The Cup Series’ return to the Indy Oval course after a four-year absence was a tough pill to swallow for the NASCAR Ford teams. Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, was particularly upset about the finish as victory slipped through his hands at the historic Brickyard on July 21st, 2024.
According to a report from NASCAR.com, Blaney said he was “pissed” about the way things panned out for his team. Blaney was in an excellent position to win on Sunday, utilizing pit strategy and on-track action to battle his way toward the front. His only competition appeared to be Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevy Camaro ZL1, and Brad Keselowski’s No. 6 Mustang. Larson and Blaney both had enough fuel to finish while Keselowski did not. Blaney believed that all he had to do was wait for the No. 6 Mustang to run dry before taking the lead.
However, a late-race caution changed the course of the event for Blaney. Keselowski had to retire to Pit Road before taking the green flag. This put Larson on the front row alongside Blaney for the restart, taking the bottom lane, which was the preferred lane for restarts all throughout the race. Blaney was hung out to dry in the top lane and plummeted as Larson rocketed past him, ultimately winning the race.
“I’m the one getting screwed for it, and so the third-place guy is benefiting,” Blaney explained after the race. “It’s one of those weird … you don’t see that very often at a place like this. If it was any other place, it’s not going to be as bad because the second lane at all the other places, you can maintain. Here, it’s a death sentence. You’re not maintaining the lead from the top on the front row.”
He added, “I’m pissed. I told my guys that I’m ticked off, but I don’t know who to be ticked off at. There’s no one to be ticked off at, it’s just racing luck.”
Blaney wound up third, placing behind Larson and Tyler Reddick, whose No. 45 Toyota TRD Camry slotted in second.
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