“I Did Not Mean to Do That!” Ryan Blaney Apologizes to Tyler Reddick Over Wild Nashville Wreck

The NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville on Sunday witnessed some wild wreck, the scariest one of them happened after the checkered flag. Ryan Blaney wrecked Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott and 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick right after the they crossed the start-finish line, following an aggressive battle for top-5.

The No:12 Ford bumped the No:9 Chevy, sending him to the No:45 Toyota. It resulted in the HMS driver sliding into the infield grass and the 23XI driver slamming hard into the wall. It was a violent contact and the championship leader was fortunate that he didn’t suffer any injury afterwards. The Team Penske driver was shocked his action led to the crash and was heard asking for update on the TRD driver on team radio.

Oh my god, let me know if they’re okay. Oh my god, I did not mean to do that.

Ryan Blaney said on team radio.

A big hit for Tyler Reddick at the finish in Nashville. pic.twitter.com/x39xpXbZyq

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 1, 2026

Talking to the media after exiting his car, the 2023 Cup champion Ryan Blaney apologized to Tyler Reddick publicly, insisting he had intention to push Chase Elliott like he did. Further sharing his feeling about how the race played out for him, he admitted that he is proud of the Penske crew for grinding out a top 10 run at the end.  

My sincere apologies to Tyler. I was trying to push the #9 [Elliott] at the top of three (wide) and got Chase sideways, and ended up hooking Tyler, so I hope he’s okay. Gosh, I did not mean to do that. Hope he’s all right, but I’m proud of the fight from my No. 12 guys.

Ryan Blaney added, as reported by motorsport.com.

Tyler Reddick respond to Ryan Blaney’s apology

After getting released from the infield care centre, Tyler Reddick talked to the media about the incident and Blaney’s apology. He admired that he didn’t see the wreck coming as they cool down lap had already started and asserted that desperation for good finishes caused the chain reaction.

Yeah, I’m feeling good. Certainly, when you take the checkered flag, you’re expecting to cool down, come down pit road, and head home. But yeah, in the moment, I didn’t necessarily know who clipped me or whatnot, but got to see the replay and it’s just a chain-reaction. It’s what everyone is trying to do — push back to the line, and have the best finish possible.

Tyler Reddick said post-race.

He then disused the apology offered by his Ford rival and admitted that sometimes things happen that are out of control, so they just have to move on and focus on the next-race. The veteran also shared his disappointment with how the whole day played out as they failed to capitalize on having a solid car.

I appreciate Blaney, he came by right away and apologized. But it was just a racing deal. Blaney is trying to push Chase, and it just happens sometimes. It’s a bummer…I guess, technically, we still finished the race, but we tore up a good race car. And that was kind of the theme of the night — just kind of a waste of a potential night

Tyler Reddick added.

All three drivers involved in the incident had fats cars and were desperately trying reward their teams with good finishes. Sometimes this leads to chaos and a big expense bill to pay for the team owners. The trio needs to move on and finds ways to bounce back in the remaining races of the year.

Also Read: “I Had the Best Car!” Christopher Bell Sulks Over Nashville Cup Race Defeat to Denny Hamlin