Corey LaJoie blames Ryan Blaney for triggering Atlanta crash and Corey LaJoie believes Ryan Blaney was the reason. While many pointed at Ricky Stenhouse Jr., LaJoie saw things differently. A crash involving top drivers has sparked fresh debates about racing tactics. In-car footage and expert opinions reveal surprising details. Could blocking have changed everything? Some drivers faced setbacks, while others escaped blame. The wreck’s impact is still being discussed. What really happened on the track?
Key Highlights
- Corey LaJoie claims Ryan Blaney’s excessive blocking initiated the Atlanta crash.
- In-car footage from Tyler Reddick supports Blaney’s role in the wreck.
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is perceived as escaping blame for the incident.
- Carson Hocevar’s nudge put Blaney in a challenging position, contributing to the crash.
- The controversy highlights aggressive tactics’ impact on race dynamics and outcomes.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the Rising Backlash
Amidst the early chaos of the 2025 NASCAR season, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has found himself at the center of controversy and escalating criticism.
As the new villain on the blocks, Stenhouse has been involved in notable wrecks, earning immense backlash from fans keen for accountability. In Daytona, he disrupted Joey Logano’s 47-lap lead, raising eyebrows and frustrations among spectators.
The tension escalated further during the Atlanta race, where Stenhouse’s involvement in a massive crash with Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski fueled the fire of discontent. His actions, perceived as reckless by many, have sparked widespread debate over his driving style and sportsmanship.
However, amidst the criticism, there’s a nuance to reflect on: while Stenhouse’s aggressive tactics are under scrutiny, there’s an indication that other factors, such as the blocking strategies of drivers like Ryan Blaney, might have contributed to the chaos, complicating the narrative.
Ryan Blaney’s Role in the Chaos
Ryan Blaney’s involvement in the Atlanta crash has sparked significant debate, as new evidence suggests his actions may have played a fundamental role in the chaos.
On lap 234, Blaney found himself in a precarious position after being nudged by Carson Hocevar‘s No. 77 Chevrolet. His immediate reaction labeled Hocevar’s aggressive driving as the catalyst, yet Corey LaJoie painted a different picture.
“The 12. He closed the lane off and the 47 had a headlight in there and Ricky had to crowd the 19.” – Corey LaJoie
The 12. He closed the lane off and the 47 had a headlight in there and Ricky had to crowd the 19.
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) February 24, 2025
With footage from Tyler Reddick’s in-car camera, LaJoie observed Blaney’s No. 12 blocking excessively, which may have contributed to the multi-car wreck.
The following points encapsulate Blaney’s potential role in the incident:
- Blocking Action: Blaney’s decision to close off the lane possibly provoked further crowding.
- Hocevar’s Nudge: Initial contact from Hocevar complicated Blaney’s race path.
- LaJoie’s Perspective: He asserts Blaney’s blocking led to Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s reaction.
- In-Car Evidence: Reddick’s camera provides a significant insight into Blaney’s actions.
The Wreck’s Fallout and Its Victims
The aftermath of the Atlanta crash left several drivers reeling, with its far-reaching consequences felt across the racing community.
Chase Elliott, a fan-favorite, endured considerable damage as his car was sent into the SAFER barrier after contact with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Chase Briscoe. The impact compromised the No. 9’s performance by bending the right rear toe link, leaving Elliott with an impaired car and diminished chances of a competitive finish.
Amidst the wreck’s chaos, Brad Keselowski also suffered considerable setbacks. Despite the damage to his vehicle, Keselowski remained composed, showcasing his resilience.
Meanwhile, Ryan Blaney, identified by Corey LaJoie as a catalyst for the wreck, faced potential backlash, although the brunt of the incident’s consequences appeared to have largely affected Elliott and Keselowski.
This incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing, where a single event can cascade through the standings, impacting numerous drivers’ fortunes.
Brad Keselowski’s Take on the Racing Intensity
Despite the chaos of the Atlanta crash, Brad Keselowski maintained a positive perspective on the racing intensity that the track demanded. He praised the excitement that Atlanta Motor Speedway offers, highlighting its unique blend of ‘tradecraft and racecraft.’
“It’s just intense racing. It’s great racing… It’s fun to be a part of. Just hate we didn’t come out on top.”
“We started off last year in a big points hole. The potential in our cars seems to have increased from where we were last year. So, for us, we want to go out and run well at COTA (Circuit of The Americas). But I think everybody kind of knows that the real metric for the season is probably going to be more when we get through Phoenix and Vegas.” – Brad Keselowski
The RFK Racing owner, seasoned in his approach, relished the opportunity to engage in tight-quarters racing, even as his own race was cut short. Keselowski’s car, hindered by unfortunate contact with Chase Elliott, succumbed to irreparable damage, yet he remained optimistic about future races.
News in Brief: Corey LaJoie Blames Ryan Blaney for Triggering Atlanta Crash
The Atlanta crash, marked by Corey LaJoie’s pointed criticism of Ryan Blaney, emphasized the high-stakes dynamics of NASCAR racing. While Blaney was blamed for triggering the chaos, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. remarkably escaped scrutiny.
The wreck’s aftermath revealed the intense nature of the sport, with drivers like Brad Keselowski highlighting the razor-thin margin for error. This incident serves as a vivid reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling environment that defines professional racing, where every decision can have considerable consequences.
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