Skip to main content
Join Now
NASCAR Logo

Ryan Blaney out of Las Vegas race after early wreck, falls in NASCAR Playoff standing

JHby: Jonathan Howard10/12/25Jondean25
Ryan Blaney NASCAR Las Vegas
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

If he wasn’t already thinking that he had to get a win, Ryan Blaney now knows he’s going to have to get a win to advance. Blaney found himself in the wall in Stage 1 at Las Vegas. He’s out of the car and will DNF on the day. His NASCAR Playoffs are in danger now.

Just when everyone thought it was Team Penske’s world again, things have changed dramatically. Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, is now out of the race and has fallen to last in the playoff standings as a result.

Of course, Joey Logano is still in the race, so anything can happen. However, there is no doubt that this wreck has changed these playoffs. Blaney has fallen, and other drivers now have a new opportunity.

Ryan Blaney is now in must-win territory. At this point in the NASCAR Playoffs, he won’t be able to make up a 30+ point deficit without winning a race. Well, good news – Talladega and Martinsville are next up on the schedule.

Three times a winner at Dega, twice a winner at Martinsville, Blaney has to have confidence moving forward. While it is disappointing to wreck out of this pivotal race, the next two are right up his alley. Blaney is not out of the hunt for the Championship 4 yet.

Of course, the driver knows that he has to get a win now. He expressed as much to the media earlier.

Ryan Blaney has to win one of next two races

Talladega and Martinsville are not the most welcoming of venues for most drivers. However, they have been a bit of the bread-and-butter of Ryan Blaney lately in the Cup Series. Team Penske is so strong at the drafting tracks, and Blaney has a knack for getting these close wins.

Speaking to the media after leaving the care center, Blaney was honest about his outlook. He will be fine after today, but for now, he’s disappointed. Optimism is right around the corner, though.

“I think you gotta be optimistic. I’m not very happy right now, but tomorrow morning I’ll be optimistic to go to the next race,” Blaney said, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “So, yeah, we’ve had good success at the next two events. Hopefully, we can come bring the speed and try to overcome the hole we put ourselves in today.”

Having a DNF to start the Round of 8 is not ideal. Ryan Blaney has had eight DNFs this season, and that’s with an expanded DVP rule that allows teams to make repairs in the garage.