At the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Watkins Glen, the big question was whether anyone could challenge Shane van Gisbergen‘s dominance in qualifying and the race. Team Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney surprised many by clinching the pole position with an 11.960-second lap, narrowly edging out van Gisbergen, who secured second place with an 11.993-second lap. Bubba Wallace, a close friend of Blaney, took the opportunity to tease him before Sunday’s race, hinting that van Gisbergen would be a tough opponent to beat.
During the post-qualifying press conference, Blaney revealed that Wallace jokingly warned him about the challenges lying ahead once the green flag drops. The No.12 Ford driver shared,
“I mean, take little wins when you can get them. Bubba came up to me and said, ‘Well, that was a bad idea because now he’s going to really wax you tomorrow.’”
Blaney responded with determination and a hint of humor, encouraging Wallace by saying he hoped Blaney could beat van Gisbergen at least once during the weekend. Reflecting on last year’s difficult outing at Watkins Glen, where he started at the back and was involved in an early wreck, Blaney expressed relief at a stronger start this time around.
“I said, ‘Hey, beat him once this weekend.’ So, we gotta start somewhere. It’s just nice to start towards the front. Last year, at this race, we had a rough weekend and qualified in the back. Got into the wreck on Lap 1, and um, to turn around and have a much better start to the weekend at least, just hope to keep it up,”
he added.
The pole position was particularly meaningful for Blaney and Team Penske, marking the organization’s 150th pole in the top tier of NASCAR. Blaney acknowledged the advantage gained from the one-lap speed, and he seemed determined to use that momentum to deliver a strong race performance on a track where he has struggled in the past.
Ryan Blaney Reflects on His Pole Position and the Challenges Ahead
Blaney’s pole-winning lap marked a significant achievement not only personally but also for Team Penske’s storied history in NASCAR. The driver made it clear that while the one-lap pace was encouraging, sustaining that speed over the race distance would be crucial at Watkins Glen, a track that has rarely offered him good results. The pressure is now on to convert this advantage into a competitive finish in Sunday’s race.
The playful exchange with Bubba Wallace underscores the intensity and camaraderie between drivers as they prepare to face Shane van Gisbergen, the 2023 Cup Series champion, who continues to prove formidable on road courses.
Shane van Gisbergen Responds to Qualifying and Race Prospects
Shane van Gisbergen, driving for Trackhouse Racing, approached the weekend seeking redemption after a challenging year at Watkins Glen. Despite narrowly missing out on pole by just fractions of a second, van Gisbergen was content with starting second and confident about his chances to advance early in the race. He acknowledged the tight competition, especially on road courses where margins are thin.
Man, it’s amazing how close it all is for a road course. My laps were OK, and there probably were some things I could have fixed. Decent start for tomorrow.
—Shane van Gisbergen
This realistic attitude reflects van Gisbergen’s recognition that every detail counts on this circuit. His performance showed promise despite minor mistakes, keeping him in prime position to challenge for the lead as the race unfolds.
Setback in the Xfinity Race Adds Motivation for van Gisbergen
On Saturday, van Gisbergen also competed in the Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen but suffered a severe wreck after contact with teammate Conor Zilisch during a fight for the lead. The incident forced him to retire early from that race, while Zilisch emerged victorious. This setback may have fueled van Gisbergen’s determination to make a significant impact in Sunday’s Cup race and regain momentum at the track.
Upcoming Battle Highlights Rivalries and Strategy at Watkins Glen
As Sunday’s race approaches, Ryan Blaney will start from the front with attention focused on how he manages the challenge from Shane van Gisbergen, a proven champion on road courses. Blaney’s friend Bubba Wallace’s lighthearted warning adds an extra layer of competitive spirit to the event. Beyond personal rivalry, the race carries strategic weight for Team Penske, which aims to build on its milestone pole achievement.
With van Gisbergen motivated by both redemption and strong early positioning, and Blaney eager to maintain his front-row advantage, the battle at Watkins Glen promises high stakes and intense competition. Fans can expect these drivers to push hard as they contend for supremacy on one of NASCAR’s most demanding road courses.
