Blaney’s Sonoma Hopes Go Up in Dirt After Lap 62 Contact
Ryan Blaney was on track for a strong top-10 finish at Sonoma Raceway, until it all fell apart on Lap 62. While running fourth, Blaney was spun out following contact with Chris Buescher in Turn 1, sending the No. 12 Ford sliding into a dirt mound and halting his momentum completely.
The incident set off an expletive-laced team radio tirade.
“I’m high-sided. Thanks a [expletive] lot, [expletive],” Blaney shouted.
He later questioned his team in disbelief:
“I know I gave him plenty of room. Is that not the case? Am I wrong?”
Blaney had been one of Team Penske’s best hopes, running in the top 10 all day, with finishes of P8 and P9 in the opening stages. But after getting stuck in the grass, NASCAR threw a caution one lap later. And despite earning a free pass on lap 101, he never recovered ultimately finishing a disastrous P36.
Read More: Katherine Legge Makes NASCAR History With First Female feat since Danica Patrick
Tensions Rise as Buescher Plays It Cool
While Blaney was fuming, Chris Buescher and his RFK Racing team played it calm.
“Just shake that one off, it’s just racing, man,” a team member told Buescher over the radio.
Buescher started P14 and stayed competitive all day, making a key pit stop from P5 on Lap 81. But the Lap 62 contact with Blaney changed the tone of his afternoon.
The incident not only ended Blaney’s shot at a top 10, but also snapped Buescher’s three-race top-five streak at Sonoma. Still, he salvaged a P16 finish, a respectable result given the chaos that unfolded.
Another Cup Series Clash Adds Fuel to NASCAR Rivalries
The fallout from Sonoma continues to ripple. Ross Chastain clashed with Joey Logano in Chicago the week before. Ty Gibbs ignited pit lane chaos. And now, Blaney vs. Buescher adds yet another feud to watch heading into the next Cup Series stop.
Whether NASCAR steps in or lets drivers settle it on the track, one thing is certain:
Ryan Blaney isn’t done with Chris Buescher.
Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.
