Team Penske has two chances at the rare feat of three straight Cup Series titles

Team Penske has the best chance among NASCAR Cup Series championship contenders in this Sunday’s race, with half of the Championship 4 field coming from its stable. But those aren’t the only numbers Penske can focus on. The organization is seeking not only its third straight Cup Series championship, but also its fourth in seven years.

“I wasn’t aware of it,” said Walt Czarnecki, executive vice president of Team Penske. “I appreciate you reminding me. I looked at some stats that I think we’ve been in this new format for the last four, I think eight, of the 11 years. Which is pretty amazing to me. But I had no idea such a feat was coming our way.

“But… one race at a time – that’s how we see Phoenix. If we can do that, that would be great. It’s a testament to the people who make it possible.”

The elimination format began in 2014, when NASCAR determined its champion in a four-driver, one-race, winner-take-all scenario. There has been at least one Penske driver in eight of the 11 years, including this Sunday when both Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney were in the hunt. The only years during this period that a Penske driver did not compete for the championship were 2015, ’19 and ’21.

Logano secured his spot in Sunday’s race with a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway early in the Round of 8. The two-time series champion in 2018 and 2022 has competed in the championship race every even-numbered year since 2014.

Blaney’s win last weekend at Martinsville Speedway gives him a chance to defend his 2023 championship. However, there was no repeat winner in the elimination era.

“It was a pretty exciting time,” Czarnecki said. “Since Joey won and secured the Las Vegas race a few weeks ago, the excitement and preparation in our Mooresville workshop has certainly increased tremendously. And then of course Ryan’s win (Sunday) made things even worse. We will be prepared, I promise you.”

Logano has three wins this season, two of which came in the postseason. Blaney also has three wins. Don’t be surprised if the two tenacious veterans give it their all, as Team Penske easily pits its riders against each other without giving an inch.

“No team orders,” Czarnecki said. “I know Joey and Ryan will be at 110%. They both want it. I saw Joey when he came to the win line to congratulate Ryan; They are good friends off the track and will be fun to watch. We will give them the best equipment possible and it will be up to them to do the rest.”

Roger Penske entered his first car in the Cup Series in 1972. It wasn’t until the 2012 season that he won a championship when Brad Keselowski took home the title.

Rick Hendrick is the last team owner to win three or more consecutive Cup Series championships. Hendrick Motorsports last won five straight from 2006 to 2010, surpassing the previous four straight from 1995 to 1998.