Chase Elliott Faces Must-Win Situation At Phoenix Raceway

Story By: NASCAR – AVONDALE, AZ – Chase Elliott knows firsthand how quickly one’s fortunes can change in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

The driver of the No. 24 was three laps away from a win at Martinsville two weeks ago – a win that would’ve automatically clinched him a spot in the Championship 4 – when he was wrecked out of the lead thanks to a bump from Denny Hamlin.

Now, only one Championship 4 berth remains after Kyle Busch won his way in at Martinsville, Kevin Harvick advanced with a victory at Texas and Martin Truex Jr. clinched via points in the Lone Star State.

Elliott enters Sunday’s Can-Am 500 Playoff cutoff event at Phoenix Raceway (2:30 p.m. ET on NBC) 49 points behind Brad Keselowski for the final Championship 4 berth, virtually needing a victory to earn the final bid.

“I know we’re building a better race car and taking a few new ideas to Phoenix,” Elliott said. “We’ll go there and fight as hard as we can. One thing this team will never do is give up.”

The 21-year-old Dawsonville, Georgia native proved he can win at Phoenix in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ visit to the one-mile track in March. Elliott led 106 laps and won the second stage before finishing 12th due to some shuffling on a late restart.

In his two previous starts at Phoenix, Elliott finished eighth (March 2016) and ninth (November 2016). His average finish in three career Phoenix starts is 9.7.

Custer ready to race way to Championship 4

Cole Custer might be 13 points behind Brennan Poole for the final berth in the NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship 4, but he doesn’t lack confidence heading into Saturday’s Ticket Galaxy 200 at Phoenix Raceway (3:30 p.m. ET on NBC).

“I think there’s no reason why we can’t go to Phoenix and have a good run,” Custer said. “It’s a place I’m confident at and our short-track program is starting to be where we want it. If we keep running like we have been and don’t run into bad luck, we’ll be locked into the (Championship 4).”

Custer finished 21st in the XFINITY Series’ March visit to Phoenix this season, but does have a win at the one-mile track in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

The No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing driver enters Saturday’s race in good form, finishing in the top 10 in seven of his last nine races. He placed fifth at Texas last weekend.

“I think anything is possible for us and there’s no reason why we don’t belong in the Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead,” Custer said.

Rhodes hopes to earn Championship 4 berth at Phoenix

Currently fifth on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoff Grid – five points behind Austin Cindric for the final Championship 4 points berth – Ben Rhodes has some work to do to race for the series crown.

He’ll need to make up that ground in Friday’s Lucas Oil 150 Round of 6 cutoff race at Phoenix Raceway (8:30 p.m. ET on FS1).

In two career starts at the one-mile track, Rhodes has finished fifth (2014) and 14th (2015). He enters Friday’s race after posting Round of 6 finishes of ninth at Martinsville and 18th at Texas.

“To beat everyone else sounds simple, but it’s going to be quite the challenge,” Rhodes said. “ThorSport Racing has given me some unbelievably fast Toyotas in the past, so I know I can count on that same speed Friday night.

“It will come down to keeping (my truck) clean, having great pit stops, and running up front – especially ahead of the 19 (Austin Cindric) – all night. I know we are more than capable of getting a win, and I’ll do what it takes to make that happen.”