Ryan Blaney’s path to making the Busch Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium just got tougher. After his team made repairs to the water cooler and radiator, the No. 12 Team Penske Ford will have to drop to the rear for tonight’s Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). Despite the setback, Blaney plans to at least turn some laps in an effort to race his way into the main event.
The Clash weekend has already proven to be a test for drivers, with the tight quarter-mile track creating plenty of contact and mechanical issues. Blaney’s team worked quickly to make the necessary fixes, ensuring he could take the green flag in the LCQ. However, starting from the rear on such a tight track means he’ll have little room to maneuver and will need to make aggressive moves early to gain positions.
With only a few spots available to transfer into the main event, Blaney faces an uphill battle. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion will have to lean on his short-track skills and patience to avoid further trouble while making his way through the field.
Even if his chances of transferring are slim, simply logging laps could be valuable seat time as NASCAR’s top drivers navigate this unique exhibition event at one of the most historic short tracks in the country. Whether Blaney can overcome the adversity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—he won’t go down without a fight.
