Ryan Blaney described the recent NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway as exceptionally unpredictable, calling the 500-lap event “wild.” The unexpected challenge arose from extreme tire wear that impacted race strategies across the field, making this race notably difficult for drivers and teams.
Goodyear introduced a softer compound tire for the right side of the Cup cars, while retaining the usual compound for the left side. The goal was to create a balance that delivered consistent tire wear throughout the race. This approach worked during daytime practice sessions, especially under track temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, since the Bristol race was held at night, cooler track temperatures led to a different outcome.
Drivers began losing tire performance as soon as 30 laps into the race, forcing teams to adjust their strategies on the fly. Reflecting after the race, Blaney, who finished fourth, acknowledged the surprise factor the tires introduced.
“The tires were interesting. No one expected that. I guess that’s what they want. It practices one way and then it races a completely different way, so we just tried to manage tires and ran a bunch of laps under caution, and I thought we were pretty good all night and glad to get a good finish.” —Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“It was a wild night. I wish we wouldn’t have run so many laps under caution,” he added.
Blaney’s Season Standing and Upcoming Race Details
This fourth-place finish marked Blaney’s 12th top-five result of the NASCAR season. He currently holds a 19-point lead above the playoff cutoff, securing his position for the Round of 12 competitors. The next race in the playoff segment is the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, scheduled for Sunday, September 21.
Fans interested in watching the 301-lap race can tune in starting at 2 pm ET on the USA Network, or listen live via PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring widespread coverage of this important event.
Ryan Blaney’s Perspective on Conflict with Kyle Larson at Gateway
Earlier, during the race at World Wide Technology Raceway in Gateway, Blaney experienced a heated incident with Kyle Larson. On lap 135, Larson spun Blaney out in Turns 3 and 4, sparking frustration for the Penske driver. The intensity of the moment was clear as Blaney confronted Larson following the race.
Though the incident was recent, Blaney emphasized that he does not dwell on grudges. He shared how he processes such conflicts quickly, allowing himself to move past them without ongoing resentment.
“I’ve always been someone who doesn’t hold a ton of grudge,” Blaney said during an interview at Bristol. “I’ve found it more healthy for me to get it out of my system right away, and then I can move on.” —Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“If I hold it in, then I think about it for a long time and then that’s how things can kind of build and all that stuff. That’s just kind of how I’ve approached it,” he added speaking of his tangle with the 2021 Cup Series champion.
Penske’s Strong Championship Momentum
In 2023, Ryan Blaney secured his first career NASCAR Cup Series championship, furthering the success of the Mooresville-based Penske team. His teammate Joey Logano has been particularly dominant, winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2024. Should this year’s Cup Series crown go to another Penske driver, it would represent an impressive fourth championship for the organization within a short span.
