The debate over which NASCAR races truly qualify as crown jewels continues to divide fans and insiders alike. Traditionally, events like the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500 are recognized as the sport’s marquee races. However, some argue that the Brickyard 400 should be replaced by the Bristol Night Race, underscoring the varying opinions within the community. Despite differing views, the historical importance of the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500 remains undisputed as staple events in the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.
Ryan Blaney’s Unique Perspective on Crown Jewel Rankings
Following the 2025 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney shared his personal rankings of NASCAR’s crown jewel races during an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Blaney’s list places the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte as his top crown jewel, followed by the Southern 500 at Darlington, the Daytona 500, and finally, the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.
“To me personally, there’s four crown jewels. I know a lot of people probably won’t agree with that, but it’s Daytona, Darlington, Coke 600 and Indy,”
Blaney said. …
“To me, I feel like it’s Coke 600, Darlington, Daytona, then Indy. That’s kind of my list. … It doesn’t matter if it’s number one, two, three or four, I’m gonna get flack for it. That’s just the way it goes.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
This ranking sparked discussions among fans due to Blaney’s choice to list the Brickyard 400 fourth, a position that some in the community find contentious given Indianapolis’ renowned racing pedigree. Nevertheless, Blaney acknowledged his stance knowing he might receive criticism, emphasizing his commitment to his personal evaluation.
Reasons Behind Blaney’s Crown Jewel Hierarchy
Blaney’s explanation highlights the physical and mental challenges posed by the Coca-Cola 600, regarded as one of the longest and most demanding events in NASCAR. Similarly, he praises the Southern 500 at Darlington for its grueling 500-mile race length, which demands exceptional mental strength and endurance given the track‘s unforgiving walls.
While Blaney has previously triumphed at the Coca-Cola 600 in 2023, his record at Darlington shows only four top-10 finishes in 18 starts. This makes it notable that he ranks Darlington above Daytona, where he boasts two wins but has yet to secure a victory in the Daytona 500, NASCAR‘s most prestigious event.
Context on the History and Significance of Crown Jewel Races
The Southern 500 at Darlington began in 1950, followed by the Daytona 500 in 1959 and the Coca-Cola 600 in 1960, all deeply embedded in NASCAR tradition. The Brickyard 400, which debuted in 1994 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is a more recent addition but carries significant prestige due to the iconic nature of the venue. These events continue to be major highlights on the Cup Series calendar.
Currently, the playoffs intensify focus on these races, with drivers chasing titles and securing positions through each round. Blaney, sitting 22 points above the cutoff line with two races left in the Round of 16, remains a strong contender as the postseason unfolds.
The Impact of Blaney’s Rankings on NASCAR Discourse
Blaney’s rankings add fresh perspective to ongoing discussions about which events deserve the crown jewel label. His status as a current champion and consistent playoff contender lends weight to his opinions and keeps the conversation lively. As the NASCAR season advances, fans and analysts alike will revisit these rankings and debate the significance of each race, fueling enthusiasm for the sport’s most challenging and prestigious competitions.
