During Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway, Ryan Blaney grew increasingly frustrated by mirror driving from Chase Briscoe as the two NASCAR drivers engaged in a tense battle for the lead late in Stage 2. Blaney’s complaints highlight the ongoing debate within the racing community about how rear-view mirrors influence modern NASCAR competition, with frustrations spilling over during intense racing moments.
Frustration Boils Over in Blaney-Briscoe Duel
As Stage 2 unfolded at Iowa Speedway, Chase Briscoe worked hard to defend his position at the front, all while Ryan Blaney searched for an opportunity to pass. Despite several attempts during their drawn-out contest, Blaney was unable to find a way around Briscoe, who expertly used defensive tactics. Blaney’s dissatisfaction was evident when he expressed his irritation over the radio, accusing Briscoe of relying heavily on his rear-view mirror to block him.
“What he’s doing is f*cking looking backwards,”
—Ryan Blaney, Driver
This type of strategy, often called air blocking or mirror driving, is considered a major advantage for race leaders, especially with the Next Gen car design in NASCAR. The presence of spotters, who provide real-time positioning information, only amplifies the difficulty for drivers like Blaney trying to execute a pass. Historically, complaints about mirror driving are common in the sport, with competitors often divided on whether such defensive moves cross a line.
Debate Intensifies Over Rear-View Mirrors in NASCAR
The technique of mirror driving has led to wider discussions this season about potential rule changes regarding the Next Gen car’s rear-view mirror. Some prominent voices, like Kyle Busch, argue drivers should have to choose between using the rear-view mirror or a spotter, not both, to level the playing field and emphasize skill in on-track battles.
“I mean, us talking about it isn’t going to change anything, but I would say that, if you run the mirror, you don’t get a spotter,”
—Kyle Busch, Driver
“If you want a spotter, then you don’t get a mirror — the camera. So, pick one. … What would I pick? I would pick the spotter over the mirror.”
—Kyle Busch, Driver
This ongoing debate has grown in prominence as more drivers, including Blaney and Busch, push NASCAR to re-evaluate the current rules. The combination of advanced spotters and the effectiveness of rear-view mirrors make overtaking a significant challenge, especially under the current regulations and car setup.
Blaney’s Next Challenge: Holding Off Team Penske and Rivals
After a heated struggle with Briscoe, Ryan Blaney finally claimed the lead as Stage 2 neared its conclusion. Now positioned at the front of the pack, Blaney faces a new test: with Brad Keselowski and his own Team Penske teammate, Austin Cindric, close behind, he must use every strategy at his disposal to stay ahead for the remainder of the Iowa Corn 350.
The irony is unmistakable—now that Blaney is in the lead, he may have to rely on some of the same mirror-based tactics he previously criticized, reflecting the pressures top drivers experience during a race. As this season continues, including events at tracks like Iowa Speedway, the debate over mirror driving and racing ethics will remain a core topic among NASCAR drivers, teams, and fans alike, with drivers like Ryan Blaney and Chase Briscoe at the center of the conversation.
The ongoing tension and emotional exchanges, both on the track and on the radio, underscore just how much is at stake during these high-pressure duels, making each race part of a larger story as NASCAR debates its future rules and the best path forward for exciting, fair competition.
