Ryan Blaney chooses between Bristol dirt and concrete pavement
Ryan Blaney holds the track record for the fastest lap at Bristol, 132.075 mph.
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Ryan Blaney (Credits: NASCAR.com)
The Bristol Dirt Race is the only such race in the NASCAR schedule. The Bristol Motor Speedway hosts it by covering the original concrete pavement with dirt. 2023 marked the third race at the temporary track, where Christopher Bell emerged victorious. The track also hosts a second Cup race on its original pavement every season.
It took NASCAR three years to host an entertaining race at Bristol as the series’ first two visits produced disappointing race products. Fans and drivers alike enjoyed the race. But yet, he isn’t convinced that the race should remain in the Cup schedule for the future.
Team Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney has given his preference among the two pavements. He noted that he likes to race on both tracks and has no special preference. He has never won a Cup race at BMS but has won a race at the track while he was racing in the Truck series.
“I enjoy having the dirt race here or concrete; I don’t have a preference. To be honest, I think the dirt race gets better every year. I thought last year’s dirt race was good, and this year’s was even better. The track was super wide and slick and really racy. You could put dirt or asphalt on it, and I would be here either way,” Ryan Blaney said.
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Ryan Blaney is hopeful that he could secure his first Cup win at the track after the Goodyear tire test
Blaney joined hands with Trackhouse Racing No:1 Chevy Camaro ZL1 driver Ross Chastain and Joe Gibbs Racing rookie Ty Gibbs for the good year tire test at BMS. The trio was tasked with helping NASCAR tire manufacturers get enough data on the latest tire compounds and updates.
After the test, while talking to the media, Blaney acknowledged that he enjoyed the experience and that the things he learned will come in handy while going for the win in the concrete pavement race on the track that will be on September 16.
“It’s nice to be learning some stuff for the night race coming up. It’s a unique place to test. It’s good to do these, especially the Goodyear ones where you’re trying out all different tires and giving feedback. You’re listening to those folks, what they’re working on. A place like Bristol has its challenges, being concrete and how it gets rubbered up,” Blaney said.
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