Ryan Blaney was one of many quickest drivers at Darlington, however ultimately, circumstances prevented him from reaching Victory Lane. It appeared like each time the Workforce Penske driver obtained close to the lead, one thing would occur that will put him deeper within the area. Right here’s how Blaney managed to salvage fifth, regardless of all of it.
First, there was an premature warning in the course of green-flag pit stops through the second stage of the race. Blaney pitted from third however ended up again in 14th, attributable to a warning for particles from Brad Keselowski’s unfastened wheel. He fought again rapidly, charging again as much as fourth by the top of the stage.
Unhealthy luck wasn’t performed with him but, as a gradual pit cease dropped Blaney all the way in which right down to twentieth.
Ryan Blaney, Workforce Penske Ford
Photograph by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Pictures
Blaney as soon as once more marched by the sector and made certain to have more energizing tires than many of the leaders for the ultimate run to the end, pitting later than most. It paid off completely, rapidly making up floor earlier than lastly catching race chief Tyler Reddick. He made the go for the win with 4 laps to go, just for misfortune to rear its ugly head as soon as extra.
A sudden warning for Kyle Larson, who was greater than 160 laps down, pushed the race into time beyond regulation. On pit highway, Blaney misplaced the lead and by no means recovered, ending a disappointing fifth.
A successful automobile with none luck
Blaney’s response to the ultimate warning: “Oh no. I assumed we lastly had the race received… We did a very good job. Nice technique name of type of operating lengthy, giving us time to get down, run down the 45, a whole lot of these guys that brief pitted. It was a fantastic name.”
Blaney had the automobile to win at Darlington, however he by no means had the correct quantity of luck. “By no means actually obtained to regulate the race. I really feel like nothing ever actually went our method. Pit highway, we set to work on a little bit bit. Warning popping out through the cycle set us method again. I felt like we simply stored making up spots.
“Actually happy with the 12 of us for giving me a quick automobile. Simply actually wasn’t meant to be. I actually needed and would have preferred to have received right here. That may have been actually neat. Simply wasn’t meant to be. Pleased with the hassle. We’ll maintain plugging alongside.”
Learn Additionally:
On this article
Nick DeGroot
NASCAR Cup
Ryan Blaney
Workforce Penske
Be the primary to know and subscribe for real-time information e-mail updates on these subjects
Subscribe to information alerts