By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
It was a strong performance for Ryan Blaney in the opening stages at Bristol Motor Speedway.
While having a comfortable lead with seven laps to go in the first stage, Blaney was caught up in an accident that started at started in the middle of the backstretch going into the third turn. Chris Buescher was making a move on the outside lane of Trevor Bayne when both drivers were collected.
Harrison Rhodes and Bayne made contact, sending Rhodes to the outside SAFER barrier. Blaney was approaching the wreck when he decided to take to the high line to avoid the accident. However, Blaney was collected.
“I didn’t see much to be honest with you. By the time I could see anything they were already turned right and there was nowhere to go. Seeing the replay, I don’t know, people not cleared clearing themselves and then wrecking and take the leader out, so that’s unfortunate.
“Our car was pretty good today. We just kind of got held up there and we might not have been as strong at the end of that run, but I thought we could have at least held on for that stage and never got the chance. The positives you look at is that we had a good car and that’s something to hold your head high about.”
This is the first race of the 2018 season in which Blaney was unable to finish. His worst finish of the season was 16th at ISM Raceway. Blaney will be scored with a 35th place finish.