Ryan Blaney Sends Sly Jab To Chase Elliott After NASCAR Clash Loss
Ryan Blaney reacted to his second-place finish behind Chase Elliott in the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
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Lydia Mee is a passionate motorsport journalist with a background in covering Formula 1, NASCAR, electric vehicles, and other various motorsports. She's a strong advocate for women in motorsport and a more diverse industry.
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Ryan Blaney sent a sly jab to Chase Elliott following his second-place finish at the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
The race ended with Chase Elliott clinching the win, despite a fierce performance by Ryan Blaney. Blaney managed to impressively overtake nearly the entire field during the race, yet he fell short at the crucial moments due to a lack of tire grip that made it hard to surpass Elliott.
More News: NASCAR Fans Complain After 'Demolition Derby' Clash
The NASCAR Clash held at Bowman Gray Stadium marked a return to a track once a staple in the NASCAR calendar from 1958 to 1971. Known as the "Madhouse," this historic venue challenges drivers with its tight turns and tire management demands.
Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 08, 2024 in Hampton, Georgia. Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 08, 2024 in Hampton, Georgia. Logan Riely/Getty Images
Speaking to the media following the race, Blaney explained:
"I think we were pretty evenly matched.
"But, yeah, I just â when I started to go I just didn't have enough right rear and I'm like, 'Oh s**t. I'm not going to make this pass,' right? And I'm not going to just bulldog into him and get chased out of here with pitchforks. So, you know."
In a separate interview, as reported by Motorsport Wire, Blaney commented:
"I had a blast. I was saying last year we came from last to 3rd, this year last to 2nd. Got to not start last and have a shot to win one of these things (smiling). Yeah, that was fun. That was a blast.
"The car was really good, especially the first half and the second half. Being able to get to 2nd, then race hard with [Chase Elliott] there, who's going to save more tire. I just didn't quite have enough right rear at the end to make a move on him.
"I appreciate Menards and Great Lakes Flooring, Ford, Ford Performance, DEX Imaging, everybody for what they do. That's a fun time. I hope the fans enjoyed it. That was a really good show.
"Happy we could come to Bowman Gray and put on a great race for everybody. Like I said, it's more fun from my seat when you're going forward. Props to the 12 boys for getting better throughout the weekend and look forward to Daytona."
Chase Elliott - NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet
Ryan Blaney - Menards/Great Lakes Flooring Ford
Denny Hamlin - Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota
Joey Logano - Shell Pennzoil Ford
Bubba Wallace - Leidos Toyota
Ross Chastain - Trackhouse Chevrolet
Austin Cindric - Freightliner Ford
Tyler Reddick - Jordan Brand Toyota
Shane van Gisbergen - Trackhouse Chevrolet
Chris Buescher - Kroger/Tree Top Ford
Ryan Preece - Fastenal Ford
Christopher Bell - Mobil 1 Toyota
Josh Berry - Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford
Todd Gilliland - Long John Silver's Ford
Kyle Busch - zone Chevrolet
Carson Hocevar - Delaware Life Chevrolet
Kyle Larson - HendrickCars.com Chevrolet
William Byron - Liberty University Chevrolet
Alex Bowman - Ally Chevrolet
Noah Gragson - TrueTimber Ford
Brad Keselowski - BuildSubmarines.com Ford
Daniel Suarez - Freeway Insurance Chevrolet
Chase Briscoe - Bass Pro Shops Toyota