In Lebanon, Tennessee, Ryan Blaney, driving the No. 12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske, clinched his first Cup Series victory of the year at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday night, marking a significant achievement in what he described as a challenging season. Blaney celebrated the much-needed win with an energetic burnout in front of the enthusiastic crowd. “I’m ready to go celebrate,” Blaney expressed after the race.
The reigning 2023 Cup champion had demonstrated exceptional racing skills with five top-five finishes during the first half of the season. Finally breaking through with a victory, Blaney secured his 14th career win and his first since a triumph at Martinsville last November. He led for a dominant 139 laps, showcasing the speed and potential that had eluded him earlier in the season. “I never gave up hope, that’s for sure,” Blaney noted. “The No. 12 crew is fantastic. They stay committed no matter the challenges we face.” His win makes him the ninth different driver to claim victory this season and the fifth distinct winner in as many races at Nashville’s track. This victory also marked Team Penske’s consecutive win at Nashville’s 1.33-mile concrete course.
Starting 15th, Blaney swiftly navigated to the front, capturing victory in the second stage and eventually holding off Carson Hocevar by a 2.83-second margin. Hocevar equaled his career-best finish, which he previously achieved in Atlanta earlier this season. Despite concerns during the race about his No. 77 Chevrolet’s performance, Hocevar remarked, “Either I’m really dramatic, or they’re exceptional at making adjustments, probably a combination of both. I’m proud of this team.”
Denny Hamlin, competing in his 700th career Cup Series race, secured a third-place finish, matching Jeff Gordon’s significant achievement at Darlington in 2013. Defending Nashville winner Joey Logano finished fourth, with William Byron following in fifth. Despite hoping for another caution towards the end, which never occurred after seven cautions over 35 laps, Hamlin admitted, “Just couldn’t keep up with the No. 12 (Blaney) on the long runs. After about 40 laps, he started pulling away.”
The conclusion of the race demanded strategic pit decisions under green. Blaney pitted on lap 248 after leading 107 laps, while Hamlin seized the lead briefly before entering the pits on lap 256. Crew chief Jonathan Hassler aimed for Blaney to pit at a strategic moment allowing for re-entry into clean air. “It was really satisfying to finish a race strongly,” Hassler mentioned.
Brad Keselowski temporarily led before pitting on lap 269, after which Blaney regained the frontrunner position and maintained it for the last 31 laps. Meanwhile, Hamlin was juggling his race commitments with potential family obligations, as his fiancé awaited the birth of their child. Although prepared to give up his spot if necessary, Hamlin managed to race without needing a substitute. Tyler Reddick, who welcomed a new family member earlier, also raced despite an eventful week.
The race saw Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s early exit, marking his first non-completion this year. His vehicle was spun into the wall by Hocevar, resulting in the second caution of the race. AJ Allmendinger faced challenges due to an unapproved adjustment, serving penalties before racing. Additional penalties may shadow Chad Finchum’s No. 66 Ford team, which faced inspection issues.
Next, NASCAR will proceed to Michigan International Speedway for another exciting Cup Series face-off on June 8.