As the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs approach Talladega Superspeedway, Ryan Blaney has voiced his frustration with the shift in superspeedway racing strategies, noting that fuel management now plays a central role. The topic of Ryan Blaney superspeedway racing strategy is at the forefront as he questions the direction of modern events, reflecting on how the races have become more about precise fuel use and calculated pit stops rather than pure speed and drafting skill.
Blaney Challenges the New Norm in Superspeedway Racing
Ryan Blaney, recognized as one of the best superspeedway racers on the circuit, laments the transition from traditional high-speed, drafting-centric competition towards a game of fuel saving and tactical pit road timing. With three wins, six top-five finishes, and eight top-10s in 22 Talladega starts—as well as two victories at Daytona International Speedway—Blaney’s credentials reinforce the weight of his perspective.
Discussing the changing dynamics in an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blaney pointed out that drivers now enter races focusing significantly on fuel conservation, shaping decisions even before scheduled pit stops. The Team Penske driver highlighted how competitors aim to use the least amount of fuel possible, maximizing their pit advantage by spending less time refueling and springing ahead of those who conserved less.
“It’s such an interesting game nowadays at these speedways. I personally don’t like it, like the fuel-save before the green flag stops, because you’re trying to just take less gas on the stop and you’re trying to make your time on pit road less so you jump the groups that don’t save as much. And that’s just become a huge game you know, so it’s a lot of different strategy talks than what it used to be as far as that side of it,”
Blaney said. — Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Success Hinges on Strategic Fuel Decisions
Blaney referenced his own experiences to underscore how pivotal these strategies have become. Reflecting on his Talladega victory in 2023, he detailed how his #12 Team Penske pit crew executed a precise fuel-saving tactic that propelled him to the front late in the event, allowing him to secure the win. This approach represents the growing importance placed on strategy over raw driving in superspeedway competition.
Daytona Win Demonstrates Adaptability
Blaney emphasized the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing during a recent discussion. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, who recently captured the regular season finale at Daytona, elaborated on how his team adjusted its approach despite a suboptimal starting position, ultimately moving up from mid-pack to win the race. This adaptability, he suggested, is now essential for success at tracks like Daytona and Talladega.
“This past Daytona, we kind of were; we had a different mindset going into it. Didn’t find ourselves in the best track position, but was able to drive from the mid pack to the front at the end. Um, so you never know. um Um, but I’ve always found it the safest being like controlling the race leading kind of making the pace what you want it to be,”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
High Stakes at Talladega and Beyond
Currently, Blaney holds eighth place in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, sitting 31 points below the elimination threshold with only two races left before the Championship 4 at Phoenix. That means a victory at Talladega remains his most secure route to progressing, rather than relying solely on points or other drivers’ misfortunes.
As the playoffs head towards their final rounds and the pressure increases, decisions made during pit stops and on-the-fly strategy talks—whether about fuel saving or positioning—will likely determine who contends for the title at season’s end. Experienced teams like Team Penske, and drivers such as Blaney, recognize that mastering these strategic elements at superspeedways like Talladega and Daytona may now be just as important as speed and drafting ability. The evolving nature of the racing landscape underscores the enduring unpredictability and drama that continue to captivate fans and challenge even the sport’s top talents.
🗣️ "You try to prepare the best you can through the week on plan A all the way through plan Z."
Ryan @Blaney discussed his approach to Super Speedway racing this weekend at @TALLADEGA.
Full Hour → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/Sogu7VxOhQ
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 17, 2025
