Not everything under the hood is made in-house in the competitive world of NASCAR. Teams frequently depend on a hodgepodge of top-tier vendors, including data systems from one party, engines from another, and chassis from another. For example, a team like as Richard Childress Racing relies on internal simulation tools for setups, receives its engines from ECR Engines, and employs a Chevrolet body. An entire racing day can be ruined by a single weak link in this delicate ballet of performance, accuracy, and trust. What about when something breaks? The game of blame starts. It’s frequently the tech behind the scenes, but occasionally it’s the crew or the driver.
Last year, we witnessed the Toyota camp’s struggles with engine issues, which impacted drivers like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell’s chances of winning a championship. Despite appearing to have resolved its engine problems, Toyota appears to have transferred this misfortune or hoodoo on Team Penske and the Ford Camp. Team Penske must resolve their engine problems. Team Penske is becoming increasingly concerned about Ryan Blaney’s recent mechanical issues. His 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign was hampered by two engine issues, the most notable of his three consecutive DNFs.
In light of the ambiguity surrounding Blaney’s problems at Phoenix and Homestead-Miami, PRN anchor Mark Garrow said, “Nobody’s said for sure what happened with Blaney those two weeks.” On lap 90 of the planned 312 at Phoenix, Ryan Blaney’s engine failed. At the time of the sad tragedy, he was running in ninth place. Earlier in the race, he had complained about a problem with the car. He continued to run, nevertheless, hoping for a victory or at least a favorable outcome. But that hope was short-lived due to the engine failure. Then Ryan Blaney experienced déjà vu at Homestead-Miami. After leading a race-high 124 laps in what was undoubtedly the strongest car of the day, he was comfortably in third place.
But his car exploded in a smoke wall on lap 208 out of 267, forcing him to go straight to the garage. It started off as a certain top-5 finish or perhaps a victory, but it ended up being another devastating DNF. Why? An engine failure once more. Regarding the cause of these failures, Team Penske has remained largely silent. Conversations soon turn to Roush Yates Engines, which supply power for Penske’s Fords, as noted by PRN’s analysts. Garrow implied that there was more going on beneath the surface when he added, “I don’t think they want to talk about the engine.” Even though Doug Yates’ shop has long been regarded as one of the best in NASCAR, any engine shop can have problems. However, when one of the top drivers is crippled by consecutive DNFs, something has to change.
Apart from the engine problems, Blaney’s poor qualifying performance at Martinsville was another cause for concern. He was always at a disadvantage because he started well down the field, especially on a track where passing is cruel. As one host said, “I was doubting Blaney’s qualifying effort, but I have complete faith in Doug to turn things around.” To refresh your memory, Blaney qualified at Martinsville with a low 32nd. The pressure is on Blaney as he travels to Darlington. Every component of the car and the team will be put to the test on the track’s rough surface and challenging turns. Fans and insiders will be eagerly monitoring, even though one host indicated that Doug Yates was “on it.” A run for a rebound may silence the rumors. But another misfire? That might sound the alarm at Penske louder than ever.
Ryan Blaney gets ready to go to Darlington
One of his kryptonite tracks Ryan Blaney heads into the 2025 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway with big aspirations but a difficult history. Blaney has had trouble at the “Lady in Black,” even though he is one of the biggest Vegas favorites. He has only finished in the top 10 three times in his 16 career Cup races and has never been in the top five. An unexpected statistic for a driver of his skill is that there was no win. Blaney’s recent Darlington efforts have been especially underwhelming. Due to a Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP) violation, he finished 36th in the Goodyear 400 in 2024. Following a mishap, he finished 37th in the Cook Out Southern 500. These findings highlight his challenges with the egg-shaped oval, which requires accuracy and patience.
After seven races, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series winner and 2024 runner-up is currently ranked 10th in the standings. Due to mechanical problems at Phoenix and Homestead-Miami, he is currently looking for speed and dependability as he enters Darlington. Blaney is hopeful that things will improve despite his difficulties. Joey Logano won the 2022 Goodyear 400, demonstrating Team Penske’s strength at Darlington. To avoid starting well down the field, Blaney will need to take that success and concentrate on strengthening his qualifying performance. Everyone will be watching to see whether Blaney can get over his Darlington problems as he gets ready for the race on Sunday. In addition to giving him more confidence, a great finish would secure his place in the standings as he look forward to regain championship form.
