Ryan Blaney hopes ‘momentum carries over’ after Talladega runner-up finish

Despite trying to make a race-winning pass on Bubba Wallace on the last lap of the GEICO 500, Ryan Blaney had to settle for second-place again, continuing his winless streak dating back to Daytona in August 2021.

Blaney led 47 laps at Talladega Superspeedway Sunday, a race high.

“The Fords were quick,” Blaney said. “We did a good job working together, but it’s unfortunate we got a little separated there with the No. 4 having to pit and the No. 10 having a right-front flat. I think we worked great together.”

Since his last win at Daytona in August 2021, Blaney has finished runner-up four times, 17 Top-5 finishes, and led 818 laps, 56 races ago. He is currently on the longest losing streak of his Cup Series career.

“Just a shame not to win,” Blaney said. “This is a completely separate race than anywhere else, so you take it for what its worth, get ready to go for the next speedway. Hopefully, the momentum carries over.”

Blaney has scored 2 Top-5 finishes and 5 Top-10 finishes through the first 10 races of the season.

Sitting 10th in driver’s standings, Blaney has a 39-point edge over the playoff cutline entering Dover Motor Speedway this weekend.

In the Team Penske driver’s 12 starts at Dover, Blaney’s highest finish has been eighth place on two occasions.