been asking for. I hope we can see more of these in the future,” Blaney said.
The crossover event at Phoenix Raceway is also significant as it marks the first time that the two series will compete on the same day at the same track. This new format is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced both series to make adjustments to their schedules.
But for Blaney, the new format only adds to the excitement of the weekend. “It’s definitely going to be a unique experience, but I think it will be a lot of fun. It will be interesting to see how the two races play out and how the fans respond to it,” he said.
As the NASCAR Cup Series and the NTT IndyCar Series come together for the “Desert Double” weekend at Phoenix Raceway, one thing is for sure – it will be an unforgettable event for fans and drivers alike. And with drivers like Ryan Blaney pushing for more crossover events, it may just be the start of a new era in racing.
