Ryan Blaney demonstrated resilience in the recent NASCAR race held on the Chicago Street Course, overcoming early challenges to secure a 12th-place finish. The No. 12 Ford Mustang driver began the event on Sunday starting from 17th position, facing a multi-car pileup within the first few laps that threatened to derail his race.
Despite minor damage sustained during the initial incident, Blaney avoided any major issues and remained in contention as the race paused under a red flag. When the competition resumed, he focused on gaining momentum and improving his standing.
Strategic Moves and Stage Victory Highlight Blaney’s Determination
Team Penske’s crew chief Jonathan Hassler opted to bring Blaney to pit road before the conclusion of Stage 1, a decision that sacrificed immediate track position but aimed at long-term advantage. This strategy began paying dividends during Stage 2, where Blaney took advantage of extended time on the track while others pitted.
His performance intensified as he advanced through the top five, eventually claiming the lead with just two laps remaining in the stage. Blaney’s effort culminated in winning the stage, marking his fourth stage win of the 2025 season and reinforcing his competitive form despite earlier setbacks.
“I thought overall it was a pretty decent day. It was nice to win that stage. I knew we were going to lose track position, but we were fine. We made up really good ground on the restart in the third stage and then I hit the inside wall in (Turn) 11 and popped the right-front tire. We had to work our way back from there, but, overall, it was a decent recovery,” Blaney said (via Team Penske)
Late-Race Challenges and Final Positioning
After a four-tire pit stop, Blaney restarted well behind the leaders but continued to push aggressively. Unfortunately, on Lap 52 he hit the inside wall at Turn 11, causing a punctured right-front tire and an unexpected pit stop. However, a timely caution kept Blaney on the lead lap, giving him the opportunity to regain several positions as the race drew to a close.
His strong finish in 12th place not only reflected remarkable persistence but also bolstered his standing as the playoffs approach, keeping him in contention as the season progresses.
Support from Family and Looking Ahead to Sonoma Raceway
Blaney’s sister, Erin Blaney, a familiar figure in the NASCAR community and the daughter of former driver Dave Blaney, has provided continuous support from off the track. The Blaney family remains tightly connected, with Erin contributing to charitable initiatives in addition to maintaining a visible presence at races, while sister Emma is involved through her marriage to driver Cale Conley.
With the Chicago race behind him, Ryan Blaney will turn his focus toward Sonoma Raceway this weekend. While his recent road course results have been mixed, including one top-five finish at Sonoma, the momentum gained during the Chicago Street Course race offers encouragement as he aims to improve his performance on the California circuit.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. At the Charlotte Roval race, Blaney finished in eighth place, which allowed him to move to the Round of 12. In a very close race at Talladega, he defeated Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds to enter the Round of 8. Despite spinning onto pit road early in the race, he managed this win.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney clinched victory at the Talladega fall race, narrowly beating Ryan Newman by 0.007 seconds. Despite an early spin onto pit road, he moved into the Round of 8.
