NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar doubleheader twice as nice for Team Penske

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Both the NTT IndyCar Series drivers and NASCAR drivers were excited for the Phoenix doubleheader racing weekend, and for many of NASCAR’s best, it’s a rare opportunity to watch the open-wheelers in person. The NTT IndyCar Series races Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX just before the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Blaney, whose 60th Anniversary Team Penske organization fields three cars in both series, was particularly excited to watch an IndyCar Series race in person – something he said he’s only done one other time when the two series raced together on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. His teammate, fellow NASCAR champion Joey Logano, said he’s never seen the open-wheelers on an oval. RELATED: At-track photos: Phoenix | Weekend schedule “I loved it when we did the doubleheader at Indy a few years ago," Blaney said, adding he’d love to see the two premier series share a race weekend more often. “I would love it. I think it’s great for the racing fan. I’ve never really understood when people say I only watch NASCAR or I only watch IndyCar, if you’re a fan of racing, you’re a fan of racing. And this brings everyone together. I think the crowd for both days will be fantastic because it is a doubleheader weekend, and I’d love to see more.” Agrees his teammate Logano, “I think it’s great for both sports. Great for IndyCar, great for NASCAR and great for the fans to see two different disciplines. I think it’s just going to grow both of them.”