“Didn’t Want the Lead To Win”- Ryan Blaney Unmasks True Intentions Behind Heated Ross Chastain Phoenix Battle

NASCAR’s latest bearded heartthrob, Ryan Blaney, has dropped another bombshell. We already know, winning the season finale wasn’t a walk in the park for him. However, even with his triumph at the last playoff race in Martinsville, the wheels almost came off his cart at Phoenix, especially during those nail-biting final laps where he was competing with Ross Chastain.

The Roger Penske ace recently spilled the beans, giving everyone a glimpse into the mental whirlwind he was navigating at that critical juncture. His candid revelation shed light on the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced behind the wheel.

Ryan Blaney zeroed in on Kyle Larson, brushed off the rest

During the final laps at Phoenix, the race was a three-horse contest between Ross Chastain, Kyle Larson, and Ryan Blaney, with Martin Truex Jr also briefly throwing his hat into the ring. But it was the presence of Larson that really got under Blaney’s skin. And why would it not? The 2021 Cup Series champion has time and again shown how he can be a formidable adversary. Understandably, Ryan was simply focused on taking the lead from Ross Chastain to stay ahead of #5, while another Joe Gibbs Racing favorite, #19, was trying his level best to emerge in the top-5.

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Blaney candidly admitted, “I mean, that moment when we were racing the one hard and the #19 was in the mix and I got pretty aggressive. Forced me to need to have to be pretty aggressive and on offense, in that moment. I didn’t care about it, I didn’t want the lead to win it, I wanted to try to get the lead, drive away from the #5. That’s the only guy I cared about.”

Even Blaney’s brother-in-law, William Byron, got wind of his frustration over the team radio, with the message, “The 12 is melting down.”

Well, aggressive or not, the bottom line is that Team Penske stood tall on the podium for the second year running. And as November shapes up to be a banner month for Ryan Blaney, more good news rolls in with word of honor awaiting him in Wisconsin.

Big man Blaney set for an incredible celebration in Wisconsin

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Ryan Blaney, fresh from clinching the 2023 NASCAR championship, is all set to be the toast of the town at Pablo Center at the Confluence. In a grand showcase, his championship-winning #12 Team Penske Ford Mustang and the coveted Bill France Trophy will bask in the spotlight alongside him. Joining the festivities will be a lineup of Menards-sponsored NASCAR drivers, including Blaney’s teammates Austin Cindric, Matt Crafton, and Brandon Jones. What’s even better? Celebration will be free of charge, according to the events venue.

Taking to their Facebook page, Pablo Center also informed: “Attendees will also receive commemorative hero cards featuring Ryan Blaney and the #12 car. Doors will open at six p.m., with a Q&A session and program to follow.” Now that’s some exciting news, for sure!

However, Blaney’s post-season itinerary isn’t just about basking in the limelight. The Roger Penske ace is ready to hang up his racing gloves for a bit and kick back on a much-needed vacation with his pals. “I am going on vacation this upcoming weekend. I’m excited for that. Everyone already had this one planned, so it’s like it was finally able to happen with some buddies of mine, so it’s going to be fun and it’s going to be even more special now,” he said while talking about his holiday plans.

Indeed, the life of a NASCAR driver is a rollercoaster of emotions, with each race a whirlwind of highs and lows spanning just a few intense hours on the track. But outside the racetrack, they are like all of us – chilled out and trying their best to enjoy life.

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