AVONDALE, Ariz. – Martin Truex Jr. pulled away in the final laps Sunday at Phoenix Raceway for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season and 28th overall.
Truex beat the four championship finalists from last year. He had failed to advance into the season-ending finale for the first time in four years and could only watch as Chase Elliott beat Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski for the title at the desert oval.
All four tailed Truex across the finish line. Phoenix Raceway will again host the championship race in November. “To come here and win this, I wish it was November," Truex said. “Hopefully, we can come back in November and have a shot at the championship.” The 40-year-old Truex struggled earlier this year, finishing