The Cup Series next heads to Talladega Superspeedway for the second race in the Round of 12. While the driver’s playoffs have gotten intense, things are equally competitive in the owner’s playoffs. Despite Ford cars being in the minority in the current round, their weakest link could turn out to be a game-changer on Sunday.
It is no secret that races on the Talladega track are full of surprises and unpredictable in many senses. In fact, with the current lot of drivers in the owner’s playoff, it could turn into an interesting battle in Alabama.
Ford could turn up the heat at the Talladega Superspeedway
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Without a doubt, it was a big blow for Ford after the Round of 16 eliminated three of their cars. While Michael McDowell never looked convincing, the setback of Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano taking an early exit must have been heartbreaking for them.
However, they are now left with Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, and Chris Buescher to fight for the owner’s championship. It is certainly not going to be easy given the strong competitors available for Chevrolet and Toyota. However, there’s hope for Ford given their drivers’ impressive record in Talladega.
The manufactures remaining in the playoffs are as followed. I’m still blow away that RFK is holding the Ford flag as a true championship threat. Brad Keselowski has to be the owner of the year after this turn around. What are you’re thoughts?
5 Toyota (3 JGR/ 2 23Xl
4 Chevys…— NASCAR Prophecy (@nascarprophecy) September 22, 2023
Among the current drivers, Keselowski has been a dominant force at the track with six wins, 10 top-five, and 14 top-ten finishes to his name. At the same time, Buescher and his team have been on a decent run with two top-five finishes already to their name in the playoffs.
Having said that, it is Ryan Blaney and the #12 team that holds the key on Sunday. They currently sit in the 11th position on the table with everything to fight for. Blaney is also pushing for a place in the next round as far as the driver’s playoffs are concerned.
What’s most impressive about Blaney is he has two back-to-back wins to his name in Talladega. With consecutive triumphs in 2019 and 2020, five top-five and seven top-ten finishes on the track, he could turn out to be a brutal force for Ford on Sunday.
WHAT. A. FINISH. Retweet to congratulate Ryan @Blaney on his WIN at Talladega! pic.twitter.com/GfNSc7g7mB
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 22, 2020
While he may not be the strongest Ford driver in Talladega, he could pull off something special, especially with his teammate’s help.
Ryan Blaney believes teamwork and past experience remains key at the Talladega Superspeedway
Trending
Historic NASCAR Track Shutting Its Door After Final Run Has Racing Community Heartbroken
How Late NASCAR Legend Was Forced to “Sell Everything” After Losing $10,000 to Mafia
Tony Stewart’s Business Partner Sells Off Iconic ‘Mini Eldora’ Racetrack
Kenny Wallace Left Baffled by an Anonymous NASCAR Executive’s Response to Michael Jordans’ In-Court Victory
“You Will Live to Regret It”- Insider Reveals Dale Jr.’s Hesitance Behind Accepting His Late Father’s Award
Interestingly, Team Penske driver Joey Logano holds a pretty good record in Talladega. Not only does he have three wins to his name but he has led 420 laps on the track, the 3rd best among the current drivers. Surely, Logano would be more than happy to help his teammate Ryan Blaney come Sunday.
WATCH THIS STORY: NASCAR Teams Up With $10.8 Billion Company To Unveil Unexpected Plans of Expansion
At the same time, the #12 driver is of the opinion that teamwork and past success could turn out handy. Speaking to NASCAR.com, Blaney said, “I don’t think you can pick a guy that is a favorite at Talladega because you never know what can happen there.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He added, “I think the best thing that we have talked about for that race is to try to control it like we have in the past and get a few of our cars up there and control the front of the pack. Hopefully, you can maintain that. We kind of see it is difficult to go from the back to the front now at speedways, so you try not to bury yourself.”
Ryan Blaney is the only Team Penske driver left in the playoffs. Does that change the dynamic of his teammates and whether they would help him at the end of Talladega? pic.twitter.com/OI9ELzgndw
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 26, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is indeed interesting to see how the three Ford cars perform on the track. Do they have enough ammo to hurt the Chevrolet and Toyota cars on Sunday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
READ MORE – “He Wants Chaos” – Ford’s Wildcard Driver Could Potentially Hamstring Joe Gibbs Racing for the Championship