Ryan Blaney breaks winless streak with Nashville victory at the Cracker Barrel 400, earning himself a coveted spot in the 2025 playoffs and making Team Penske the first squad to have all drivers qualified. The race took place at Nashville Superspeedway, where Blaney’s determination propelled him to a commanding performance after a season filled with near misses.
Blaney Finds Redemption at Nashville Superspeedway
After a strong 2024 season that saw him narrowly miss another Cup championship, many expected Ryan Blaney to maintain his high performance driving for Team Penske into 2025. He started the year with momentum, clinching second place at The Clash in Bowman Gray Stadium, and followed up with a series of solid results including five top-five finishes in the first 13 races. Despite these results, a victory continued to slip from his grasp—such as his lost chance at Darlington, where a restart and slow pit stop derailed his efforts.
As the season moved past its midpoint, Blaney’s perseverance finally paid off. Lining up 15th on the grid in Nashville, he wasted no time making moves and finished the opening stage in seventh. Stage two saw Blaney surge to the front, seizing the lead early and maintaining it until the segment ended. This set the tone for a dominant showing, as he led 139 of 300 laps throughout the event.
A Team Effort Leads to Victory and Playoff Qualification
By the closing laps, Blaney found himself fending off a determined challenge from Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar. Blaney’s ability to resist the pressure not only sealed his first win of the 2025 season but also ensured that he became the ninth distinct driver to claim a victory in the regular season. The triumph locked in his position in the upcoming playoffs and put the entire Team Penske roster into the postseason.
“I never gave up hope, that’s for sure. We’ve had great speed all year, just hasn’t been the best year for us as far as good fortune. The No. 12 boys are awesome; they stick with it no matter how it goes, and it was great to finish one out tonight.”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Driver
Blaney openly credited his team following the race, pointing to their critical decision-making and flawless execution as key factors that contributed to his win. The efforts of his pit crew and spotter gave him the edge needed to take advantage of each opportunity.
“I thought it was a good call. We drove up to the seventh there in the first stage, and I thought two tires were great. I thought my car was really good, and that really set us up for the rest of the race, so great job by him, as always, all the No. 12 boys, appreciate what they do pit crew was great,”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Driver
What This Win Means for Team Penske and the Playoff Picture
Blaney’s success marks a significant moment for Team Penske, as it means all three of its drivers have now secured playoff positions—a rare achievement and a testament to the team’s depth. If Team Penske can maintain this level of performance, there is a chance for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Cup championship. As the postseason looms, fans and competitors alike will be watching to see whether the team’s momentum continues or if new challenges emerge on the road to the championship.
