Ryan Blaney is preparing for the Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway facing a major obstacle, as he will begin the race from the rear after a starter replacement in his No. 12 Ford. In a place well-known for difficult overtaking, Blaney’s race strategy starting at back Pocono will play a pivotal role if he hopes to contend for a victory.
Blaney’s Team Banking on Innovative Race Tactics
With overtaking a challenge on Pocono’s unique triangular layout, Blaney acknowledges that unconventional thinking will be essential. Crew chief Jonathan Hassler has Blaney’s trust, especially when it comes to developing creative strategies that could flip the script for the No. 12 car. In his words:
“He’s one of the best at it [strategy],”
—Ryan Blaney, Driver
Blaney further complimented Hassler’s knack for devising unique plans when circumstances demand a different approach, explaining how his crew chief began strategizing as soon as the team made the call to change the starter and face the penalty of starting last. Blaney pointed out possible strategies, such as carefully timing pit stops to avoid losing a lap and finding windows of opportunity as the race unfolds.
“Just one of his gifts that he has, and I trust everything he does. I might give my opinion every now and then, but that’s just us talking and discussing our thoughts. But at the end of the day, that’s his call and I trust him 100 percent of the way. Like I said, we got our work cut out for us today, but I think our car’s fast enough to where hopefully, we can make something happen.”
—Ryan Blaney, Driver
Seeking Another Pocono Triumph
Ryan Blaney arrives at Pocono Raceway as one of the favorites, having previously won here in 2017 and again last season. While starting at the back makes his path tougher, the pace of his car and his adaptability are reasons for optimism. Blaney and Hassler must blend caution and aggression, especially as avoiding incidents is crucial; Blaney has already recorded five DNFs so far in this NASCAR Cup Series season.
Despite the setbacks, Blaney has claimed a win at Nashville Superspeedway this year, which locks him into the 16-driver NASCAR postseason, relieving some pressure but raising hopes for a strong result at Pocono. The team’s focus will be avoiding trouble, capitalizing on opportunities, and executing their planned strategy perfectly to move toward the front of the field.
The Road Ahead for Blaney’s Campaign
The strategy implemented at Pocono may influence future races, as teams analyze how starting from the rear can impact a competitive run on tracks with limited passing zones. If Jonathan Hassler’s creative approach helps Blaney push through the field, it could provide valuable lessons for others facing similar challenges.
Fans and competitors alike will be watching to see how Blaney and his No. 12 Ford respond to this adversity, with the goal of turning a setback into another memorable finish—and possibly repeating his previous successes at Pocono Raceway.
