Ryan Blaney showed resilience in his NASCAR Chicago finish on Sunday while driving the No. 12 Ford Mustang at the Chicago Street Course. Starting 17th, Blaney navigated a chaotic race that included a multi-car pileup just three laps in but managed to finish 12th with a strong comeback effort.
The early incident caused minor damage to Blaney’s car, but he avoided major trouble. After a red flag briefly paused the race, Blaney’s crew chief Jonathan Hassler made a strategic call, bringing him into the pits before Stage 1 concluded, which cost track position but laid groundwork for later gains.
Strategic Moves Spark Bright Moments in Race
Blaney’s defining performance took place in Stage 2, where he stayed out on track as many competitors pitted. This strategy allowed him to climb through the top five and ultimately take the lead with just two laps remaining in the segment, earning his fourth stage win of the 2025 season.
“I thought overall it was a pretty decent day. It was nice to win that stage. I knew we were going to lose track position, but we were fine. We made up really good ground on the restart in the third stage and then I hit the inside wall in (Turn) 11 and popped the right-front tire. We had to work our way back from there, but, overall, it was a decent recovery,” Blaney said (via Team Penske)
This stage victory provided a boost despite further challenges later in the race. On Lap 52, Blaney struck the Turn 11 wall, causing a right-front tire puncture that forced an unplanned pit stop and left him deep in the field once again.
Late-Race Effort Secures 12th and Playoff Momentum
Following the tire issue, a timely caution helped Blaney regain position on the lead lap. He battled hard through the closing laps to climb back into 12th place, a finish that strengthens his standing in the playoff chase. This gritty recovery highlights Blaney’s tenacity amid a tough season.
Looking forward, Blaney will bring lessons from this performance to Sonoma Raceway, where his road-course credentials remain a work in progress. Though he has captured a top-five at the California track before, his goal will be to leverage the momentum from Chicago as he competes on July 13.
Family Support and Off-Track Connections
While Blaney competed at Chicago, his sister Erin Blaney took to social media to share a selfie, generating attention with her denim-on-denim style. Erin, active on Instagram and involved as a community development specialist at Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina, is part of a close-knit NASCAR family. She is the daughter of former racer Dave Blaney and Lisa Blaney, and sister to Ryan Blaney. Another sister, Emma, is married to driver Cale Conley, reinforcing the family’s deep ties to the sport.
Erin’s steady presence at the racetrack over the years highlights the Blaney family’s ongoing commitment to NASCAR, both on and off the circuit. This support system remains a key part of Ryan’s journey as he continues to pursue success in the Cup Series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney secured eighth place at the Charlotte Roval, allowing him to move forward to the Round of 12. At Talladega, he won the fall race by just 0.007 seconds against Ryan Newman. Despite spinning early onto pit road, this victory helped him advance to the Round of 8.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney clinched victory in the Talladega fall race by barely edging out Ryan Newman with a mere 0.007-second lead. Despite spinning onto pit road early in the race, Blaney moved forward to the Round of 8.