Ryan Blaney, the Team Penske driver and 2023 Cup Series champion, has expressed strong support for rotating NASCAR events to different venues, suggesting that the championship race could benefit from a rotation similar to the NASCAR Clash. Blaney’s comments come following the announcement that the Cook Out Clash will return to Bowman Gray Stadium in 2026 after a successful debut there in 2025.
NASCAR revealed on July 9 that the 2026 edition of the Clash will be held again at Bowman Gray Stadium, with the 2024 event taking place at The Coliseum. The 2025 Clash saw Chase Elliott finish ahead of Blaney, who praised the race for its excitement and competitive racing conditions.
Blaney Applauds Clash’s Success and Suggests Championship Race Could Follow Its Lead
Reflecting on the Clash event at Bowman Gray, Ryan Blaney highlighted the positive reception and thrilling nature of the race. He appreciated the dynamic racing, particularly the abundant passing and tire wear that contributed to an engaging spectacle. Blaney expressed optimism about the event’s future presence at Bowman Gray, supporting multi-year commitments at unique venues.
Blaney also advocated for broader rotation in NASCAR’s marquee races. He suggested that the championship weekend could be moved among venues, similar to the Clash, to keep the competition fresh and exciting for fans. On SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he said:
“I thought it was a huge success earlier this year. I loved running around that place. I think everybody really enjoyed it. I think it put on a really good show, honestly. Like, there was a lot of passing, there was a lot of tire fall-off. So I think it was good they finally got that out there and I see everybody excited about it, as they should be.”
“That’s great news. I love keeping it there at Bowman Gray, at least for two, three years, right? I mean, you can, that’s another one. We talk about rotating the championship weekend or whatever. You can rotate that race too and they’ve done that. So I’m happy it got a second date.”
Blaney’s Continued Impact in the Cup Series and Playoff Contention
Ryan Blaney remains a key figure in the NASCAR Cup Series. After winning the title in 2023 and finishing second to his teammate Joey Logano last year, Blaney is poised for another strong campaign in 2024, having already qualified for the playoffs. As the series approaches its final stretch, his performance will significantly influence the championship battle.
Blaney Defends NASCAR’s Television Viewership Amid Criticism
Blaney also addressed concerns about NASCAR’s TV ratings in response to journalist Jeff Gluck’s comment that the 1.6 million viewers for the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta were disappointing. Highlighting a comparison with Formula 1‘s Austrian Grand Prix, which drew 1.1 million viewers in the U.S. during the same weekend, Blaney defended NASCAR’s audience numbers.
He expressed frustration at the negative portrayal of NASCAR’s viewership, emphasizing the sport’s consistent success in attracting fans. On social media platform X, Blaney stated:
“So, we got 500k more folks tuned in. Why do people make it out to be a bad thing? We crush the parade every week, so why do we get down in the dumps by this? Nascar is currently crushing it.”
Upcoming Race Weekend Marks Next Challenge for Blaney and NASCAR
Ryan Blaney and the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series will next compete at Sonoma Raceway in California for the Toyota Save Mart 350 on July 13. This race weekend represents another critical moment as the playoffs loom and the championship fight intensifies. Blaney’s call to rotate marquee events, combined with his continued success on the track, suggests that he remains deeply invested in both the sport’s competitive and promotional future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. At the Charlotte Roval race, Blaney secured eighth place, allowing him to move to the Round of 12.
Blaney narrowly won the fall race at Talladega, beating Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds in a photo finish.
Despite spinning early onto pit road, this victory helped him advance to the Round of 8.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney clinched victory at the Talladega fall race, edging out Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds in a photo finish. This win allowed him to move on to the Round of 8, even though he had an early spin onto the pit road.
