Ryan Blaney will begin Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway from the back of the pack after his team replaced the starter on his No. 12 Ford. With Pocono’s reputation as a difficult track to pass on, Blaney’s team must rely on a clever race strategy to move up the field and contend for victory. This situation demands precise planning and execution, and Blaney places strong trust in crew chief Jonathan Hassler’s tactical abilities.
Blaney Confident in Crew Chief Jonathan Hassler’s Innovative Plans
Blaney praised Hassler’s strategic talents, highlighting his creativity and ability to think unconventionally in tough situations.
“He’s one of the best at it [strategy],”
Blaney said in an interview on Prime Video. He elaborated on Hassler’s foresight and decision-making following the starter replacement decision, stressing how the crew chief began charting out potential moves well before race day. This proactive planning aims to ensure optimal pit timing and track position to avoid losing laps while climbing through the field.
Blaney added,
“Just one of his gifts that he has, and I trust everything he does. I might give my opinion every now and then, but that’s just us talking and discussing our thoughts. But at the end of the day, that’s his call and I trust him 100 percent of the way. Like I said, we got our work cut out for us today, but I think our car’s fast enough to where hopefully, we can make something happen.”
Blaney’s History of Success and the Road Ahead at Pocono
Blaney entered the weekend as a strong contender to win at Pocono, having claimed victories there in 2017 and again last season. Though starting from the back will make replicating past success more difficult, his speed and driving skill provide optimism for a strong performance. Avoiding on-track incidents will be critical, especially considering Blaney’s five DNFs through 16 NASCAR Cup Series races this year.
Despite the setbacks, Blaney’s win at Nashville Superspeedway has secured his spot in the 16-driver postseason field. This achievement adds a layer of confidence for Blaney and his team as they prepare for the strategic challenge ahead at Pocono. With a fast car, a capable driver, and an inventive crew chief, Blaney looks poised to turn a difficult starting position into a potential race-winning comeback.
