Ryan Blaney, the defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion, crashed his car during practice, starting his weekend on the back foot. Leading up to the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a flat tire caused his No. 12 Ford to crash into the wall during the practice session. The crash not only disrupted his practice session but also meant he will now start the race from the back, foregoing qualifying.
The crash took place on just his second lap of practice, as a punctured left rear tire sent the Discount Tire Ford into a spin, colliding harshly with the driver's side of the wall. This unfortunate incident adds to a season that has been tumultuous, marked by several DNFs that have affected Blaney's standing in the playoff points tally.
Currently, four points below the cut line, Blaney must move fast if he wants to be in contention for the championship, especially as he starts from the rear of the field—a zone more susceptible to further incidents.
Reflecting on the crash, Blaney admitted his disappointment.
"Just stinks. I didn't feel anything odd down the frontstretch and just a shame it ended our practice early and we got our work cut out for us for a backup car, all that stuff. But hopefully, we'll be able to fight back from it and go to work tomorrow."
Despite the challenges, his team's resilience is a point of confidence for Blaney.
"It's definitely a lot to overcome for sure starting in the back. You know, no laps with this backup car but I've got all the faith in the world in our group, our 12 group."
The implications of starting from the back are large. Blaney will enter the race with a backup car, having had no opportunity to gauge its performance during practice. Nevertheless, his confidence in the team's ability to rise under pressure remains firm.
"Hopefully we can make some hay tomorrow and do it early to try to get up through there. It sets you back a little bit but this team, you know, they thrive under that type of pressure and things like that. So I'm happy to be with a group like that and unfortunate situation that we're in but we'll claw our way through," he added.
Blaney's team, part of the storied Team Penske, has demonstrated remarkable teamwork throughout the season. Under the guidance of crew chief Jonathan Hassler, the team has proven its capability, with all cars making the playoffs, although Blaney is the last contender from Penske still in the running for the championship.
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