Ryan Blaney took a nap between NASCAR stage wins – Sports News
Ryan Blaney’s spectacular day at EchoPark Speedway included a nap during a prolonged climate delay.
Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race was hit by climate delays, with the Quaker State 400 changing into the second consecutive occasion to be disrupted by lightning considerations.
Similar to final week’s race at Chicagoland Speedway, officers have been compelled to halt proceedings after lightning was detected within the surrounding space, creating a prolonged stoppage that pushed the race’s conclusion to almost 2am native time.
Blaney loved a uncommon likelihood to recharge during the prolonged climate delay after successful the opening stage of the race. The Team Penske driver revealed during the published that he took a nap whereas ready for the motion to renew, earlier than returning to the observe and persevering with his robust efficiency by successful the second stage as nicely.
The 32-year-old capped off a memorable evening at EchoPark Speedway by securing victory in a thrilling additional time end. The Team Penske driver discovered himself locked in a three-wide battle for the win alongside Carson Hocevar and Bubba Wallace, with all three drivers preventing for the checkered flag. Coming by way of the ultimate nook, Blaney obtained a essential push from Christopher Bell, permitting him to surge forward of Hocevar and Wallace on the end line.
The victory marked Blaney’s second win of the 2026 season and the nineteenth of his profession. It additionally accomplished a good day for the driving force, who began the race from pole place.
Wallace initially crossed the road in second place, however his consequence was later taken away after NASCAR ruled he had gained an benefit by going under the yellow line during the three-wide battle for the lead. The penalty dropped Wallace from runner-up to twenty ninth place, leaving him as the ultimate car on the lead lap.
Bell was awarded second place following Wallace’s penalty, whereas Hocevar moved up to 3rd. Ty Gibbs completed fourth, with Erik Jones rounding out the highest 5 after a aggressive exhibiting at EchoPark Speedway.
Shane van Gisbergen continued to impress on NASCAR ovals, claiming sixth place in one other robust efficiency from the three-time Supercars champion. Austin Dillon completed seventh, adopted by Tyler Reddick in eighth, Joey Logano in ninth and Chris Buescher finishing the highest 10.
“It was definitely, honestly, a pretty awesome night,” said Blaney, who earned Ford its 750th NASCAR Cup win. “I mean, having a really fast car and sitting on the pole, winning both stages and leading a ton of laps and just in a position to win the race. You never know how these things are gonna end, honestly.
“There are a couple of things I probably could have done better, but we were able to stick around and just how the last couple laps played out we were able to get the lead back and just barely hold on. It’s a pretty cool day when you have weekends like that. You can’t ask for a better weekend – sit on the pole, sweeps the stages, win the race. That’s a dream weekend right there. These guys are great. They brought a rocket ship and it was nice that we were able to close it out.”
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