Ryan Blaney’s Pocono Raceway breakthrough Cup Series win in 2017 marked a pivotal moment in his career and set the stage for his emergence as a leading force in NASCAR. His victory at Pocono, achieved while racing for Wood Brothers Racing, has had lasting implications, propelling him into the spotlight and paving his path toward championship contention.
Pocono’s Challenge and Blaney’s Early Triumph
After NASCAR’s recent international journey, attention turns to Pocono Raceway’s tricky layout, where drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch are expected to perform well, given their strong histories at this track. Yet, Ryan Blaney, who secured a win here last year, has proven himself anything but an underdog.
Blaney’s historic connection to Pocono began in 2017, when, at just 23 years old, he drove the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing to his first-ever Cup Series victory. This achievement was not only significant for Blaney but also represented the Wood Brothers’ 99th win and confirmed their knack for launching new talent.
A Launchpad to Success with Team Penske
Blaney’s maiden Pocono victory was a watershed for both Wood Brothers Racing and his personal career. The high-profile win caught the eye of Team Penske owner Roger Penske, who was already considering Blaney as a future asset. The performance confirmed Blaney’s readiness to join the powerhouse organization, a move that happened within a year.
By winning at Pocono, Blaney became the seventh driver to claim his first Cup Series triumph with the Wood Brothers, joining the distinguished company of Glen Wood, Tiny Lund, Kyle Petty, Elliott Sadler, Dale Jarrett, and Trevor Bayne.
June 11, 2017: Ryan Blaney won his first Cup race, scoring the victory at Pocono after a fierce battle with Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick. It was the 99th win for the Wood Brothers pic.twitter.com/W7aQf3fWHA”
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr)
Smart Strategy Seals a Second Pocono Win
Fast-forwarding to 2024, Blaney’s approach at Pocono relied on quick decisions and flawless teamwork. After a rapid, six-second pit stop put him out second, he took a calculated gamble on fuel. This strategic edge paid off when Kyle Larson received a penalty, allowing Blaney to jump into the lead after the restart.
The Wood Brothers’ decision to pit for service in Stage 2, momentarily sacrificing track position, ultimately allowed Blaney to move ahead of the main contenders near the race’s end. Denny Hamlin, aiming for stage points and staying on track longer, wound up closing the race in second, unable to match Blaney’s well-timed surge.
Adapting to Change and Building a Championship Resume
Pocono’s unique course is not typically seen as a stronghold for drivers with Blaney’s background, who was expected to excel on superspeedways, intermediate ovals, or road courses. Nonetheless, Blaney overturned expectations by winning here more than once and using his adaptability to full effect during his 2023 Cup Series championship run. Even in 2024, he came close to repeating his title performance, trailing only teammate Joey Logano in a hard-fought finale at Phoenix.
The Road Ahead for Blaney and Team Penske
Now marking his tenth full Cup season, Ryan Blaney continues to deliver for Team Penske, amassing 13 victories so far. As of this season, he stands seventh in the points with 466 after 16 starts, bolstered by a win in Nashville and numerous top-five accomplishments. The next challenge at Pocono gives Blaney another high-profile chance to reinforce his reputation and challenge the favorites, including names like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano.
Blaney’s remarkable run at Pocono not only reshaped his career but helped redefine what’s possible for drivers with the Wood Brothers and Team Penske, supporting his ongoing quest to remain at the forefront of NASCAR’s elite competitors.
