Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Blaney, drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, found themselves in an unexpected and early exit during the Southern 500 at Darlington. Both drivers were involved in a wreck just a few laps into the race, dashing their hopes of a win. The incident drew criticism from NASCAR insiders, who have discussed their bewilderment over such a mistake from drivers who should know better.
“I don’t think that people would have wagered on Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Blaney being eliminated on lap two of this race,” remarked Jeff Gluck during The Teardown podcast with fellow commentator Jordan Bianchi.
The Southern 500 demands patience and strategy.
“The Southern 500, it’s the kind of race where the veterans go, ‘Hey, man, 500 miles, this is gonna be a four-hour race. You don’t need to try to be a hero on lap one,’ and the most senior driver, the most veteran driver in the series, makes a mistake on the first lap, or the second lap, I guess, third lap, whatever, and he’s done,” explained Gluck.
Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
Truex Jr. now finds himself in playoff jeopardy, narrowly holding onto his position by just six points. Blaney, on the other hand, dropped two spots in the standings, losing two crucial playoff points.
“That wreck did cost Ryan Blaney two spots in the standings, which was worth two playoff points to him,” Gluck noted.
Blaney might have sustained a wrist or hand injury from the crash.
“Hopefully Blaney’s wrists or hand is alright. … You don’t want any sort of, even a sprain or something, but if there’s any sort of problem with that, you know, it’s one thing to go to Atlanta next week, but then you go to Watkins-Glen,” Gluck commented.
“That would not be good for a wrist or hand injury.”
Prior to this incident, Blaney had been enjoying a strong summer and was in a solid position to defend his Cup Series championship title. However, this setback complicates his path forward. For Truex Jr., the 2024 season has yet to yield a victory, and with his retirement on the horizon, every race, particularly those in the playoffs, carries heightened pressure.
As the two drivers prepare for the next race in Atlanta, the pressure mounts. Both must rebound from the Darlington disaster, aiming for strong performances to mitigate the wreck’s effects and secure their playoff standings.
What is the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Schedule?
Playoffs Round Of 16:
September 8 – Quaker State 400 available at Walmart – Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Georgia
September 15 – Go Bowling at The Glen – Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, New York
September 21 – Bass Pro Shops Night Race – Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tennessee
Playoffs Round Of 12:
September 29 – Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet – Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, Kansas
October 6 – YellaWood 500 – Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Alabama
October 13 – Bank of America ROVAL 400 – Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, Concord, North Carolina
Playoffs Round Of 8:
October 20 – South Point 400 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada
October 27 – Straight Talk Wireless 400 – Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, Florida
November 3 – XFINITY 500 – Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville, Virginia
Playoffs Championship 4:
November 10 – NASCAR Cup Series Championship – Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, Arizona
