Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson were at the center of controversy during the recent Gateway race, when an incident on track left Blaney spinning and questioning what might have been. The Ryan Blaney Kyle Larson Gateway incident has intensified the rivalry between both drivers and could shape future dynamics, especially as the NASCAR Playoffs approach.
Incident at Gateway Raises Tensions
Ryan Blaney was running strong and ultimately finished fourth, but the outcome was overshadowed by a crucial spin caused when Kyle Larson came charging from deep in a corner, making contact with Blaney’s left rear. Larson later explained it as a mistake, but Blaney remained unconvinced by the justification, expressing clear dissatisfaction with how the event unfolded.
Intent on not forgetting the Gateway incident, Blaney acknowledged he would retain this moment for future reference. With the NASCAR Playoffs ramping up, Blaney suggested that in a pivotal moment down the line, he would not be inclined to lend Larson any help should Larson find himself in need. This development increases the drama of the playoff season and raises questions about how both drivers will interact when the stakes are at their highest.
Exchange Between Blaney and Larson
The fall-out from the on-track collision extended onto pit road, where Blaney and Larson held a tense exchange in view of crews and cameras. Both drivers addressed media after their discussion, with Blaney recognizing but hardly embracing Larson‘s explanation.
“Um, I just wanted to know what I did to deserve it. He just said he made a mistake, and you know, yeah that’s fine, make mistakes, but at the end of the day, I still got turned,”
—Ryan Blaney, Driver
“He came from all the way on the bottom of the racetrack and hit me in the left rear. I know he most likely didn’t mean to do it, but it happened anyway. So, that’s just one I gotta remember, but I was happy we bounced back. After getting turned around and did a good job of kinda timing out where we needed to be and having a good enough car to get back to fourth.”
—Ryan Blaney, Driver
Playoff Implications and Blaney’s Approach
Blaney‘s frustration comes not just from missing out on a potential win, but from his recent track record—a season defined by both promise and setbacks, including seven DNFs so far in 2025. While this Gateway incident did not end in another “Did Not Finish,” the timing of the spin, which occurred just as Stage 2 was ending at Lap 136, severely impacted his chance to compete for the lead, with just 104 laps remaining and pit strategy options limited.
Despite the adversity, Blaney fought back to finish fourth, exhibiting resilience that keeps him in the championship conversation. The incident, though, has created a new edge to his racing mindset. The competitive relationship between Blaney and Larson, both of whom have known each other for years and often raced side-by-side, has now taken on personal stakes, potentially affecting how aggressively Blaney approaches on-track battles with Larson as the playoffs intensify.
Rivalry Sets the Tone for NASCAR Playoffs
The Gateway confrontation is likely to influence future playoff races, with Ryan Blaney openly stating his intention to keep the memory of Larson’s move as a factor in any potential interactions. With both drivers still in championship contention, the fallout adds a charged layer to upcoming events, promising fans more dramatic on-track moments in the late stages of the season.
As the road to the NASCAR Playoffs continues, all eyes will be on whether the Ryan Blaney Kyle Larson Gateway incident leads to further clashes or a heightened sense of rivalry. The significance stretches beyond a single race, echoing through the remainder of the season and shaping the battle for the championship.
