“I’ve enjoyed coming here the last few years for the All-Star race, and I was excited when they announced that there was going to be a points race here,” said Blaney, who will start on pole based on metrics after heavy rains washed out qualifying on Saturday. “I feel like this place has done a really good job of revitalizing it, and the facilities. It’s going to be a good show.”
Blaney and his No. 12 Ford Mustang were dominant last week, leading 171 of 263 laps, and capturing all stage points to move into third place in the Cup standings. He is currently just 65 points behind points leader Denny Hamlin.
Blaney came out on a top after a three-wide battle with Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell on the final lap of overtime in a race that ended after midnight Sunday because of weather. And Blaney is favored by the odds-makers to win again this week.
Blaney joins Bell, Chase Elliott, and Todd Gilliland as the drivers still alive entering for this week’s semifinal round of the $1 million NASCAR In-Season Challenge. Blaney faces Bell, while Gilliland takes on Elliott in the head-to-head matchups.
Elliott said winning would be nice, but admitted the In-Season Challenge is “not something that I’m overly consumed over.”
“Kind of similar to the points situation in general. If you’re going out and you’re doing your job and you’re performing at a high level, then you’re likely going to take care of the other things,” Elliott said. “So I kind of look at that in a really similar light, but I do think it is really fun. I think it’s a really good thing for just the sport, in general, to kind of have something else going on in the middle of the year.”
The winner will be crowned next weekend at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Speaking of the Chase, there are only six races remaining before the 16-driver field is established, meaning every point counts. Three of the next six races are at short tracks, beginning this week.
Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford, stands 26 points below the cutline and is looking to make up ground.
“I’m biased, for sure, when it comes to short track racing and the racing that it provides, especially with the way the tire and all of that has gone,” Preece said. “So, I feel really good about it. North Wilkesboro, Iowa, New Hampshire, those are all places that I’ve had success at and I look forward to going to.”
But the struggles continue for Ross Chastain, as his No. 1 car failed inspection three times before practice Saturday, and he’ll be required to serve a drive-thru penalty. He also lost a pit selection and a crew member. Chastain has had a tough season, entering the weekend in 20th place and 45 points below the Chase cutline.
Also, the cars for drivers Austin Hill and Connor Zilisch failed inspection twice. They also had a crew member ejected and will not be able to make pit selection.