Blaney Caps Season with Phoenix Victory, Overcoming Playoff Heartbreak

Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, secured a triumphant victory in the NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway, demonstrating remarkable resilience just one week after his championship hopes were dashed. The win, achieved with a dramatic last-lap pass on Brad Keselowski, marked a significant personal milestone for Blaney at the desert oval, where he had previously finished runner-up in the season finale for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024).

The emotional weight of the preceding week’s playoff elimination, a result of being edged out by William Byron in a hard-fought battle for a Championship 4 berth, could have easily cast a shadow over Blaney’s performance. However, the 30-year-old driver from Concord, Ohio, exuded a composed and forward-looking attitude when discussing the outcome.

"No, I try not to think about that," Blaney stated during the post-race press conference. "Living in the past if you’re thinking that way. We were in the spot that we were in. Our goal this weekend was to try to win the race, have great momentum going into the wintertime. Understood that we weren’t going for a championship, but we were going to make the best out of it."

He elaborated on his perspective, emphasizing the importance of embracing the present victory. "I wouldn’t say it’s like bittersweet. I enjoy it just like any other win. Great we were able to go out and get it done today. I do find it ironic that my first win here is not in the championship, but at the same time, no, I’m not beating ourselves up over what happened last week. We’re going to enjoy this one as much as we can, because it was the goal for this weekend."

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Blaney’s victory places him in an exclusive club of drivers who have won the season finale without competing for the championship in the same year. Since the current playoff format was introduced in 2014, only Ross Chastain had achieved this feat prior to Blaney’s win. Blaney now joins Chastain as the only two drivers to accomplish this distinction.

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion concluded the 2024 season sixth in the overall standings, leading all Ford drivers. His season was highlighted by a personal best of four victories, showcasing a strong and consistent performance throughout the year. Reflecting on the season as a whole, Blaney expressed immense pride in his team’s progress.

"I’m very, very proud of our year," Blaney commented on the culmination of the 36-race season. "I know we didn’t make this weekend, fighting for a championship. I felt like our team in ’24 was stronger than what we were in ’23. I feel like this year we were even better than what we were last year. Just camaraderie around the 12 car, all the guys working together, just building trust and belief in each other. That’s all I’ve always tried to look for, is how is our 15 or so guys operating together. Are we communicating well, giving all the effort we can be giving through the week and on the weekend. That part is just getting better and better."

He further acknowledged the support system that contributed to his success. "I’m really lucky to be part of such a great group with my 12 car, and also all of Team Penske. They’ve just done a fantastic job."

While acknowledging the desire to compete for another championship, Blaney maintained a pragmatic outlook on the season’s conclusion. "Yes, I would have liked to have run for a championship. I understand, like, it just didn’t work out for us. We were great. I thought this team was great. It just didn’t really play out to where we had a shot at it. You have to live with that type of stuff."

The victory at Phoenix provides a significant morale boost for Blaney and the No. 12 team as they transition into the offseason. It also underscores the competitive nature of the Team Penske organization and their continued pursuit of excellence in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team’s consistent performance throughout the year, culminating in this season-ending win, sets a positive trajectory for their efforts in the upcoming season. Blaney’s ability to rebound from the disappointment of the playoff elimination and deliver a dominant performance in the finale speaks volumes about his character and the strength of his team. The team will now focus on analyzing data and preparing for the next season, aiming to build upon the momentum generated by this victory.