Ryan Blaney, the defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion, crashed his car during practice, starting his weekend on the back foot. Leading up to the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a flat tire caused his No. 12 Ford to crash into the wall during the practice session. The crash not only disrupted his practice session but also meant he will now start the race from the back, foregoing qualifying.
The crash took place on just his second lap of practice, as a punctured left rear tire sent the Discount Tire Ford into a spin, colliding harshly with the driver’s side of the wall. This unfortunate incident adds to a season that has been tumultuous, marked by several DNFs that have affected Blaney’s standing in the playoff points tally.
Currently, four points below the cut line, Blaney must move fast if he wants to be in contention for the championship, especially as he starts from the rear of the field—a zone more …