The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season has been turbulent for Team Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney, who experienced a mix of highs and lows after earning just one victory so far. His struggles continued most recently at Sonoma Raceway, where a heated collision with his teammate Chris Buescher marked another setback and led to a charged on-air radio exchange between the drivers.
During the race on lap 61, Blaney made contact with Buescher’s No. 12 Ford from behind, causing Buescher to spin out. This incident ended with both drivers failing to finish the race and sparked a sharp response from Blaney over the team radio, reflecting the intensity of the moment.
Thanks a f***ing lot, d***head.
Ryan Blaney said on Team radio.
Details of the Clash and Blaney’s Reaction
After the crash, Blaney was taken to the infield care center for evaluation before discussing the incident. He stated that his race had been going well until the collision and voiced uncertainty about whether Buescher’s actions were deliberate or a result of misjudgment. Blaney attributed the crash to Buescher overdrawing in turn one while emphasizing that he, Blaney, was simply an innocent victim caught in the mishap.
It was going well until we got wrecked by the 17. I don’t know. You got to talk to him. I don’t think he intentionally meant to do it, but he overdrove (Turn) 1, and I was the innocent bystander.
Ryan Blaney declared.
Blaney also highlighted that his team had prepared a fast car capable of finishing in the top five, making the outcome all the more disappointing. Despite the speed advantage, the unlucky incident meant he could not capitalize on the strong performance he and his team had shown.
I thought we were really good today. Third, fourth, fifth-place car, and yeah, shame that it didn’t end like I thought. We had speed in our car, so it’s unfortunate.
Ryan Blaney added.
Blaney’s Ongoing Struggles with Race Incidents in 2025
This clash was far from the first time Blaney has been caught up in a chaotic event this season. Just two weeks earlier at Atlanta Motor Speedway, he was similarly involved in an incident that prevented him from finishing the race and claiming a solid points finish. These repeated situations have frustrated Blaney, who feels he has often been placed in no–win spots through no fault of his own.
Describing the Sonoma incident, Blaney explained how he tried to avoid the trouble but was boxed in with no escape route, resulting in contact that damaged his race’s prospects.
As usual for this year, got caught up in someone else’s mess. I got to the apron and there was really nowhere else for me to go but the apron. I tried to get there and get clear of it, but they kind of came down and got me in the right-rear and I ended up in the fence. There was no missing that one.
Ryan Blaney said.
Impact on Blaney’s Season and Playoff Hopes
Since his last victory at Nashville, Blaney has not found the same success, managing only one top-five and one top-ten finish across six races. His performance has been further hampered by three finishes outside the top 30, damaging both momentum and confidence with just six races remaining before the 2025 Cup Series playoffs begin.
These recent setbacks, including the high-profile Sonoma race clash, underscore the challenges Blaney faces as he seeks to solidify his position among the championship contenders this season. The ongoing incidents and reliability issues highlight the need for both consistency and clean racing in the crucial closing stages of the Cup Series.