The Daytona Superspeedway, stretching an impressive 2.5 miles, unfolded as the grand stage for a dramatic conclusion to the 2023 regular season. The scene was set for a high-stakes showdown, with contenders vying fiercely for the checkered flag and the final open playoff spot. A surprise repeat winner emerged, a double whammy for RFK Racing as they orchestrated a stunning 1-2 finish, their first since 2014.

Marked by harrowing crashes—not the exhilarating sort, but the worrisome kind that prompts immediate concern. Ryan Preece‘s unsettling airborne flips spiraled through a dozen times before settling in the grass—a sight reminiscent of ‘The King’s’ crash in the animated Pixar movie ‘Cars’.

Amidst Preece’s alarming crash, other incidents also held their own. Another one mingled in the 160-lap race involved a collision between Ryan Blaney and the Joe Gibbs duo. After his ill-fated Daytona run, Blaney resorted to Twitter, using a not-so-subtle jab seemingly aimed at Joe Gibbs’ grandson.

High-speed turmoil, the No. 12 Ford Mustang’s crash, and a Twitter dig at Joe Gibbs’ grandson

Once again, Daytona lived up to its name as an exhilarating hub of action. The prevailing trend was daring three-wide racing, where drivers exhibited remarkable skill and precision in navigating their machines around the oval track. The atmosphere was charged with tension, a prelude to the impending on-track clashes.

The climactic moment arrived during Stage 2, precisely on Lap 95, as misfortune targeted a Team Penske driver, resulting in a head-on impact of slam-dunk proportions.

As Stage 2 neared its twilight, the leading grid became a theater of intense action, with drivers engaging in thrilling three-wide maneuvers. Ty Gibbs had a clear objective: clinch a vital stage win to secure the coveted playoff spot with his name on it. However, fate had other plans. A shove from JGR teammate Christopher Bell spiraled into chaos.

The once-controlled #54 Toyota of Gibbs lost its grip, careening down the track and colliding with the right rear of Blaney’s Ford as the #12 collided head-on with the outer wall. The outcome was catastrophic—a massive 12-car pileup as the red flags unfurled, signifying a halt to the mayhem and an unfortunate conclusion to Blaney’s Daytona stint.

Read more: “Shocked” Team Penske Star Ryan Blaney Names the “Stupidest Race Car Driver Ever” at Daytona 500

After his infield care center evaluation, Blaney received the green light and promptly turned to Twitter. In his post, he conveyed appreciation for the outpouring of support and reassured everyone of his condition.

Yet, frustration simmered beneath as he pointed out the vexing similarity of the Daytona races. “I appreciate everyone’s support, I’m doing alright. Getting hooked in the right rear in both Daytona races this year in the same exact spot because of someone’s terrible push is frustrating. Hope @RyanPreece_ is able to get back on his feet soon.”

Ryan Blaney’s Daytona saga continues

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The Daytona saga unfolds once more, prompting speculation that Blaney and the track aren’t a seamless pairing. With eerie familiarity, it’s tempting to conclude that Daytona isn’t Blaney’s ally. This marks his third time encountering Daytona-induced turmoil, with the past two experiences equally spine-chilling.

Here are comments from the No. 12 Ford Mustang driver and Joe Gibbs’ grandson after the 16-car wreckage from Saturday.

“I feel like I got pushed in a bad spot,” Gibbs said.

“It stinks. A lot of cars got tore up. Not fun,” Blaney said.

The revered Daytona 500 earlier this year unfolded in a similar vein for the Penske driver. As Stage 2 progressed, an intense déjà vu manifested in the form of an 8-car collision that involved Blaney in the tango once again. Despite sustaining damage, he rallied, piecing himself back together, unlike his recent misfortune.

Ultimately, he secured a commendable P8 finish, offering a silver lining to the tumultuous narrative.

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With the Daytona adventure fading in the rearview mirror, it’s game on for the 16 playoff contenders. Revving up for the next big show as the NASCAR flock gets ready for some serious excitement.