Team Penske Championship Journey: Ryan Blaney, fresh off his 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship win at Phoenix Raceway, opened up about the challenging team dynamics throughout the season.
Securing a pivotal P2 finish ahead of fellow championship contenders marked a monumental achievement for Blaney, navigating a season that saw the #12 Team Penske Ford struggle for speed during both the early and latter halves of 2023.
Blaney shed light on how the team surmounted tough periods and eventually discovered the necessary pace to clinch the championship. “Everyone put in an immense amount of effort,” he reflected. “There was a determined push towards the playoffs. We set ourselves a deadline, acknowledging that our performance needed a significant uplift to be competitive. We met that deadline, finding the momentum we required, especially in the latter stages of the playoffs.”
Entering the 2023 season with a 59-race winless streak, Blaney’s victory at the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway propelled him into the title conversation. However, maintaining consistency in the final two playoff rounds was crucial.
“Internally within our team, there was a sense of accomplishment after our win at the Charlotte 600. Things were promising in May, but then we hit a rough patch, struggling to keep up with the speed,” Blaney shared. “This internal frustration stemmed from questioning our deficiencies and seeking where we lacked pace.”
Blaney’s performance in the season’s final six races showcased his best form, securing two wins, a top-10 finish, and two runner-up positions.
Team Penske now boasts back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series championships, marking a significant milestone following Joey Logano’s title win last year.
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Our Reader’s Queries
How many championships has Team Penske won?
Since 1958, the “Captain” has been dominating the racing scene in the United States, winning in every series he’s competed in. Team Penske, with an impressive 44 national championships, including 17 in Indy car racing, has earned the nickname “New York Yankees of motorsports.”
Why did Penske fire Kurt Busch?
Shell, the sponsor, was appalled by Busch’s latest outburst and ultimately decided to terminate their agreement. NASCAR had fined Busch $50,000 for making an obscene gesture towards his teammates on the No. 22 Dodge after experiencing transmission issues during the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
How much is the Penske family worth?
Penske, a former race car driver, is the proud owner of various automobile dealerships, automotive race teams, truck rentals, IndyCar, and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. According to the magazine, his net worth is estimated to be a whopping $4 billion.
What Team Penske NASCAR driver won at least one race for 16 consecutive years?
The NASCAR team, led by Paul Tracy, also found success with their winning formula. Rusty Wallace dominated the track for 16 consecutive years, securing at least one victory each season. This impressive feat ties him for third place on the all-time list for the most consecutive seasons with a win.
