RYAN RALLIES AT TEXAS WITH LATE-RACE STRATEGY FOR TOP-10
May 4, 2026BLANEY RECOVERS FROM ON-TRACK INCIDENT TO FINISH 11TH AT WATKINS GLEN
RACE RUNDOWN
RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/LIBMAN FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 7TH
STAGE 1: 3RD
STAGE 2: 15TH
FINISH: 11TH
POINTS: 4TH
Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Menards/Libman Ford Mustang Dark Horse team rolled off seventh for Sunday's race and showed solid speed from the outset. Blaney quickly worked his way forward, climbing to fourth and ultimately third, where he finished Stage 1 before heading to pit road. Blaney restarted 26th but steadily marched back through the field. In the second segment, the No. 12 climbed to 16th and avoided trouble when the No. 24 spun on track directly in front of him, only causing minimal damage. He continued to push forward, ultimately finishing Stage 2 in 15th. After a pit stop early in the final segment during a caution for debris, Blaney lined up 22nd for the restart and began working his way up the running order. Over the final run to the checkered flag, the No. 12 team continued to gain ground, with Blaney ultimately taking the checkered flag in 11th.
Blaney's Thoughts
"We did a good job getting points in the first stage. I thought we were in a really good spot until the No. 24 spun-out in the Bus Stop. I couldn't go anywhere and caved the nose in. I was actually surprised how fast the Mustang was after that. Overall, we fought from the back a few times to a decent finish and a good points day."
