Ryan Blaney on NASCAR In-Season Challenge seeding made clear that he is unconcerned about the tournament’s initial rankings as he prepares for the forthcoming race at Pocono. The Team Penske driver, addressing recent events, conveyed a reserved attitude regarding his placement in the all-new competition slated to start at Atlanta.
Blaney Shares Thoughts on the Challenge Format and Seeding
Blaney took a moment to speak with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone, giving insight into his perspective on the upcoming In-Season Challenge. He revealed that, even in high-profile recent weekends such as Michigan and Mexico, the challenge and its seeding were not major concerns for him until very recently. Emphasizing his laid-back approach, he explained that the current seedings seemed unimportant, especially with unpredictable events likely in the season’s opening race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
“Michigan weekend, I wasn’t really thinking about it, this last weekend in Mexico, I wasn’t really thinking about it until like last night,”
Blaney said.
“I saw like NASCAR insights or whatever does that like put up a seeding as of right now and get where everyone finished, and where they be seeded you know, finish well to try it.”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver
“I mean I don’t really think the seeding thing is a huge deal, especially when you go to Atlanta. The first race, I mean, anything can happen there, unless you’re maybe like first or second seed, I don’t know if it’ll really matter much for Atlanta being in the first race but yeah, I think definitely be more aware of it this weekend,”
the Penske driver further added. —Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver
Introduction of the In-Season Challenge and Participant Details
This year marks the debut of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge, a special competition where 32 full-time Cup Series drivers compete for an enticing $1 million prize. Not every full-time competitor made the cut, as Shane Van Gisbergen, Cole Custer, Riley Herbst, and Cody Ware are notably absent from the challenge lineup. The races forming this tournament will be hosted at several major tracks—including Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chicago Street Course, Sonoma Raceway, Dover Motor Speedway, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway—each serving double duty with regular Cup Series races over forthcoming weekends.
Support for NASCAR’s Effort to Energize the Sport
Blaney’s appreciation for NASCAR’s aim to refresh the format was evident when he discussed the Challenge on the Rubbin is Racing podcast. He endorsed the governing body’s initiative to inject new excitement, noting that drivers are responding positively and that it offers more chances for competition and exposure.
“I think it’s been really well received by the drivers and everybody. It’s been genius because now you have drivers who compete every weekend, but you’re also competing for something else, like being the best guy who can market the sport and draw more eyes, or new eyes, to it.”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver
Looking Ahead to the Pocono Race and Beyond
As the seeding remains under wraps for Ryan Blaney, the Team Penske driver remains focused on his performance and the broader ambitions this season. While having secured a place in the upcoming NASCAR playoffs after his success at the Nashville Cup race, Blaney’s relaxed attitude may serve him well as he navigates the unpredictable first rounds of the In-Season Challenge. With a significant prize and increased attention at stake, drivers, teams, and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the new challenge shapes the season and whether stars like Blaney can leverage both skill and composure in this innovative competition.
