After a quick two-week stretch the brief west coast trip has come to an end. This race took place at ISM Speedway where they hosted the first of two races in Phoenix.
In this race, it was Martin Truex Jr who came up with the victory for his first-ever win at ISM.
Ryan Blaney wins Stage 1
Issues began early for Martin Truex Jr as his car got loose coming out of turn three. He would brush the wall but no serious damage was there. He would end up being saved as the competition caution came out which gave him time to get his car repaired. Early trouble struck Alex Bowman as he wrecked in turn two. There was some contact from Austin Dillon but there was no serious damage as Bowman continued.
He stayed on the lead lap during the caution. At the end of the stage, Ryan Blaney won his first stage of the 2021 season. Finishing runner-up was Joey Logano. Finishing third giving Penske Racing the 1-2-3 finish was Brad Keselowski.
Logano Takes Stage Two
Trouble strikes again as Anthony Alfredo and Cody Ware crashed on the back straightaway. Anthony Alfredo would not return as he finished 37th. Cody Ware’s team attempted to fix the car but they would not succeed as they finished in 36th position.
In the end, Joey Logano won his first stage of the 2021 season and his 4th career stage win at ISM Raceway. Finishing second was Martin Truex Jr. In third was Joe Gibbs driver Denny Hamlin.
Martin Truex Jr Wins Instacart 500
Big trouble for Tyler Reddick as he smacked the outside wall. He has been running against the wall for several laps and he got into the marbles putting him in the wall. He would continue two laps down finishing in the 29th spot.
The race would go back green but not without a very questionable decision. Bubba Wallace Jr was the only car to not pit leaving him on old tires. This did not pan out well as he fell back after he spun the tires prior to the restart.
Later on, a caution would come out as Ross Chastain and Kyle Busch collided as Kyle Busch spun out. Busch was able to continue afterward. More trouble as Cole Custer tried to clear Bubba Wallace and instead hit the backstretch wall. Even with the debris on the track, no caution was thrown.
After all, was said and done Martin Truex Jr won the Instacart 500. Finishing second was Joey Logano. In third was the 11 car of Denny Hamlin.
What’s Next
Next up NASCAR will head back east for the Folds of Honor QuickTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is easily one of the most challenging races as it will be run on one of the oldest surfaces in racing.
It will be a race where fuel strategy goes out the door as tire management will be key in winning at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This race will be next Sunday at 3 pm on FOX.
