Ryan Blaney has sparked debate within the NASCAR community by openly sharing his personal rankings for the series’ most prestigious events, placing the Coca-Cola 600 at the top of his list. His take on the Ryan Blaney NASCAR crown jewel rankings diverges from traditional opinions, adding fresh perspective from a reigning Cup Series champion.
Ongoing Disagreement Over NASCAR’s Most Prestigious Races
The NASCAR fan base remains divided about which events should be considered true crown jewels, with fans and analysts offering differing perspectives. While long-standing opinion generally recognizes the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500 as marquee races, there are fans who argue that the Brickyard 400 does not belong among the elite. Meanwhile, supporters of the Bristol Night Race advocate for its inclusion instead. Regardless of these disagreements, the enduring legacy of the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500 ensures their continued prominence on the Cup Series calendar each season.
Blaney Breaks Down His Unique Crown Jewel List
Following the opening playoff event at Darlington Raceway, Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, was asked to rank his personal crown jewels during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. His candid response revealed an unconventional prioritization of the sport’s major races.
“To me personally, there’s four crown jewels. I know a lot of people probably won’t agree with that, but it’s Daytona, Darlington, Coke 600 and Indy,”
Blaney said. …
“To me, I feel like it’s Coke 600, Darlington, Daytona, then Indy. That’s kind of my list. … It doesn’t matter if it’s number one, two, three or four, I’m gonna get flack for it. That’s just the way it goes.”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series champion
Blaney’s order—Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500, Daytona 500, and Brickyard 400—stands apart from many fan-favorite rankings, signaling his respect for both the tradition and unique challenges offered by each race.
The Rationale Behind Blaney’s Rankings
Explaining his choices, Blaney emphasized the exceptional physical and mental demands associated with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. As the longest race on the schedule, lasting 600 miles, it tests both endurance and focus. He also pointed to the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, describing the battle to endure 500 tough miles along the wall as a critical measure of a driver’s tenacity and skill.
Blaney’s history at these tracks further contextualizes his list. He secured the win at the Coca-Cola 600 in 2023, affirming the race’s significance in his career. At Darlington, although he has not clinched victory—with only four top-10 finishes in eighteen starts—he still elevates the Southern 500 above Daytona 500, where he is a two-time race winner but continues to pursue a Daytona 500 title. His willingness to rank Darlington so highly underscores his appreciation for the unique demands posed by the race.
How History Shapes the Debate
The timeline of NASCAR’s iconic events provides notable context. Southern 500 at Darlington began in 1950, the Daytona 500 started in 1959, and the Coca-Cola 600 was first run in Charlotte in 1960—decades before the inaugural Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1994. While the Brickyard was the last of these to join the calendar, its stature remains a point of pride for many in the sport, ensuring it continues to feature in these discussions.
Playoffs Intensify the Crown Jewel Conversation
As Blaney advances 22 points above the cutline with two contests remaining in the Round of 16, the focus is squarely on postseason competition. However, the conversation about which races should be considered crown jewels is as fervent as ever. Debates among fans and analysts grow especially animated during playoff season, as drivers chase both championship points and wins in these storied events. Blaney’s perspective, coming from a recent series champion and current contender, injects renewed energy into the ongoing discourse about NASCAR’s most treasured races.
The question of which events make up the crown jewels of NASCAR remains unresolved, but Blaney’s willingness to publicly articulate his views highlights both the diversity of opinion within the sport and the foundational role these races play in the championship narrative.
