Ryan Blaney Vegas post race report

Ryan Blaney (@RyanBlaney22), driver of the No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford F-150, made his first career start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ (NCWTS) Smith’s 350 Saturday night after qualifying 15th.

When the first caution came out on lap 13, Blaney was directed by crew chief, Doug Randolph, to bring his Cooper Standard Ford to pit road for a track bar adjustment, fuel and right side tires.

When the third caution of the night came out on lap 47 for a spin in turn four, Randolph brought Blaney to pit road for a second time, changing left side tires, fuel and pulling tape off the grill to help cool the engine. Blaney entered pit road in the eighth position and exited six spots up in the second position once the green flag fell on lap 51.

The No. 24 wrecked in turn two and brought out another caution on lap 60. Unfortunately, Blaney was having temperature issues, while running second, and had to make an unscheduled pit stop to have more tape removed from his F-150 grill. After the exchange, Blaney dropped back to 13th position.

On lap 82, Blaney had made his way into the first position and built a solid cushion on the second place No. 62, who was five Truck lengths back. It was short stint for Blaney in the first position as another caution fell on lap 91 for a spin coming out of turn four. Blaney led the field to pit road and loaded up on fuel and four fresh tires before restarting 12th with 51 to go.

Under green on lap 127, Blaney came on the radio saying he thought a tire was going down. From that point forward it was a struggle for the Cooper Standard team as track position diminished for the BKR team. Blaney finished in the 20th position after having a capable top five Truck.

The No. 29 BKR team currently sits seventh in the NCWTS driver points standings, 92 points back from first.

“What a disappointing night for all of the Cooper Standard guys. We had a very good Truck, but had too much bad luck for us to sustain a top five finish. I’m really excited about racing at Talladega in a few weeks.” – Ryan Blaney