These 3 drivers’ NASCAR championship hopes won’t survive Phoenix

Beyond the Flag argues that Daniel Suarez, Chris Buescher, and Ryan Preece will likely be mathematically eliminated from NASCAR Cup Series championship contention at Phoenix Raceway. With four races remaining and points leader Kyle Larson holding a commanding advantage, any driver who fails to remain within 152 points of the lead following Sunday's Freeway Insurance 500 will see their title hopes end.

The writer notes that Suarez sits 215 points behind Larson after struggling to secure top-12 finishes across the first six playoff events. Meanwhile, RFK Racing teammates Buescher and Preece are facing steep deficits of 216 and 227 points respectively, leaving them facing nearly insurmountable odds to remain mathematically eligible for the championship.