Ryan Blaney, a key driver for Team Penske in the NASCAR Cup Series, sacrificed a potential victory in 2022 following instructions from his team as part of a broader championship strategy. This decision took place during a crucial race at Phoenix Raceway, where Blaney yielded his chance to overtake his teammate for the greater goal of securing the team’s championship.
During the 2022 season, which featured 19 different race winners—the highest since 2001—Blaney faced a challenging year, finishing without a win in any points-paying events despite winning the NASCAR All-Star race. In the Phoenix race, Blaney was running second behind his teammate Joey Logano, the eventual eventual 2022 Cup Series champion. Blaney was posting faster lap times but held back to prevent allowing a third-place challenger, Ross Chastain, who was also in contention for the title, from closing the gap. This team-focused call meant Blaney gave up the opportunity to pass Logano and win, even though it would not have impacted the championship results.
Blaney’s Role in Team Penske’s Championship Approach
Blaney’s willingness to follow team orders reflected a strategic sacrifice for Penske’s larger championship ambitions. Penske later acknowledged this team dynamic, saying,
“I think I told him on the radio with about 10 to go, ‘You’re his wingman’. I think we were fine the way we were.”
This statement illustrates how the team prioritized securing the championship over an individual race win.
The following year, Blaney’s efforts contributed to Team Penske’s overall success as the team clinched the Cup Series championship in 2023. During that season, Blaney secured three victories, including a notable win at the Coca-Cola 600 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which is one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events.
Insights from Zak Brown’s Conversation with Roger Penske
In a related development within the motorsport world, McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently engaged in a candid meeting with Roger Penske during a rare visit to the United States. Brown discussed the importance of honest feedback within the IndyCar organization, emphasizing that team owners often withhold their true opinions when speaking with Penske directly.
Brown indicated that this lack of transparency could hinder Penske’s ability to make well-informed decisions for the sport’s future. He explained,
“But I am disappointed in some of the team owners that when ‘The Captain’ is not around, they say another thing. And I think that does a disservice, actually, to Roger, because he probably gets conflicting information when he’s not around the teams, and when he’s around, it’s like, ‘Hey, everything’s great’. I was like, ‘That’s not what you said 20 minutes ago’.”
He also described his discussion with Penske positively, stating,
“I had a good meeting this morning with ‘The Captain’. We spoke about everything, and it was very productive.”
Zak Brown stressed that open communication is essential for enhancing IndyCar’s popularity and organizational harmony worldwide.
The Impact of Blaney’s Team Sacrifice and Future Outlook
Ryan Blaney’s decision to prioritize Team Penske’s championship objectives in 2022 demonstrates the often complex balance between individual ambition and team strategy in professional motorsport. While Blaney missed out on a potential win, his sacrifice played a part in the team’s overall success, culminating in their championship triumph a year later.
This approach highlights the strategic considerations that shape racing outcomes beyond just the competition on the track. As Team Penske continues to adjust its methods, the role of transparent communication—both within the team and across the wider motorsport community—remains crucial for building sustained success in the seasons ahead.
