NASCAR Journalist Clarifies Stance on Ryan Blaney Shunning Daytona 500 Winning Penske Teammate Austin Cindric

When NASCAR rookie Austin Cindric took the checkered flag at the Daytona 500, not many argued whether he deserved it or not. However, a report from Jeff Gluck that came right after the race suggested one of Cindric’s teammates, Ryan Blaney, snubbed him in the victory lane.

But now journalist Jeff Gluck corrected his earlier report by clarifying that Blaney did in fact congratulate his rookie teammate.

Gluck tweeted, “Hey everyone, I screwed up. On the podcast I talked about how I saw @Blaney come to victory lane and shake everyone’s hand, but didn’t see him congratulate @AustinCindric . But I’ve since been made aware they DID have a handshake; I somehow missed it.”

“I was wrong, my apologies.”

Austin Cindric credits “the glue” Ryan Blaney

In a post-race interview, the Daytona 500 winner gave credit to Ryan Blaney for being “the glue” to Penske’s speedway program. “I think Ryan has kind of been the guy that’s honestly gotten the short end of the stick sometimes as far as being a great teammate,” he said.

“Ryan had a shot to win the race off of Turn 4, and that was his chance to do it, and I knew that’s the opportunity that he wanted to have, and I think the best chance for him to do that is to be second in line,” he continued.

“He was in position to be able to do that, but otherwise great team effort and proud of that, and hopefully I can repay the favor.”

Despite not winning the race, Ryan Blaney had a very decent day at Daytona. His last gasp advance to come out in front was resolutely defended by Cindric and Blaney had to settle for the fourth place.

But Blaney would know, with a great car, a great team, and he himself being in a good form, there’s a long way to go in this season, with everything still up for grabs.

Also Read: Joey Logano Jumps in Defense of Daytona 500 Winning Penske Teammate Austin Cindric After He Came Under Criticism for His Treatment of the Checkered Flag