Ryan Blaney faced adversity during Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, starting at the back of the field after switching to a backup car due to a crash in practice, yet managed to rally through the pack before ultimately finishing 24th. Despite the disappointing Ryan Blaney Kansas Speedway results, the Team Penske driver and his #12 crew showed determination throughout the race, maintaining focus on their playoff journey.
After the race, Blaney addressed fans and supporters on social media, sharing appreciation for his team’s relentless effort and commitment, even after the early setback. He recognized the hard work of Team Penske and their partners, expressing gratitude while shifting his attention to the next critical event at the Charlotte Roval, which will determine the drivers advancing from the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
“We didn’t give up after going to a back up and the 12 Team worked their tails off to bring a contender. Thank you to everyone @team_penske and our partners for the support. Let’s get ready to ROVAL.”
– Ryan Blaney, Driver
Blaney, the reigning 2023 Cup Series champion, enjoyed a less stressful playoff scenario heading into Kansas after a victory the previous week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. That win, his first at the New Hampshire track and third of the 2025 season, saw Blaney lead for 116 of the 301 laps, securing his place in the upcoming Round of 8 regardless of the Kansas outcome. He joins Chase Elliott as the only drivers officially locked into the next round before the Charlotte Roval cutoff race.
Looking Ahead: Blaney’s Performance at Key Playoff Venues
With the playoffs advancing to the Round of 8, Blaney’s attention now turns to three crucial tracks—Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Martinsville Speedway—all venues where he has previously delivered strong performances. Making a third consecutive appearance in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway remains a clear objective for the North Carolina native and his team.
Although Blaney has yet to secure a victory at Las Vegas, he has consistently been a frontrunner, achieving six top-five finishes at the 1.5-mile circuit, highlighted by a third-place result in March 2024. His record at Talladega is even more impressive, as he has claimed three wins at the superspeedway, with his most recent victory coming during the 2023 playoffs to help secure his championship run.
Martinsville has also proven lucrative for Blaney, who has emerged victorious in the last two playoff races held there, each time guaranteeing his spot in the title-deciding race at Phoenix. In the previous season’s Championship 4 race, he finished as runner-up to Joey Logano, further establishing himself as a late-season contender.
As the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs progress, Ryan Blaney and his team are positioned as strong competitors, drawing upon a season of resilience and recent success. Their readiness for the Charlotte Roval and subsequent Round of 8 tracks highlights Blaney’s determination to challenge for another championship and adds intrigue for fans closely watching each round’s results.
We didn’t give up after going to a back up and the 12 Team worked their tails off to bring a contender. Thank you to everyone @team_penske and our partners for the support. Let’s get ready to ROVAL. pic.twitter.com/jlCgFv6T58
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) September 29, 2025
