Ryan Blaney expertly guided Team Penske to a strong 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff qualification by leading 139 of 300 laps and earning the win at Nashville Superspeedway. This impressive performance marked Blaney’s first victory of the season and solidified his place in the championship race.
With this triumph, Blaney joined fellow winners Joey Logano, who claimed victory at Texas, and Austin Cindric, the Talladega winner, in locking in their positions for the 10-race playoffs of NASCAR’s top series.
Race Highlights and Top Finishes at Nashville Superspeedway
The event concluded after a grueling 300 laps, featuring a lengthy 102-lap green-flag run following seven cautions during the initial 198 laps. Blaney, driving the No. 12 Ford, dominated the closing portion by leading 111 of the last 132 laps and winning Stage 2.
Carson Hocevar finished second on the track, followed by Denny Hamlin in third, Logano in fourth, and William Byron in fifth position. Rounding out the top 10 were Bubba Wallace, Erik Jones, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, and Christopher Bell.
This victory made Blaney the ninth distinct winner to confirm a spot in the 16-driver playoff lineup, a notable bounce-back after a 38th-place finish at the Coca-Cola 600 and several other underwhelming results earlier in the season.
Blaney Reflects on Overcoming Challenges to Claim Victory
Speaking with Prime’s Marty Snider, Blaney expressed resilience and gratitude for his team’s efforts throughout the year.
I never gave up hope, that’s for sure,
he said.
We’ve had great speed all year, just hasn’t really been the best year for us as far as good fortune. The 12 boys are awesome. They stick with it no matter how it goes, and it was great to finish one out now.
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Incident Between Hocevar and Stenhouse Influences Race Dynamics
The race featured a critical moment in Stage 2 when a collision occurred between Carson Hocevar and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. on Lap 106. Hocevar’s left-rear tap pushed Stenhouse into the Turn 4 wall, triggering a flurry of caution laps. Stenhouse, struggling near the playoff cutoff, was forced to retire early, finishing last after completing only 110 laps.
Stenhouse shared his perspective on the collision with Snider, stating,
Lap or two before, he tried to dive in there from about 10 car lengths back,
and added,
That time, I just opened my entry a little bit, he overcharged the corner and just drilled us in the rear bumper. I’d say it’s not out of the norm for him, but I definitely wasn’t expecting that at that point in the race.
—Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Driver
He also lamented the premature ending of his day, saying,
Bummer for us. Our Camaro wasn’t great, but we were making changes, and I felt like that restart, I was a little better than the run before. We were just burning our right rear tire off throughout the run. Bummed that our day ended like that. I’ll definitely have something to do about it at one point.
—Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Driver
Hocevar responded to the criticism with a more measured view.
I’ve seen a bunch of people do that same sort of move and get shipped, and I think he was the one for me to wreck them,
Hocevar remarked.
But I felt like that was just a common move with how big of a run I had, but I didn’t see it. I’m sure he’ll want to talk about. I’ll talk about it. We’ll look at the replay. But I have no idea until I see it.
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
Multiple Crashes and Mechanical Issues Affect Key Drivers
The race experienced several additional setbacks in the middle stages. On Lap 112, Noah Gragson and Alex Bowman suffered heavy damage in a collision that also involved Kyle Larson. Shortly after the green flag on Lap 119, Christopher Bell lost control of his No. 20 Toyota after repeated contact with Erik Jones’ No. 43 car, prompting another caution.
Mechanical troubles forced pit stops for Kyle Larson, who battled a loose wheel, and Tyler Reddick, who dealt with a flat tire on Lap 124. The caution came again when Corey Heim collided with the Turn 4 wall after miscalculating his exit and making contact with Brad Keselowski.
Stage Winners and Upcoming Race Details
Denny Hamlin took the first stage, while Ryan Blaney secured victory in the second, underscoring strong performances across the field. Looking ahead, the next race is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, at 2 p.m. ET at the Michigan International Speedway, with live coverage continuing on Prime.
Implications for the 2025 NASCAR Playoffs
Ryan Blaney’s commanding win at Nashville Superspeedway not only marks a crucial turning point in his 2025 campaign but also strengthens Team Penske’s presence in the playoff landscape. This victory helps Blaney build momentum after early-season struggles, while intensifying competition among the playoff contenders.
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads toward Michigan, drivers will aim to capitalize on their form and strategy, making each upcoming race vital in the pursuit of the championship.
