Ryan Blaney has recently criticized NASCAR’s current aero package, emphasizing a need for increased horsepower and more aggressive passing opportunities. The Penske driver expressed these views while discussing how the existing NASCAR aero package limits competitive racing and overtaking options.
Currently, all Cup Series cars share similar specifications, with teams sourcing parts from common contracted suppliers. This standardization curtails the ability to boost speed significantly, forcing drivers to rely heavily on strategy and aerodynamic effects to gain an advantage in passing.
Blaney’s Desire for More Dynamic Aerodynamic Effects
Blaney highlighted that the cars’ aerodynamic setups no longer allow drivers to disrupt an opponent’s handling easily, particularly by targeting the left rear of a rival’s car to create instability. He suggested this mechanic, common in previous generations, would enable more exciting and frequent overtakes.
“The biggest thing I wish, like, obviously, the horsepower thing is a is a no brainer. Like I wish we got back up in there. But even with like reduced horsepower, like the Xfinity cars have less horsepower than we have. I wish we could, and we could do this with the old car. I wish you could get people loose on the left rear again.” —Ryan Blaney, Penske Driver
“If you’re close, you can kind of get on the left rear quarter panel and get them loose, get them off the bottom and go on,” Blaney further explained. “I think that’s like a super important thing that it helps a lot of the racing, helps passing, if you can pack air like that.” —Ryan Blaney, Penske Driver
Since the start of the Next Gen era, which began with the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, there have been notable performances. Joey Logano, Blaney’s teammate, claimed the 2022 championship, becoming the first in this new generation. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson has accumulated the most race wins, securing 16 victories to date.
Overcoming Challenges at Pocono Raceway
At the recent race in Pocono Raceway, Blaney faced several setbacks but still managed to finish strong. He was relegated to the back of the field early on due to his team’s unapproved adjustments to his No. 12 Mustang. This disadvantage forced him to fight through the pack during the race.
Compounding his difficulty, Blaney’s cooling suit malfunctioned about 15 laps into the race, making the already demanding conditions even tougher. The driver suffered severe heat exhaustion and leg cramps, even falling to his knees several times as he battled through the discomfort.
His crew chief, Jonathan Hassler, made a strategic late fuel stop before Stage 2, which helped sustain Blaney’s performance despite his physical challenges.
“It was hot. I flipped it on probably lap 15. I was like, ‘Oh, it’s going to be a long day, so… ‘ Was able to just keep going. Really proud of the whole 12 guys from starting in the back, making good ground.” —Ryan Blaney, Penske Driver
Blaney’s resilience earned him a third-place finish at Pocono, marking his seventh top-five result this season. This run solidifies his position sixth overall in the driver standings, with 503 points accumulated so far.
Upcoming Race at Echopark Speedway
Looking ahead, Blaney will compete in the Quaker State 400 at Echopark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway, on Saturday, June 28. The race features 260 laps and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports starting at 7 pm ET. Fans can also follow live coverage through PRN radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Blaney’s comments on the Ryan Blaney NASCAR aero package underline a broader conversation in the sport about how to enhance the racing spectacle. Changes to increase horsepower and allow more dynamic aerodynamic interactions could lead to more exciting on-track battles and overtaking, benefiting drivers and fans alike as the season progresses.
