NASCAR analyst Jordan Bianchi recently highlighted Ryan Blaney as the frontrunner for the 2025 Cup Series championship, emphasizing Blaney’s strong playoff performance and growing momentum. Blaney’s standing as the Ryan Blaney championship favorite is shaped by his ability to rebound from early setbacks and dominate key races throughout the playoffs.
Blaney’s championship pursuit started with an underwhelming 18th-place finish at Darlington, but he quickly recovered by posting three straight top-five finishes, outpacing his teammate Joey Logano in each. At Gateway and Bristol, Blaney and Logano finished closely at fourth and fifth place, with Blaney edging out Logano on several occasions. Alongside this, Logano earned the Busch Light pole at the New Hampshire race and led a race-high 147 laps, yet it was Blaney who controlled the final 39 laps to claim victory and a spot in the playoff’s final eight.
Analysis of Blaney’s Playoff Momentum and Key Race Performances
Jordan Bianchi pointed to upcoming tracks favoring Blaney and his Team Penske squad as crucial for extending their championship bid. He remarked,
“This team is now focused on Las Vegas, a track they’re really good at and they’ve got a lot of speed. If they can carry that speed over to Las Vegas and have success, they put themselves in a good position points-wise to maybe not have to fret at Talladega, another race that’s good for them. And oh, by the way, after Talladega’s Martinsville, which just happens to be Ryan Blaney’s best track and then after that is Phoenix.”
He further emphasized Blaney’s championship potential by stating,
“My point in all this is if you’re looking for a championship favorite, I think we found it and it’s Ryan Blaney and that 12 team.”
Bianchi’s confidence reflects Blaney’s solid positioning at the top of the playoff standings and the consistency he has maintained compared to other contenders like Joey Logano, who trails outside the top five with a 24-point gap.
Blaney’s success at Loudon also bolsters his chances, as it is indicative of his strength on flat tracks. This bodes well for the Phoenix race, which shares similar characteristics and is one of Team Penske’s favored tracks during the playoff stretch.
Ryan Blaney’s Perspective on His Championship Status
Despite the growing buzz around his title chances, Ryan Blaney maintains a grounded outlook. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR radio, the Team Penske driver acknowledged the uncertainty and competitiveness of the Cup Series playoffs. He reflected,
“Every team that’s in this deal is really talented, every driver is incredibly talented, so you never know who’s going to come on strong at what time. This sport is a week-to-week sport, and you can be on the top of the world one week, and then you can be struggling to find your own way the next week.”
Blaney’s approach focuses on consistent team performance rather than dwelling on the “favorite” label. As he prepares for the Round of 12 at Kansas Speedway, where he previously earned a top-five finish, his priority remains steady results rather than expectations.
Upcoming Challenges and What to Expect Next
Blaney’s journey continues with the next playoff event at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, September 28, at 3 PM ET, where he will aim to maintain his momentum and solidify his standing. Success at Kansas, followed by strong showings at Las Vegas, Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix, could cement his position as a leading championship contender.
With Team Penske’s performance peaking at strategic tracks and Blaney’s recent confidence gains on flat speedways, the driver’s championship bid appears well-positioned for sustained competitiveness. His blend of experience, resilience, and key victories may prove decisive in a playoff season marked by unpredictable shifts in fortune.
Ryan Blaney's win at New Hampshire serves as a reminder of his playoff prowess. The win allows Blaney and his team to focus on Las Vegas, a track where they excel. Plus, Talladega and Martinsville are on the horizon. #RyanBlaney #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/YvKz5n1uhA
— PRN (@PRNlive) September 24, 2025
