Ryan Blaney in 5-way tie on wins list

Ryan Blaney’s victory Sunday in the Xfinity 500 tied the Team Penske driver with Donnie Allison, Clint Bowyer, William Byron and Sterling Marlin on the NASCAR Cup Series wins list.

Together, the five drivers are tied for 61st all-time as Blaney became the latest driver to score double-digit victories in the Cup Series.

“I want to be that guy, I want to be that guy winning a championship, all these races, I want to be that guy,” Blaney said. “I think it motivates me more than anything.”

Ahead of the five drivers on the wins list are Dick Rathman (13), Tim Richmond (13), Dick Hutcherson (14), LeeRoy Yarbrough (14), and Ernie Irvan (15).

Despite not winning last season, Blaney has won three times in 2023 (Charlotte, Talladega, and Martinsville), tying a career-high from 2021.

A victory next week would guarantee Ryan Blaney — or his competitor William Byron — his first Cup Series championship.

“All you want is a shot at a championship,” Blaney said. “You get your shot when the Playoffs start, if you make ’em. Okay, you have a shot. But then your real shot is if you get to Phoenix, right?

“Yeah, it’s just nice to have an opportunity to actually race for a championship. So hopefully we can maximize the weekend. We’ll just see. I’m excited for it. It’s going to be fun.”