Ryan Blaney experienced a significant wreck during practice at Kansas Speedway just a week after his victory at New Hampshire, raising concerns for Team Penske ahead of the next NASCAR playoff races. The crash occurred when Blaney lost a left rear tire, causing him to hit the wall hard and drag his car to a stop, putting the team’s preparation under intense scrutiny.
Details of Blaney’s Incident and Its Implications
During practice, Team Penske appeared to take an aggressive approach with tire pressures, which seemingly contributed to Blaney’s left rear tire failure. After losing the tire, his car collided with the wall at high speed, causing significant damage. Although the team hopes to repair the car, they also prepared a backup vehicle in case the original cannot be fixed in time for the race.
This mishap was not isolated; Joey Logano, another Penske driver, encountered a related tire issue but managed to save his car from crashing. The problems suggest that the tire pressures might be improperly set, creating a risk for more incidents if the issue isn’t addressed promptly.
Trouble for @Blaney in practice! pic.twitter.com/jFVdKRBmkl
— NASCAR
Team Penske’s Challenges with Tire Pressures at Kansas
Kansas Speedway is usually a strong track for Team Penske, but the recent tire failures indicate a serious technical challenge. With two Penske cars experiencing tire problems in practice, the team must identify and correct this issue quickly to avoid jeopardizing race performance and playoff standings.
Ryan Blaney will start at the rear of the field due to the wreck, which lessens some pressure. Starting near the back of the grid removes immediate expectations for a top position and allows him to focus on moving up through the field without the burden of defending a high starting spot. This change in circumstances could alleviate some intensity for Blaney during the race.
Impact on Playoff Strategy and Upcoming Races
The NASCAR Playoffs are an intense period where every race outcome carries considerable weight, and drivers must stay consistently strong to advance. For Blaney and Team Penske, the wreck serves as a reminder of the continuous challenges they face. The team will need to find solutions not only for Kansas but also to carry positive momentum into upcoming events like Las Vegas.
Austin Cindric also faces uncertainty heading into qualifying, as his team grapples with similar tire concerns. Securing a good qualifying position will be vital for both Cindric and Logano to maintain their playoff contention. The trust in tire performance could make the difference between advancing comfortably or falling below the cutline ahead of the difficult Roval race, which mixes road course and oval elements.
Potential Consequences for Team Penske and Playoff Contenders
The problems at Kansas highlight vulnerabilities in Team Penske’s setup that could have broader consequences. While Blaney’s wreck is the most visible issue, similar warnings from teammate Logano indicate a systemic concern. If these tire problems persist into qualifying or the race itself, it could threaten the team’s stronghold in the playoffs and shake up the driver standings.
With playoff pressure mounting, every mistake becomes magnified, and teams must adapt quickly. This situation underlines the fine margins in NASCAR, where equipment reliability is just as crucial as driver skill.
Trouble for @Blaney in practice! pic.twitter.com/jFVdKRBmkl
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 27, 2025
