Ryan Blaney Gateway Post-Race

Ryan Blaney (@RyanBlaney22), driver of the No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford F-150, scored a seventh place finish in Saturday night’s Drivin’ For Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park.  Blaney grabbed his fifth top 10 finish in seven starts this season and moved to within 17 points of the lead in the series championship standings.

 

But it certainly was challenging.  During the opening segment of the race Blaney’s truck was a bit of a handful to drive.  On lap 16 he and crew chief Chad Kendrick chose to pit for adjustments and fuel, hoping to improve its handling characteristics

 

The move paid off in more ways than one.  A timely caution during a cycle of green flag stops on lap 64 gave Blaney track position he lost early in the race.  He was running second at the time and was able to pit on lap 67 for tires and adjustments. 

 

From that point Blaney ran solidly among the top five.  He survived two chaotic restarts over the final 14 laps including the final one on lap 157.  He lined up fifth and got squeezed low on the backstretch but held on to finish seventh.            

  

BKR PR