Ryan Blaney discusses Team Penske approach after Nashville win, making it clear that his No. 12 Ford team remains focused on victory every week despite recently securing a playoff spot with a remarkable win at Nashville Superspeedway. The milestone victory not only ended Blaney’s winless streak but also confirmed his place in the upcoming postseason, solidifying Team Penske’s presence in the playoff picture.
Blaney’s Triumph at Nashville and Its Impact
On June 1, Ryan Blaney clinched his fourteenth career win at the Cracker Barrel 400, becoming the last Ford driver to guarantee a postseason berth this year. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion finally turned opportunity into success at Nashville, an achievement that has been particularly meaningful after several missed chances earlier in the season for both the driver and the Roger Penske-owned team.
Following the Nashville win, questions circulated about whether Team Penske’s approach might shift now that a playoff spot is secured. Addressing the speculation, Blaney emphasized the consistency of the team’s attitude, saying:
“It’s really nothing different. We approach every week trying to win the race and no matter what spot you’re in, whether you’re not locked in on wins or you are. We did a great job last week of finally closing one out and you just try to do it again.”
—Ryan Blaney, Driver
Blaney further minimized the idea that drivers or crews develop a new mentality after gaining a cushion in the standings. He explained:
“A lot of people talk about that. Is there a mindset change when you win and you get locked in? I’ve never really believed that. I’ve always, to me at least and our group, it’s just we prepare every week like you’re trying to win the race, whether you’ve won one, zero or five it’s the same thing,”
said Ryan Blaney. —Ryan Blaney, Driver
Consistency and Challenges in the 2024 Season
Ryan Blaney’s recent win comes after two impressive seasons with Team Penske, a period during which he has solidified his reputation among top NASCAR drivers. In 2023, Blaney brought home the NASCAR Cup Series trophy and narrowly missed another title while racing against his teammate Joey Logano in the last season’s Championship 4, where he finished as runner-up.
This year, however, Blaney’s campaign has been marked by both speed and misfortune. Across the first fourteen races, he consistently showed front-running pace but suffered from five early race exits. Despite these setbacks, the Ohio native managed to secure six top-five finishes and added one top ten to his tally, underscoring his resilience and the strength of his group.
Currently, Blaney stands seventh in the overall points standings, trailing the leader William Byron by 130 points. His ability to perform under pressure continues to be a focal point for Team Penske as they strategize for the remainder of the season and look ahead to further postseason success.
Looking Ahead: Next Race at Michigan International Speedway
As the Firekeepers Casino 400 approaches, all eyes turn to Michigan International Speedway where Blaney will line up in thirteenth position on Sunday, June 8. The event will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime at 2:00 p.m. ET, providing another opportunity for fans to see if the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion can build on his momentum from Nashville.
With Team Penske and the No. 12 Ford group determined to maintain their approach, the focus remains on preparation and execution each race, regardless of playoff security. The next stretch of races may reveal if their steady mindset can drive further wins and potentially another championship for Ryan Blaney and his team.
