Ryan Blaney faced a challenging day on Sunday at the Kansas Speedway, having to start from the back after switching to a Ryan Blaney backup car following a crash during practice. Despite this setback, Blaney showed resilience by climbing into the top 10 at one point, though he ultimately finished 24th in the Hollywood Casino 400. The Team Penske driver’s determination remained strong throughout the race.
After the race, Blaney expressed his appreciation for his team and looked ahead to the critical cutoff race at Charlotte Roval, which will determine the drivers advancing from the Round of 12. Although the day brought difficulties, Blaney and his crew kept their focus on the playoff push.
Blaney’s Reflections on Running a Backup Vehicle
Ryan Blaney took to social media to share his thoughts on the tough race day. He emphasized the relentless effort of his crew in preparing a competitive backup car and refused to accept defeat, despite the odds. This attitude exemplifies the intense competitive nature found in NASCAR as drivers battle mechanical issues and unforeseen circumstances.
“We didn’t give up after going to a back up and the 12 Team worked their tails off to bring a contender. Thank you to everyone @team_penske and our partners for the support. Let’s get ready to ROVAL.”
– Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Momentum Carried from Recent Victory into Playoffs
Fortunately for Blaney, the pressure of the upcoming cutoff race is somewhat eased after his victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway the previous week. Leading 116 of 301 laps, Blaney secured his advancement into the Round of 8 with his first career win at New Hampshire and his third win of the NASCAR Cup Series 2025 season. Both he and competitor Chase Elliott have already locked in their spots for the next playoff stage.
Strong Performances at Upcoming Playoff Tracks Boost Blaney’s Prospects
Blaney’s history at the tracks featured in the Round of 8 offers a hopeful outlook as he seeks to qualify for the Championship 4 for the third consecutive year. The upcoming race venues—Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Martinsville Speedway—have shown to be favorable for Blaney in recent seasons.
While Blaney has yet to capture a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his record is solid, with six top-five finishes, including a recent third place in March 2024. This consistency at a challenging 1.5-mile track will be crucial as he navigates the playoff race.
Talladega stands out as one of Blaney’s best tracks, where he has claimed three wins. His latest Talladega triumph was a pivotal playoff victory last year, propelling him to the Round of 8 and ultimately the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Martinsville Speedway has been a particularly strong venue for Blaney during the playoffs. Having won the past two Martinsville playoff races, those victories secured his place in the Championship 4 each time. He came exceptionally close to the title in 2023, finishing as runner-up behind Joey Logano in the season finale.
Looking Ahead to the Charlotte Roval and Beyond
As Ryan Blaney prepares for the Charlotte Roval, the cutoff race in the Round of 12, his recent performances and track success offer cautious optimism. Overcoming the setback of starting with a backup car at Kansas demonstrates his and Team Penske’s resilience amid adversity. The upcoming race will be crucial in maintaining momentum and advancing closer to a possible championship repeat.
With the playoffs intensifying, every point and position matter more than ever. Blaney’s strong history on these playoff tracks and his ability to bounce back underline the determination he and the team have shown throughout a tense and demanding season.
We didn’t give up after going to a back up and the 12 Team worked their tails off to bring a contender. Thank you to everyone @team_penske and our partners for the support. Let’s get ready to ROVAL. pic.twitter.com/jlCgFv6T58
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) September 29, 2025
