Ryan Blaney praises NASCAR hauler drivers and suggests post-international race break following his demanding experience at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City last Sunday. After finishing 14th despite an early strong showing, Blaney highlighted the immense effort it took for everyone involved in organizing NASCAR’s historic Mexico event, especially the hauler truck drivers who face relentless travel demands.
Blaney Applauds Tireless Effort of Hauler Drivers
The 2023 Cup Series champion, Ryan Blaney, reflected on the recent international race and the collective strain it placed on the NASCAR workforce. While race day put the spotlight on drivers, Blaney specifically singled out the hauler truck drivers for their dedication and perseverance throughout the demanding schedule. He expressed that meticulous planning and execution—extending from top headquarters staff in Daytona to every crew member in the garage—left most feeling exhausted by the weekend’s conclusion.
Blaney addressed this topic on the “Rubbin is Racing” podcast. While discussing the idea of moving NASCAR’s scheduled break to occur right after international races instead of domestic events, Blaney agreed with the suggestion, underscoring the value of rest after such arduous undertakings. In his words,
“I would like to see maybe a week off after an international event, just to give everybody a little bit of a breather. Time to reset mostly. The truck drivers, I mean, those guys are rockstars! I don’t know how they do it. How many miles do they put under their belt traveling every single weekend?”
—Ryan Blaney, 2023 Cup Series Champion. His comments brought attention to the vital, though often overlooked, role these drivers play in keeping the sport moving.
Blaney’s Prospects at Pocono Raceway
Looking ahead in the season, Blaney’s focus now turns to Pocono Raceway, a track where he clinched his first Cup Series win in 2017 and returned as defending winner. Approaching the iconic “Tricky Triangle,” Blaney stands as a formidable contender, currently ranked seventh in the Cup Series points race and recognized as one of NASCAR’s standout drivers.
Blaney’s track record at Pocono bolsters expectations, with one career victory and six top-five finishes, plus an impressive eleven top-12 finishes in fifteen starts. Relying on both recent and historical success at the venue, Blaney shared his strategic mindset with the press:
“It’s always nice to go back to places that you’ve had success at. Things change from year to year and week to week, but when you have success at tracks you’ve won at pretty recently, you have a pretty decent notebook to use.”
—Ryan Blaney, 2023 Cup Series Champion. These insights highlight how past wins and familiarity may provide a competitive edge as he returns to the Pennsylvania circuit.
Raising Awareness for Unsung Heroes in NASCAR
Blaney’s public support for granting a break to NASCAR teams after international races brings needed attention to the behind-the-scenes workforce, including truck drivers who navigate demanding logistical challenges week after week. By suggesting a dedicated pause in the calendar after global events, Blaney is advocating for the well-being of everyone from executive staff at Daytona headquarters to the essential workers in the garage and on the road.
The momentum from the Mexico City race, where the entire NASCAR organization—from the drivers to every employee—stretched their limits, underscores Blaney’s call for a thoughtful approach to scheduling. As NASCAR prepares for its next stop at Pocono, Blaney remains at the heart of competition, reiterating the importance of acknowledging and supporting the collective efforts that power the sport beyond the race track.
