Every NASCAR Cup Series Sunday offers drivers the chance to carve out historic moments, demanding more than just physical readiness and motivation. Ryan Blaney, currently seventh in the 2023 Cup Series standings with a secured playoff position, shared key details about his race preparation ahead of his win at Nashville Superspeedway. Central to his routine is the use of simulators, devices that replicate the racetrack with remarkable precision to give him a competitive advantage.

How high-tech simulators shape race readiness

Blaney detailed how each manufacturer builds these simulators for their teams, explaining that Ford, Chevy, and Toyota have their own versions.

“Each manufacturer has them. So, Ford, Chevy, and Toyota have one. They all scan all these racetracks. They go out there with this big machine and scan them. It scans every little bump and crevice on the racetrack to try to get that as accurately as they can. So, a lot of guys do that to prepare.”

This scanning process captures the track‘s minute details, enabling drivers to practice virtually on an almost exact replica, sharpening their skills and strategies.

Studying past races and strategic meetings behind the scenes

Beyond simulation, Blaney emphasized extensive analysis and discussion as part of preparation.

“We’ll watch films of previous races. Kind of just see how it played out. A lot of meetings with me, my engineers, and crew chiefs on how they did the race work last year. Work on how we were set up, what do we change going back to be better. So, there’s a lot of that prep work. It’s a lot of preparation. A lot more than people realize.”

This review process helps them identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring their car setups and race tactics evolve continuously.

The impact of spotters and competitor awareness during races

Spotters serve as essential guides from above, influencing critical split-second decisions. When asked if spotters track competitors’ strategies and help adjust plans, Blaney shared a nuanced view:

“I’d say that the drivers know that more than the spotters. The spotters will know a little bit about what the other drivers’ tendencies are, but we race the same guys every week. So, as you run around these guys more and more, I know what this guy’s tendencies are.”

This deep familiarity with fellow drivers allows Blaney to anticipate their moves and better navigate on-track battles.

The significance of detailed preparation in securing racing success

Ryan Blaney’s approach to NASCAR race preparation highlights the blend of cutting-edge technology, thorough analysis, and intuitive knowledge of competitors required at the highest levels of the sport. As the 2023 season progresses, these methods will likely remain key to his pursuit of victories and consistent standings. His reliance on simulators and strategic collaboration underlines the increasing sophistication behind winning races in the NASCAR Cup Series.