By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
It was a strong part under the setting sun at Bristol Motor Speedway for Ryan Blaney. However, things went south as the lights turned on in Thunder Valley.
The driver of the No. 12 for Team Penske dominated the first stage of the race. He led 113 laps during that time. He also edged out a member of the Big 3, Kevin Harvick, by 0.003 seconds.
However, as the track temps began to fall and rubber began to build up from a “green” track, the times began to fall for Blaney.
Luckily, Blaney and the No. 12 team were able to make a comeback after a few changes to work their way to the fifth position.
“We just struggled as the track got colder and rubbered in. We were really happy with out car in the first stage. We lost it from there. It was a decent comeback for us. We were going to restart sixth and the 48 pitted so it hurt us. Decent night,” Blaney stated on pit road.
With just two races remaining until the NASCAR Playoffs begin for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, he sits seventh in the standings.