Ryan Blaney discusses disappointing finish at 2024 Brickyard 400

Ryan Blaney was so close to winning his second Crown Jewel event in NASCAR, but it wasn’t meant to be on Sunday afternoon. Blaney started the first overtime of the 2024 Brickyard 400 on the top row, only for Brad Keselowski to run out of gas, giving Kyle Larson the lead and victory. Blaney ended up finishing in third place.

Following the event, Blaney talked about the situation with Keselowski running out of gas. The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion was disappointed, especially as it meant that Roger Penske wouldn’t go to victory lane.

“I know [Brad Keselowski] was probably going to run out if it went green,” Blaney said. “Came to the restart, I couldn’t believe they stayed out. I knew there was no way they were going to make it. So I obviously chose the top because he might run out in the restart zone. He runs out coming to the green so he gets to do to pit road and [Kyle Larson] gets promoted. Luck of the draw right there, I guess. I don’t know. I don’t know what to be mad about.”

“Mad at losing this race because I thought we were in the perfect position. Once I lost control of the race, obviously I would have been on the bottom, but I thought the No. 6 would run out in the restart zone or down the back, I don’t know. Stinks to lose in that way. Appreciate the effort. I hate we don’t get to celebrate with Mr. Penske and everyone at [Team Penske] here. That stings a lot. Just try to keep going. That’s all you can do.”

Blaney was on the unlucky side of the situation and now enters the Olympic break fifth in the point standings. The No. 12 team has been very fast over the last month, which should give them confidence moving forward. Blaney could’ve gone back-to-back at Pocono and Indianapolis, but he can still be optimistic about the speed in the Team Penske camp.

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