Ryan Blaney praises NASCAR’s diverse summer schedule as the series prepares for a varied lineup of tracks, including international stops and classic venues, over the upcoming weeks. The defending Cup Champion expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming calendar, emphasizing the excitement and challenge that the different race types present for competitors and teams.
Blaney Embraces Variety in the Upcoming NASCAR Races
Reflecting on the scheduling changes, Ryan Blaney highlighted how the upcoming races encompass a wide range of track styles, from road courses to street circuits and classic ovals. After the Cup Series heads to Michigan this Sunday, NASCAR will venture to Mexico for a major international event, then move on to venues such as Pocono, Chicago, Sonoma, Dover, and Indianapolis. This rotation marks a significant shift in the Cup calendar, providing teams and drivers with new tests each week.
Blaney made it clear that the mix is something he supports, noting the excitement that comes with traveling to different locations and adjusting to each unique challenge. He emphasized that preparation for the varied tracks is critical, especially since the series has so far only tackled one road course — Circuit of the Americas (COTA) — this season. With many more on the horizon, teams will need to apply any lessons learned to maximize their performance throughout the demanding stretch ahead.
“You look at every week and understand that you’ve got some things coming up. I think the road courses are gonna be big. It’s gonna tell you a huge tale of where you’re sitting and you better be ready because there’s a lot of them coming up from road courses and street courses and things like that. We’ve only had one road course to start the year. What have teams learned from COTA and how are they gonna be better at Mexico and Chicago and Sonoma? You have a big variation of them, so it’s a fun part of the schedule where you’re going to very different places each week, and I think teams really enjoy that – at least I enjoy it because it really switches it up and keeps it fresh.”
—Ryan Blaney, 2023 NASCAR Cup Champion
However, Blaney acknowledged that the diversity can be a double-edged sword, explaining that drivers who are not comfortable at certain tracks may find themselves at a potential disadvantage. This reality means some drivers may experience difficult stretches, a challenge Blaney hopes to avoid as he navigates the schedule with Team Penske.
Despite the difficulties that can arise, Blaney maintained that he enjoys this time of year, calling the summer slate unique because of its blend of tracks and the strategic demands it places on teams and drivers alike.
Interest in Returning Iconic Tracks to the NASCAR Calendar
Looking beyond the immediate schedule, Blaney has been vocal about his desire for NASCAR to further expand its horizons. With the Cup Series set to compete in Mexico — marking the first overseas top-level event since the series visited Japan in 1998 — Blaney expressed support for NASCAR’s ambition to innovate with new venues and international races.
He commended the governing body’s willingness to take risks, such as organizing a street race in Chicago and breaking ground with overseas fixtures. As a proponent of international races, Blaney’s interest extends to seeing the sport compete in Canada as well. Additionally, he commented on the value of revisiting popular tracks that are no longer part of the schedule.
“They’ve proven that they can kind of do it anywhere if you put the resources and the time in it. You can make a street course. You can go to different road courses that are already existing. Maybe even some tracks that we used to go to that we don’t go to anymore like a Chicago – the Joliet racetrack. My name is in the bucket for that.”
—Ryan Blaney, 2023 NASCAR Cup Champion
Blaney specifically mentioned the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet as a venue with strong potential, pointing to its past reputation and racing pedigree. He acknowledged that while final scheduling decisions are made by NASCAR’s leadership, he remains hopeful that beloved tracks like Joliet will be included again in future seasons.
With a summer full of variety ahead and discussion of potential additions to the calendar, Blaney’s remarks underscore a period of evolution for the Cup Series. The increased diversity may force teams to adapt and rethink strategy, but also offers fans new experiences and renewed excitement for each race week.
As NASCAR’s summer tour gets underway, all eyes will be on how drivers like Blaney and organizations such as Team Penske respond to the season’s demands, as well as whether fan-favorite venues make a return to the schedule in coming years.
