Ryan Blaney, reigning champion of the NASCAR 2023 Cup Series, faced significant challenges on the track last year, finding himself entangled in two major pile-ups. Despite the increased safety measures in place, such close calls often result in knocks to the head and considerable frustration.
However, when questioned recently about the toll these incidents might be taking on him, Blaney shrugged off concerns effortlessly. Growing up with a racetrack as his playground and witnessing his father’s racing exploits, he understood the risks involved from a young age and accepted them as part of the sport.
During the NASCAR Cup Series event in Nashville, luck seemed to evade Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney. His #12 Ford Mustang made contact with the wall at Nashville Superspeedway during a restart, forcing an early exit from the 400-mile race.
Then, in September at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Blaney collided nose-first with the tri-oval barrier at a breathtaking speed of 190mph, marking it as the most challenging impact he has experienced.
Unfortunately, the rough ride continued at the Daytona 500 qualifying race, where Blaney’s car was clipped, sending him spiraling into the wall and enduring a bone-jarring 55-g impact.
In a span of just eight months, Blaney found himself at the center of three accidents at Daytona and Nashville. While the physical toll of the Daytona incidents was evident, it was the crash in Nashville that affected him mentally, setting an unwanted trend for Team Penske of encountering challenges at Daytona and Talladega.
Reflecting on these ordeals, Blaney admitted, “I feel like the Nashville hit was by far the hardest hit I’ve ever taken.” Despite the mental strain it caused, he remained resolute when questioned about the psychological effects of such terrifying experiences.
During a recent press conference, he remarked, “It’s more than I’d like to take, but it’s part of our sport… I don’t ever think about the bad side of this.” Blaney emphasized that he understood the risks when he entered the sport, drawing from his upbringing watching his father race.
Despite facing adversity on the track, Blaney is not without his own aggressive maneuvers. He acknowledges that he has been involved in pushing rivals but emphasizes his commitment to looking out for fellow racers when circumstances demand it.
At the age of 30, with a NASCAR championship under his belt but the Daytona 500 still on his bucket list, Ryan Blaney, representing Team Penske, discussed the intricacies of bump drafting, a technique integral to speedway racing.
He explained that giving a slight nudge has become a crucial part of racing strategy, particularly in today’s era. However, Blaney stressed the importance of responsibility and smart decision-making when engaging in bump drafting, highlighting the need for strategic maneuvers on the racetrack.
