Tanhardt's expert picks feature Penske drivers, highlighting Blaney and Logano's strong Phoenix history and recent performance boosts for a winning edge
The latest episode of The Racing Roundtable brought together some of the sharpest minds in motorsports betting and analysis. NASCAR betting expert Dale Tanhardt joined NASCAR Roundtable publisher Tyler Jones, The Racing Experts founder Dominic Aragon, and ARCA Menards Series driver Matt Kemp for an in-depth discussion on the current state of NASCAR wagering and the upcoming race weekend.
Tanhardt has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable voices in NASCAR betting circles, consistently delivering data-driven breakdowns that help fans and bettors identify value plays.
With the Circuit of the Americas road course event now in the books—marking a unique early-season diversion—the NASCAR Cup Series shifts focus to the first true intermediate-track test of the 2026 campaign: the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. This 1-mile oval has long been a staple on the schedule, known for its flat configuration, tight racing, and ability to produce dramatic finishes, especially under the lights in recent years.
As the series heads to Phoenix this weekend (scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2026, airing on FS1 starting at 3:30 p.m. ET), Tanhardt shared his top betting insights for the event. Before the green flag even drops, he highlighted three drivers with strong Penske connections as key names to watch: Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and Josh Berry.
These picks stem from a combination of recent performance trends, track-specific history, and the evolving dynamics of the Next Gen car package, including a notable horsepower increase implemented for 2026 that could reward teams with superior long-run speed and tire management.
Tanhardt was particularly bullish on Ryan Blaney (No. 12 Ford for Team Penske). The 2023 Cup Series champion closed out the previous season with a victory in the Phoenix finale last November, securing his spot in the record books with strong showings on this track type. "You cannot argue with the long-run speed that they’ve had, especially at this particular track type," Tanhardt explained.
"These shorter, flatter racetracks, they just have so much grip in the run, that I think that maybe with the horsepower increase, if it’s not a complete tire grenade roulette fest, it benefits the 12 team."
Blaney's consistency at Phoenix has been impressive in recent seasons, with multiple top-five finishes, and current betting markets reflect that confidence—placing him among the top favorites at around +475 to +550 odds (depending on the sportsbook, such as BetMGM or DraftKings). This positions him neck-and-neck with drivers like Denny Hamlin for the outright win.
Joey Logano (No. 22 Ford) also stands out as a perennial threat at Phoenix. The two-time (and three-time overall) Cup champion boasts three career victories at the track, including a dominant performance in the 2024 fall race that clinched his most recent title. Logano's ability to manage tires, execute restarts, and capitalize on late-race chaos has made him a nightmare for competitors on this flat mile.
Tanhardt noted how the Penske organization's setup advantages—particularly in grip and forward bite—could shine here, especially with the added horsepower potentially reducing some of the tire-wear roulette that has plagued events in the past. Logano enters the weekend with odds in the +1100 to +1300 range, offering solid value for a driver with proven championship pedigree at this venue.
Rounding out Tanhardt's trio is Josh Berry (No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford, with Penske technical ties). While Berry lacks a Phoenix win to date, he showed promising speed there last season with a pair of top-10 finishes (4th and 7th), demonstrating his growing comfort on intermediate tracks.
As a driver still building his Cup resume, Berry sits further down the odds board at around +2200 to +2800, making him an intriguing longshot play for those seeking higher payouts. Tanhardt emphasized that Penske-affiliated teams could collectively benefit from the track's characteristics and recent rule tweaks.
Beyond these three, the field features other heavy hitters like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick near the top of the odds, but Tanhardt's focus on the Penske contingent underscores a belief in their collective edge this weekend.
For the complete breakdown, including more detailed analysis on matchups, props, and potential pitfalls, tune into the full interview on the latest edition of The Racing Roundtable.
It's available now for streaming or download on major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and anywhere you get your podcasts. Whether you're a casual fan looking for insights or a serious bettor hunting for edges, this episode delivers the kind of expert perspective that can inform smarter decisions ahead of the green flag at Phoenix.
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