Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, recently spoke about his admiration for NASCAR hauler truck drivers following the international race weekend at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. Despite finishing 14th after a strong start, Blaney emphasized the immense effort required to organize and execute such a large-scale event and highlighted the need for a post-race break to help everyone involved recharge.
Blaney acknowledged the physical and mental toll that the weekend took on the entire NASCAR team, from executives at the Daytona headquarters to the garage staff. However, he reserved special recognition for the hauler truck drivers who log countless miles transporting equipment between races. On the Rubbin is Racing podcast, when asked about incorporating breaks after international events, Blaney strongly supported the idea, saying,
I would like to see maybe a week off after an international event, just to give everybody a little bit of a breather. Time to reset mostly. The truck drivers, I mean, those guys are rockstars! I don’t know how they do it. How many miles do they put under their belt traveling every single weekend?
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Blaney’s History and Prospects at Pocono Raceway
Looking ahead, Blaney returns to Pocono Raceway, also known as the Tricky Triangle, where he captured his first Cup Series victory in 2017. Now, eight years later, he defends his title at this challenging track while holding a prominent position in the current points standings. With one win and six top-five finishes at Pocono, Blaney is considered one of the leading contenders for Sunday’s race.
His consistency at Pocono is notable, managing 11 top-12 finishes in 15 starts. This track record suggests he is well-positioned to deliver another strong performance. Blaney shared with the press how his past successes might give him an edge:
It’s always nice to go back to places that you’ve had success at. Things change from year to year and week to week, but when you have success at tracks you’ve won at pretty recently, you have a pretty decent notebook to use.
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Why Post-Race Breaks Could Benefit NASCAR’s Workforce
The idea of implementing longer breaks after international races stems from the recognition of the enormous demands placed on all NASCAR personnel. International events require meticulous planning and extensive travel, intensifying the workload for everyone involved. Blaney’s comments specifically highlight the hauler truck drivers, whose long hours behind the wheel are rarely acknowledged but critical to the success of race weekends.
By proposing a week off following such strenuous events, Blaney hopes NASCAR can allow its teams time to recover physically and mentally. This pause would not only benefit the haulers but also crews, drivers, and staff who endure grueling schedules. As NASCAR expands its global footprint, managing these challenges will become increasingly important to maintain performance and morale.
The Implications for NASCAR’s International Expansion
Blaney’s praise of the hauler truck drivers and call for rest underscores the complexities of NASCAR’s growing international calendar. Successfully staging races abroad involves multiple layers of coordination, and the well-being of all participants is a crucial factor. Introducing scheduled breaks after international stops may help sustain the competitive level and safety across the series.
As the Cup Series looks to build on its Mexico City race and other global events, the sport may consider adapting its schedule for better balance. By valuing the contributions of every team member, especially those like the hauler truck drivers who keep the sport moving, NASCAR can enhance both its operational effectiveness and its reputation among fans and professionals alike.
