Final Starting Lineup (Top 10)
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | 135.537 mph |
| 2 | 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | 134.943 mph |
| 3 | 2 | Austin Cindric | Team Penske | 134.675 mph |
| 4 | 7 | Daniel Suárez | Spire Motorsports | 134.610 mph |
| 5 | 12 | Ryan Blaney | Team Penske | 134.595 mph |
| 6 | 1 | Ross Chastain | Trackhouse Racing | 134.544 mph |
| 7 | 77 | Carson Hocevar | Spire Motorsports | 134.539 mph |
| 8 | 45 | Tyler Reddick | 23XI Racing | 134.394 mph |
| 9 | 24 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports | 134.373 mph |
| 10 | 21 | Josh Berry | Wood Brothers Racing | 134.258 mph |
*#6 Brad Keselowski to the rear (Backup Car). Connor Zilisch (P19) fastest qualifying rookie.
Cross Over Drivers Section
Austin Hill (#33 RCR Chevrolet): A full-time NASCAR O'Reilly Series contender making his 2026 Cup debut. Hill is using this open entry to gain Next Gen experience following strong early-season performance in the lower series.
Impact: Displaces no chartered regulars but adds depth to the field. His presence pressures bubble drivers like Michael McDowell for stage points, though the open car lacks the deep engineering data of chartered entries.
Anthony Alfredo (#48 Hendrick Chevrolet): Subbing for Alex Bowman (Vertigo). While a full-time O'Reilly competitor, Alfredo serves as a key development and simulator driver for Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports.
Impact: His role is critical for maintaining Bowman’s championship eligibility via a medical waiver. Alfredo provides a steady hand to protect owner points, though starting P31 necessitates a patient strategy to reach the top 20.
Technical Intelligence: 750 HP Short-Track Era
Phoenix serves as the definitive test for the 750 HP expansion package. Practice data indicates that the ~30% reduction in downforce (3-inch spoiler and reduced diffuser strakes) is placing a supreme premium on corner-exit throttle control.
Statistical Advance: Phoenix Mastery
- Joey Logano: Four-time Phoenix winner; his pole today is his 34th career pole and 3rd at this track.
- Kyle Larson: Owns the best active average finish (10.3) and has 20 top-10 starts in 24 races here.
- Ryan Blaney: Statistical master of the Next Gen era at Phoenix with an average finish of 10.8 and series-most laps in the Top 15 (85.9%).
- Manufacturer Dominance: Chevrolet has won 27 times at Phoenix, but Ford has historically shown strength on the low-banked 1-mile configuration.