Despite championship glory, Ryan Blaney prefers moving Cup Series title showdown away from fortress Phoenix

Ever since the birth of the playoffs in the Cup Series, NASCAR has turned a corner in doing things differently. With the playoffs came the idea of moving the championship race away from its usual setting. During the 2020 season, NASCAR moved from Homestead-Miami Speedway to Phoenix for the very first time. And it looks like another change in the venue of the showdown could be on the cusp.

Ryan Blaney has fond memories of winning his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series championship at the Phoenix Raceway. Not only that, the racetrack seems to have been Blaney’s strong suit in recent seasons. So naturally, the Penske driver would not mind the championship finale being held in Phoenix. But interestingly, the 30-year-old is quite open to shifting the finale race to a different venue.

Blaney is not worried about racing at a different venue for the championship race

NASCAR drivers like to play to their strengths, and certain racetracks allow the drivers to unleash their true potential. In Blaney’s case, Phoenix Raceway has been one track where he has had consistent, strong performances. While he has yet to bag his first win at the venue, he sure has fond memories of winning the championship last season.

However, despite his dominant display and strong showing, the driver feels that he would very much welcome the idea of moving the championship race away from Phoenix. Speaking to Bob Pockrass from FOX, Blaney said, “I mean I’m fine moving anywhere. I honestly think it’s good that it can get possibly moved around every few years. I think you give a venue a handful of good years and then maybe move it.”

He acknowledged that it is pretty difficult to move the championship race from one venue to another, but he does not hold any bias against it being organized away from Phoenix. “You know you are kind of limited in that time of the year right to where you can go. But yeah Miami’s always put on a good race, Phoenix usually puts on good shows, there’s a handful of other ones you could possibly go to as well. So give it a few years but I’m not really biased anywhere.”

NASCAR is headed to Phoenix this weekend, and for Team Penske and Blaney, this race is right on the money after their recent disappointments.

Read More: 2024 NASCAR Phoenix Odds: Chase Elliott Out of Contention as Kyle Larson & Ryan Blaney Dominate the Charts

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Ryan Blaney has been dominant at Phoenix Raceway. He has managed to grab top-five finishes in his last five races at the racetrack. And given how consistent his track record is in Phoenix, he could very much put a dent in high-flying Chevrolet cars and drivers.

However, to see his fierce rivals, Kyle Larson and William Byron, already securing their playoff spots is not a welcoming sight for Blaney. It’s not that the #12 driver has been running hot and cold since the start of the season. It’s just that he has not been able to clear the final hurdle in his last two races in Atlanta and Las Vegas. Interestingly, he is just second behind Larson in the points standings, and a win could shoot him to the top of the tree.

Ford Mustangs have been quick this season, but it will be interesting to see how they perform with the new short-track package at Phoenix.