“It Could Be Wild” – Roger Penske’s Fortunate Driver Aligns His Interests With NASCAR After Constructive Collaboration

The NASCAR playoffs are hurtling towards a thrilling climax. The stage is set for the second race in the Round of 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. One driver who’s making headlines both on and off the track is the #12 car driver for Roger Penske. After getting his Las Vegas penalty rescinded, the Penske driver has been open about praising NASCAR for cooperating with his team to review the disqualification process.

Heading to Sunday’s race in Miami, Ryan Blaney was asked to speak about the penultimate race of the season in Martinsville. And apparently, he is on board with NASCAR’s choice to run that race at the Martinsville Speedway. Traditionally, the penultimate race of the NASCAR playoffs was held at the Phoenix Raceway. However, in 2020, NASCAR made the decision to change the venue.

Roger Penske’s driver predicts Martinsville to be a wild race for finalizing the final 4 contenders

In 2020, NASCAR’s decision marked a significant moment for the Martinsville Speedway. It was the first time in the track’s then 73-year history that the penultimate races of the NASCAR season were hosted there. Martinsville Speedway, founded in 1947, holds the distinction of being the only NASCAR track to host NASCAR Cup Series races every year since the series’ inception in 1949.

Blaney has been appreciative of NASCAR for cooperating with his team regarding his disqualification. And now he is standing by NASCAR’s decision, saying that Martinsville is a good venue for the penultimate race of the season.

Earlier this week, the Team Penske driver expressed his appreciation for NASCAR’s willingness to engage in constructive collaboration with Team Penske. He highlighted a pivotal meeting with Elton Sawyer and Brad Moran at the R&D Center, where they discussed and resolved the situation. As a result, Blaney’s original finishing position was reinstated. And he found himself in a relatively comfortable position, with 17 points behind the playoff cutoff line.

As we head into the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Ryan Blaney shared his thoughts on what makes Martinsville such an excellent choice to determine the final four contenders for the season finale at Phoenix. “Oh, it could be wild. I mean, I think that race always gets exciting. Last year’s race was incredibly exciting, the ending of it. And we were a part of it and sniffed it. So yeah, I think Martinsville being the last cut-off race is I think it’s more exciting than when it was the first one of the round of eight. Personally, I think it puts on a good show, regardless. And yeah, you’re going to have some guys that need to win when you get there. Or some guys that are, you know, handfuls of points out. It’s going to be wild, but this one will be just as crazy.”

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Ryan Blaney’s fortuitous reversal of a penalty has lifted his spirits and playoff prospects, but it has also created ripples in the standings and playoff dynamics.

Tyler Reddick explains how Blaney’s rescinded disqualification affects his title hopes

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After Blaney’s rescinded DQ, Tyler Reddick recognized that Blaney has a history of running well at Homestead. And his performance could have significant implications for the points system.

Speaking to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Reddick commented, “Ryan (Blaney) has always seemed to run really good at Homestead. Over the years, I feel like he has always been in the mix there. He’s just one more guy that could run really strong and could get those points. We gotta perform still. It’s just one more guy we’ll be keeping an eye on if you will.”

This statement underscores the level of competition in the playoffs and how closely drivers are watching their competitors. Especially those who have the potential to accumulate points and upset the balance. Currently, with Ryan Blaney’s penalty rescinded, both Blaney and Tyler Reddick find themselves within striking distance of the playoff cutoff line, just 17 and 16 points behind, respectively.

READ MORE: Tyler Reddick Unleashes Veiled Dig at Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team

Do you think Ryan Blaney can come out ahead of Reddick after the chequered flag falls in Miami? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.