Trackside at Phoenix Raceway for the Freeway Insurance 500

There is absolutely nothing that compares to the heart-pounding roar of the engines, the electric energy of the crowd, and the unmistakable smell of burning rubber on race day! This week on Coast to Coast with Heather Dawson, we are bringing you right to the edge of the asphalt at the iconic Phoenix Raceway for the highly anticipated Freeway Insurance 500.

Watch the full trackside report from Phoenix Raceway below:

Our very own correspondent JR Ybarra takes us exclusively behind the scenes to experience the ultimate NASCAR weekend from a perspective you won’t see anywhere else. From the high-stakes, fast-paced action of the bustling pit roads to the thrilling panoramic views from the grandstands, we capture the unmatched dedication of the die-hard fans and the intense, laser-focused preparation of the drivers as they get ready to trade paint.

This unforgettable weekend featured heart-stopping action from the top three series in NASCAR, all battling it out on the legendary one-mile oval as the championship chase officially heats up. Things kicked off on Friday with a fierce fight in the Craftsman Truck Series. After a hard-fought battle on the track, Kaden Honeycutt grabbed his fourth win of the season over Christian Eckes, extending his championship points lead in the process.

Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series brought cool and cloudy weather to the desert, but the racing was hotter than ever. Jesse Love, starting on the pole, fought off a dramatic late charge by Sam Mayer to secure an incredible victory and ride his way right into the winner’s circle.

But it was Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series that truly stole the show! Thousands of passionate fans packed the stands to witness a tight points battle that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The afternoon was full of twists and turns, starting with early leaders like Chase Briscoe and Bubba Wallace setting the pace. In a shocking turn of events, a surprise incident took out points leader Kyle Larson, who had already been fighting from the back of the pack. Ultimately, it was Tyler Reddick who powered through the chaos, masterfully holding off Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott to take the checkered flag and secure a massive first victory for Ox Energy.

We dive into the mechanics of what makes Phoenix Raceway such a unique and demanding track for these athletes, setting the stage for the highly anticipated double-header return in March 2027. Whether you are a lifelong gearhead who never misses a lap or a first-time fan just discovering the thrill of the sport, this is an immersive, inside look at NASCAR that puts you right in the driver’s seat.