Ryan Blaney enjoys racing in front of the St. Louis market for Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway. (Photo: Josh James | The Podium Finish)
MADISON, Ill. — Ryan Blaney may be in the midst of a tough stretch of races in the past two points paying races. However, Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) may be what the doctor needed for his No. 12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford Mustang Dark Horse team.
At times, the 30-year-old Hartford Township, Ohio, native has been consistent and fast. A runner-up at Atlanta, third at Las Vegas and fifth at Phoenix earlier in the year showcased the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion’s offensive punch.
It has been a far different story in the past 10 races with only two finishes of seventh or better. Likewise, he has been caught up in accidents in the past two points paying races at Darlington and Charlotte.
Now, the Team Penske racer looks forward to taking on the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway. In the Cup series’ only two weekends at this Midwest intermediate track, he finished fourth in 2022 and sixth last year.
Blaney seems to enjoy racing at the egg shape oval with his solid track record. Not to mention, he has sang his praises for the track’s staff on providing a quality weekend experience.
“I like it. I think they do a great job,” Blaney said. “I was happy two years ago when they announced that we were coming here for a Cup race cause I raced here in the Trucks in ’14. I thought it was great then. And this area deserves it. I feel like this track does a good enough job to where they deserve a Cup race. The fans here seem very dedicated which is great. And they do a great job.
“I think Ludacris is playing. Riley Green’s here too. They do a good job of always entertaining. I think that’s something that tracks need. And I appreciate tracks who want to do something for the fans other than a race. You’re already coming to see a great show on Sunday but give them something to do during the weekend and I think it’s great.”
Overall, Blaney has been impressed by the diligence and teamwork by the staff at World Wide Technology Raceway with going beyond the traditional race weekend environment. Variety is the spice of life, an intangible that the third generation racer appreciates.
Ryan Blaney enjoys being on the attack at a track like World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR). (Photo: Josh James | The Podium Finish)
Despite the inconsistent performances and results this year, Blaney has reasons to be optimistic. Posting the second fastest time and third fastest in a 10-lap consecutive average run in Saturday’s combined practice session, he believes things will turn around for his No. 12 team.
Not to mention, for the third race in a row at World Wide Technology Raceway, Blaney qualified third, his second highest qualifying effort at this venue.
“I think we’re on the right track,” Blaney said. “I like to have our weekends smooth out a little bit. The last two weeks have been pretty rough just wrecking out. I think our speed is getting to where it should be.
“I think the Fords are getting better, so that’s positive. And that’s really all we can do is just keep working at what we’ve been working on all year. And hopefully the performance continues to show.”
A strong driver like Blaney needs a stellar leader atop his pit box. In the past three seasons, Blaney has worked with Jonathan Hassler.
Even after winning the championship last year, the duo are still strengthening their chemistry. Still, he has nothing but high praises for the longtime Team Penske veteran.
“He’s become a leader through the years,” he observed. “It’s been fun to kind of develop with him. He does a fantastic job. I’d like to continue that for a long time.”
There is something about Ryan Blaney and the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway that blends well for this duo. (Photo: Josh James | The Podium Finish)
Much like Blaney’s approach with persevering through a tough time, he does not intend to change his workout routine for the summer months. If anything, he will stay the course to keep himself in shape.
“I feel like I’m kind of ‘ if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, kind of a thing,'” Blaney offered. “And I found something that works for me a handful of years ago that’s really done me well as far as being fine through these races, no matter how hot or whatever.
“I don’t train differently for the summer months than I do for March races. It’s just whatever keeps you good and sticks you in your routine is positive.”
Editor’s Notes
Harry Loomis contributed to this article onsite from World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois.
