NASCAR Championship Contenders Forego Pre-Race Rhetoric at Media Day
Phoenix, Arizona - November 8, 2024 – A notable absence of customary pre-race posturing marked NASCAR championship Media day today at Phoenix Raceway, as teh four drivers vying for the Cup Series title – Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and Denny Hamlin – largely avoided engaging in “head games” or competitive trash talk. The focused demeanor suggests a shift towards respect among the championship finalists as they prepare for Sunday’s season-ending race.
This year’s championship quartet represents a convergence of established veterans and rising stars, all acutely aware of the high stakes and the potential for a single mistake to derail their title hopes. The absence of typical rivalry-fueled rhetoric underscores the immense pressure and professional approach each team is taking toward the championship decider. The NASCAR Cup Series Championship is scheduled for 3:00 PM EST on November 10th, with the winner claiming the ultimate prize in stock car racing.
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, emphasized the collaborative spirit among the teams, stating that a recent decision by Front Row Motorsports (FRM) to not sign a NASCAR charter deal was independent of any influence from his organization. “We didn’t have anything to do with that,” Hamlin affirmed. “They made their decision based on what they thought was best for their organization.”
Justin Allgaier, competing in the xfinity Series, was also present at media day, preparing for his own championship race on Saturday. The Xfinity Series Championship will precede the Cup Series finale, setting the stage for a weekend of intense competition at Phoenix Raceway.