Ryan Blaney calls out Christopher Bell after a wild crash at the 2025 Pennzoil 400. On Lap 195, an aggressive move by Christopher Bell triggered a multi-car wreck, leaving Ryan Blaney furious over the radio. His frustration was clear, but later, he admitted he could have done things differently. The race was filled with chaos, heartbreak, and unexpected moments. With intense rivalries on full display, tensions rose at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, shaping another dramatic chapter in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Key Highlights
- Ryan Blaney expressed frustration over the radio after a chaotic incident involving Christopher Bell at the Pennzoil 400.
- The incident occurred on Lap 195 when Bell’s aggressive move led to Blaney hitting the wall.
- Blaney’s car was damaged after contact with Noah Gragson and Bubba Wallace during the incident.
- Post-race, Blaney acknowledged his role in the crash but criticized Bell’s driving tactics.
- The wreck ended Blaney’s chance for victory, resulting in a disappointing 35th place finish.
The Incident and Ryan Blaney’s Reaction
During the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2025, a notable incident unfolded that placed Ryan Blaney at the center of controversy.
On lap 195, a chaotic restart saw Christopher Bell execute an aggressive tactic up the inside of Blaney. This daring move resulted in a four-wide situation, involving Noah Gragson and Bubba Wallace.
With limited space, Gragson inadvertently made contact with Blaney’s right rear, sending him into the wall and subsequently colliding with Erik Jones. The impact effectively dashed Blaney’s hopes for a victory, leaving him visibly frustrated.
In the immediate aftermath, Blaney’s radio transmission captured his raw frustration, criticizing Bell’s aggressive strategies.
“The f—— No. 20 just shoves it through the middle, doesn’t have any regard for any—I don’t know.”
“I ain’t driving this f—— thing back, it’s destroyed.” – Ryan Blaney
However, during post-race interactions with the media, Blaney adopted a more measured tone. He shouldered some responsibility, admitting to potentially pinching competitors against the wall, while suggesting Bell might have allowed more room.
.@Blaney involved in late race crash after a frustrating day at Las Vegas.
📹: @m_massie22 pic.twitter.com/479YsAvYiC
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) March 16, 2025
“I feel like I probably pinched those guys to the fence on the top, so it was probably my fault.” – Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney’s Struggles Throughout the Race
Although Ryan Blaney entered the Pennzoil 400 weekend with high hopes, his efforts were quickly overshadowed by a series of setbacks that plagued his performance. The challenges began during practice when Blaney lost control of his No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a suspected tire blowout sending him hard into the outside wall.
Team Penske’s mechanics managed to repair the car without needing a backup, showcasing their resilience and technical expertise.
As the race commenced, Blaney faced further adversity. Early in Stage 1, a slow pit stop compounded by an ill-timed caution during the pit cycle left him two laps down.
Demonstrating tenacity, he clawed back into the mix through tactical wave-arounds and aggressive driving tactics, positioning himself for a strong finish in the final stage.
Nonetheless, the race concluded with Blaney finishing 35th, marking another winless weekend in the 2025 season for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
The Chaotic Pennzoil 400 and Key Moments
The 2025 Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway unfolded as a dramatic and unpredictable race, characterized by numerous challenges faced by top drivers. The race was marked by nine cautions, indicative of the tumultuous events that transpired on the track.
Among these, a notable seven-car wreck on Lap 195 caused substantial disruption, occurring during green-flag pit stops and drastically altering the race’s dynamics. This incident not only interrupted Kyle Larson’s strong performance—he had led 61 laps before being relegated to 18th place—but also reshuffled the running order, creating an opportunity for others to capitalize.
Amidst the chaos, Josh Berry emerged victorious, securing his initial NASCAR Cup Series win. Berry’s success came by skillfully holding off competitors Austin Cindric and Tyler Reddick, ultimately ending Christopher Bell’s impressive three-race winning streak.
This victory emphasized the unpredictable nature of the event, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities inherent in motorsports.
Christopher Bell’s Eventful Race
Christopher Bell’s race at the 2025 Pennzoil 400 was an illustration of the unpredictable nature of motorsports. Starting from the back due to a penalty for an unapproved throttle body change, Bell displayed remarkable skill and resilience. He quickly gained positions, reflecting his resolve to overcome initial setbacks.
However, his progress was hindered during a pit stop on Lap 107 when the crew failed to secure the left-front wheel, costing him valuable time and positions. Despite this, Bell capitalized on late-race cautions, skillfully navigating his way back to secure a 12th-place finish, illustrating his tenacity and adaptability.
- Penalized for an unapproved throttle body change, starting from the rear.
- Showed strong early progress by gaining positions swiftly.
- Suffered a setback during a pit stop when the left-front wheel wasn’t secured.
- Recovered positions late in the race following several cautions.
Kyle Busch’s Rough Homecoming and Race Summary
Returning to his hometown of Las Vegas, Kyle Busch faced a challenging race at the 2025 Pennzoil 400 that did not go as hoped. Despite expectations, fate dealt the hometown hero a harsh hand.
During the race, Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet suffered a loose right-rear wheel, causing considerable damage to the brake line after a collision with the wall on Lap 113. This incident forced him to retire early, resulting in a disappointing 33rd-place finish.
Compounding the difficulties, he incurred a speeding penalty on pit road while pitting under green conditions, further hindering his performance.
The Pennzoil 400 was marked by 32 lead changes among 13 drivers, with numerous incidents influencing the race’s outcome. While Josh Berry secured a breakthrough victory, the challenging dynamics of the race left many, including Busch, contemplating their strategies as they prepare for the next challenge in the rigorous NASCAR season.
News in Brief: Ryan Blaney Calls Out Christopher Bell
In the aftermath of the Las Vegas race, tensions ran high as Ryan Blaney openly criticized Christopher Bell for their on-track collision, emphasizing the competitive nature of the Pennzoil 400. Blaney’s struggles were evident throughout the race, further exacerbating his frustration.
Meanwhile, Christopher Bell faced an eventful race filled with challenges. Kyle Busch, returning to his home track, encountered his own difficulties, rounding out a day marked by chaos and intense rivalry. The race highlighted the unpredictable nature of NASCAR.
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