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via Getty

via Getty

The Championship 4 drivers have finally been chosen. It will be a straight fight between two Hendrick and two Joe Gibbs Racing drivers for the 2021 Cup title. In addition to that, it will also pit two champions against two drivers on the hunt for their maiden championship. Following the Martinsville race, former Hendrick driver Jeff Gordon spoke about his two wards, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, in the finale.

He said, “At this point, you’ve established that you and your team are executing throughout the whole year. It’s about going and doing that same thing, what you’ve done best to get to there. Making sure that you’re well-rested and focused when they drop the green next Sunday.

He added, “It’s going to be a unique weekend in Phoenix because practice and qualifying is back. So, I think first and foremost, getting that car dialed in through practice and getting a good qualifying run.”

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What to expect from Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson next week?

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As mentioned before, Elliott knows what it’s like to0 win a Cup Series title. Meanwhile, Larson will be hoping to join him in that bracket, especially since he has been in excellent form this season. Nine wins is a definite testament to that form, and he has recorded 10 Top-five finishes and six Top 10 finishes.

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However, Phoenix will be a real test for him, especially since he will be competing with his rivals in qualifying as well. Up until now, there has not been any qualifying or practice session all year, due to the COVID crisis. However, the Phoenix race next weekend will shake things up for sure.

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Of course, the Joe Gibbs Racing duo of Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr will not be idle. Hamlin will be particularly fired up because he has never won a Cup Series title in his 17-year career. Without a doubt, he will be hoping to change that, while Truex Jr will want to add a second title to his name.

READ MORE: Chase Elliott Reveals the ‘Biggest’ Lesson He Learned from Surprise 2020 Title Assault