Ryan Blaney suffers practice crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after a sudden tire failure sends his No. 12 Ford into the SAFER barrier. The unexpected impact forces his team into quick action, raising concerns about their race strategy. With past struggles at this track, the setback adds another challenge to his weekend. Team Penske investigates the cause, suspecting setup issues rather than debris. How will they recover before the Pennzoil 400?
Key Highlights
- Ryan Blaney’s car suffered a flat right-rear tire, causing a crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
- The tire failure led to a collision with the outside SAFER barrier, damaging the car’s rear.
- Team Penske decided to repair the primary car instead of using a backup vehicle.
- Blaney’s team suspects the tire failure may be due to setup parameters, not debris.
- Blaney will start from the back of the field in the upcoming Pennzoil 400 race.
The Incident
During the NASCAR Cup Series practice session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney experienced an unexpected setback. While maneuvering the track, Blaney’s No. 12 Ford Dark Horse Mustang suffered a flat right-rear tire as he exited Turn 2. This sudden tire issue caused his vehicle to spin out of control, resulting in a collision with the outside SAFER barrier.
The impact primarily affected the rear of the car, marking a considerable disruption to the Team Penske operation‘s plans.
In the aftermath, Blaney was promptly evaluated and released from the infield care center, confirming his physical well-being despite the incident. The team, opting for resilience, decided to repair the primary car instead of resorting to a backup vehicle.
However, this decision meant that the team would not post a qualifying lap, adding another layer of complexity to their weekend strategy. The incident highlights the unpredictable challenges inherent in motorsport racing.
Tire Failure and Crew Chief’s Response
Ryan Blaney’s unexpected tire failure during practice raised crucial questions about the cause of the incident. Blaney was uncertain whether the tire malfunction resulted from debris or another factor. Having completed 18 to 20 laps without issue, Blaney was surprised by the sudden failure, remarking, “I hate blowing tires.” He emerged from the care center unscathed and focused on understanding the issue.
Crew chief Jonathan Hassler provided further insight, expressing doubt that Blaney encountered debris on the track. Speaking to Performance Racing Network Radio, Hassler suggested that the team’s setup parameters may have contributed to the failure.
“Unfortunate it happened, but happy it happened in practice and not the race.”
“I think some of our setup parameters didn’t help, but we’ll be fine on Sunday.” – Jonathan Hassler
He acknowledged the incident’s unfortunate timing but expressed relief that it occurred during practice rather than the race. Confident in their ability to rectify the issues, Hassler remained optimistic about their performance on Sunday. The team plans to analyze the tire thoroughly to discern the exact cause of the failure.
Past Struggles at Vegas
Past incidents at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have posed considerable challenges for the No. 12 team. The challenges became particularly evident during the Cup Series race last October when Ryan Blaney, piloting the No. 12 car, experienced a flat left-rear tire. This incident resulted in his car spinning into the SAFER barrier in Turns 1 and 2, forcing the team to rely on a backup vehicle.
The setback was important, necessitating tactical adjustments and extensive work by the crew to maintain competitive performance.
This weekend, the team faces a similar scenario, as Blaney must start from the rear of the field for the Pennzoil 400. The recurrence of tire issues during practice echoes the difficulties encountered in previous races at the venue.
Blaney acknowledged the team’s substantial workload, emphasizing the need to overcome these adversities. These past struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of racing and the relentless effort required to succeed.
Team’s Response and Race Details
The resilience of a racing team is often tested in challenging moments, and the No. 12 team is no exception. Following Ryan Blaney’s practice crash due to a sudden tire failure, the team swiftly initiated a recovery plan. Within 40 minutes, they assessed the damage and decided to replace both the rear bumper and diffuser on the primary car, demonstrating their capacity for rapid adaptation and problem-solving.
Blaney’s confidence in his team’s ability to handle adversity remains resolute. He praised their consistent ability to bounce back from unforeseen setbacks.
“They respond well. It’s something I’m really proud of them responding well from adversity or unfortunate things happening. So I’m sure we’ll bounce back from it like we always do.” – Ryan Blaney
As preparations continued in the Las Vegas garage, attention turned to the upcoming Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube. Scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET, the race will be broadcast on FS1, with coverage also available on PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The team’s focus remains steadfast as they endeavor to overcome this setback and perform competitively.
News in Brief: Ryan Blaney Suffers Practice Crash
Ryan Blaney’s practice crash, caused by an unexpected tire failure, disrupted his race weekend. Despite the setback, his team quickly assessed the situation, focusing on adjustments to improve performance in future races.
Historically, Blaney has faced challenges at Las Vegas, but this incident highlighted the importance of addressing tire durability. The team remains committed to overcoming these obstacles, ensuring that both safety and competitiveness are prioritized in upcoming events to elevate their standing in the series.
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