Ryan Blaney Will Begin His Title Defense In A Backup Car
10 months agoOn Thursday night, Ryan Blaney was involved in an 11-car accident on lap 48 of the Bluegreen Vacations Duel (second race) at Daytona International Speedway. As a result of the damage this wreck caused to the No. 12 Ford Mustang, Blaney will now have to go to a backup car for the 66th running of the Daytona 500. Given that he was running fifth at the time of the collision, it looked like the reigning Cup Series champion would start the "Great American Race" in a favorable position. However, because of the accident, he will now have to work his way back up the field as he will start P32 in Sunday's race. While having to start so far back is certainly disappointing for the Team Penske star, this news should get DFS players excited. Since 2022, in Cup races at NASCAR's two main superspeedways (Daytona and Talladega), Blaney has averaged 41.33 DraftKings points and has appeared in the optimal lineup three times. Between the success he has experienced with restrictor plate racing and the place differential upside his starting position offers, Ryan Blaney becomes one of the core plays this Sunday at Daytona despite being in a backup car.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com