PHOENIX CHAMPIONSHIP FOUR

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WHO WILL BE THE 2022 CUP CHAMPION?

Current Playoff Standings coming into Phoenix.

1. Joey Logano

2. Christopher Bell

3. Chase Elliott

4. Ross Chastain

The 2022 season with the NextGen car was a continuous learning process for teams and drivers and the championship race itself will be no exception. With the youngest ever average age for a championship four, experience will be key, especially since there is no option to bring an "edge" with equipment -- this model doesn't allow for that. It's going to be critically important to look at the driver-crew relationships, driver momentum and mindsets to get a good idea of who may very well take home the trophy.

Let's take a look in order. 

No. 23 Penske Ford

Joey Logano has been laying low after a win at Vegas. With the early punch in he's been able to zero in on a winning strategy for the last two weeks and comes off a decently consistent though not spectacular season. One championship under his belt, Logano knows what it will take in Phoenix. Off the track, Logano has done a really good job of staying positive in media interviews and balancing his emotions while providing valuable feedback during the past tumultuous months. A cup title this season would be a fitting finish to his starring role in USA Network's docuseries "Race for the Championship".

No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing

Christopher Bell, was a dark horse final four appearance by most standards. He brought much-needed freshness and stability to a season that has been rife with controversy. He's proven that he can perform under pressure by taking home the checkered in both cut-off races while below the cut line. His advantage at Phoenix is experience crew side in a solid pairing with two-time winner crew chief Adam Stevens. Bell's momentum looks good coming into the championship race. JGR needed some good news after making headlines late in the year for losing M&M's longtime sponsorship and jetting Kyle Busch.

No. 9 Hendrick Motor Sports

Chase Elliott appearing in the final four is no surprise after an overwhelming regular season victory. However, Chase's playoff performance has been rocky to say the least. He held dominant control of races early on that disintegrated into frustrating position finishes. He shared in other driver's frustrations with car development issues and seemed to be taking a step back from the public spotlight. Overall, he has been focused on high performance and is beyond a doubt statistically strong enough to take home his second title and a third year sweep for Hendrick Motor Sports.

No. 1 Trackhouse Racing

Ross Chastain is making a name for himself as a premier contender on the Cup series scene. The Melon man has seen great growth in his capability to consistently bring good finishes to the line. His gutsy move "the Hail Melon" of riding the wall on open throttle on the final lap of Martinsville to beat out Hamlin into the finals shocked the world and brought record high views. He represents new possibilities for the sport and outlook looks good for Trackhouse even if this year is not a cup win.

@Mere.Bernhard