Briscoe has momentum, but Larson holds commanding lead in NASCAR playoffs entering Phoenix race

Chase Briscoe's back-to-back wins have propelled him to the forefront of the NASCAR Cup Series championship race. Currently in fourth place, 65 points behind leader Kyle Larson, Briscoe's consistent excellence has put him in contention. Larson, aiming for his third championship overall, enjoys a commanding 49-point lead over regular-season champion Denny Hamlin.

Larson's average finish of 2.83 over the first six postseason races is the best of the era and he has already secured two postseason victories and two second-place finishes. Despite his success, Larson views Phoenix Raceway with trepidation, as it hasn't been a historically strong track for him. With four races remaining in the "Chase," the competition remains fierce, with Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell still in the mix, closely following Larson.