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Reassurance meant a lot to Ryan Blaney, who thought he was fired – Speedway Digest

Ryan Blaney is an established NASCAR Cup Series star with 13 victories and the 2023 championship, but back in 2015, he wasn’t on such firm footing. In fact, after a particularly frustrating run in a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Blaney was afraid team owner Roger Penske was ready to fire him. […]

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Ryan Blaney is an established NASCAR Cup Series star with 13 victories and the 2023 championship, but back in 2015, he wasn’t on such firm footing.

In fact, after a particularly frustrating run in a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Blaney was afraid team owner Roger Penske was ready to fire him.

“I did think I was going to get fired one year—not really, but in my mind I was,” Blaney said on Monday at a proclamation from the city of Mooresville, N.C., honoring Team Penske’s three straight Cup championships.

“I blew a race at Indy, an (Xfinity) race, like 2015, I think. I lost the race, blew Turn 2 the last lap, Kyle Busch goes on and wins the race. And I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, I just lost at Indy for Roger. I’m canned. I’m done.’”

When Penske’s number popped up on Blaney’s phone later that evening, he feared the worst.

“He called me that night, and it was a pretty cool moment of reassurance, like ‘We believe in you; you’re going to make mistakes; this is how you learn,’ things like that.

“That was like the only time in my mind I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m getting fired.’ And when I saw him call me, I’m like, ‘This is it, I’m done.’ But those words afterwards really helped me out. I was 22, so it was a cool moment to talk to someone like that.”

In fact, just one week later, Blaney won his first race of the season at Iowa Speedway.



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NASCAR qualifying results: Starting lineup set for Sunday race at Michigan on Amazon Prime

It’s been six years since the NASCAR Cup Series driver who won the pole also won the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. In 2019, Joey Logano laid down the fastest qualifying time, led the most laps and captured the checkered flag. Logano’s four pole victories at Michigan are the most of any active […]

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June 7, 2025

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It’s been six years since the NASCAR Cup Series driver who won the pole also won the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

In 2019, Joey Logano laid down the fastest qualifying time, led the most laps and captured the checkered flag. Logano’s four pole victories at Michigan are the most of any active racer.

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For the third straight week, Chase Briscoe will lead the pack to the stripe Sunday. After posting the speediest lap at NASCAR’s speediest track, he will start on the inside of the front row. Kyle Busch will join him on the outside.

The green flag will drop shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday. Here is a look at the full qualifying results and starting lineup.

10 fastest speeds in NASCAR qualifying at Michigan

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 25: Chase Briscoe, driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 25: Chase Briscoe, driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

NASCAR starting lineup for FireKeepers Casino 400 race Sunday at Michigan

  21. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42

  26. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88

  30. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47

How to watch: Time, TV channel for NASCAR race at Michigan

  • Sunday: Cup Series race, FireKeepers Casino 400, 2 p.m. (Amazon Prime Video)

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NASCAR lineup: Qualifying results set starting grid for Michigan race



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Kyle Larson walks away from violent sprint car crash, striking the fence

When he’s not busy running full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, Kyle Larson is almost always behind the wheel of a sprint car. This week was no different as Larson was competing in a winged sprint car race at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Wisconsin.  On the seventh lap of the 35-lap World of Outlaws […]

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June 7, 2025

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When he’s not busy running full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, Kyle Larson is almost always behind the wheel of a sprint car. This week was no different as Larson was competing in a winged sprint car race at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Wisconsin. 

On the seventh lap of the 35-lap World of Outlaws feature race, Larson was running second and was attempting to run down Rico Abreu for the race lead. However, a wheel appeared to disconnect or break off as he entered Turn 1 at a high rate of speed. The failure immediately sent the car flipping end over end before slamming into the catch-fencing that surrounds the track. 

 

Thankfully, the 2021 NASCAR Cup champion and 2024 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year was able to climb from his No. 57 machine unscathed.

“I don’t know,” Larson told Dirt Vision after the crash. “I think the right rear axle or something broke so it just kind of launched me, and I was along for the ride. Bummer, but I felt really good pacing Rico there and just finally catching traffic and get racing there. Glad I’m okay, big hit but all-in-all, feel fine.”

Larson now heads over to Michigan for the 15th round of the 2025 season, returning to his usual job as the driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Larson’s first career win in the Cup Series came at Michigan back in 2016, winning three consecutive races at the two-mile speedway. 

After qualifying fifth for the Cup race at Michigan, he told NASCAR on Prime that he felt find after the sprint car crash, calling it an “unfortunate part failure.”

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Truck Series Michigan NASCAR Practice 10 Lap Averages

Related Ryan Rantz President, founder and visionary of “ifantasyrace.com, the way you fantasy race”. Follow me on Twitter and LIKE my Facebook page. DraftKings Michigan 2024 NASCAR Driver Points Michigan NASCAR Practice Groups / Qualifying Order Link 1

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Ryan Rantz

President, founder and visionary of “ifantasyrace.com, the way you fantasy race”. Follow me on Twitter and LIKE my Facebook page.

DraftKings Michigan 2024 NASCAR Driver Points Michigan NASCAR Practice Groups / Qualifying Order





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First ever NASCAR event: Dine on the track | Candid Candace

This summer, Chicago Gourmet invites guests to its first-ever Dinner on the NASCAR Track—a historic, trackside five-course Italian dinner in Chicago served directly on the start/finish line of the NASCAR Chicago Street Course in Grant Park, Chicago, combining high-speed thrills with a luxurious fine dining experience in Chicago. Participating chefs include Joe Frillman (Daisies), Steve […]

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June 7, 2025

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This summer, Chicago Gourmet invites guests to its first-ever Dinner on the NASCAR Track—a historic, trackside five-course Italian dinner in Chicago served directly on the start/finish line of the NASCAR Chicago Street Course in Grant Park, Chicago, combining high-speed thrills with a luxurious fine dining experience in Chicago.

Participating chefs include Joe Frillman (Daisies), Steve Maak (Levy Restaurants), Leigh Omilinsky (Daisies), and Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno)—each contributing their expertise to the collaborative menu. The evening will be emceed by Catherine De Orio (Casa De Orio), guiding guests through each course with charm and flair.

Guests will enjoy authentic Italian cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, artisanal pasta, and innovative presentation, all expertly matched with premium wine pairings for a dinner that appeals to both foodies and motorsports fans. This marks the first time ever such an upscale dining event has taken place on the NASCAR raceway, making it truly historic.

  • Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

  • Time: 6 PM – 9 PM

  • Location: Start/Finish Line, NASCAR Chicago Street Course, Grant Park, Chicago

As part of Chicago Gourmet’s Culinary World Series, this event highlights unique gastronomic experiences in Chicago—capturing the perfect fusion of speed, sophistication, and city pride.

Imagine yourself enjoying authentic Italian cuisine on the historic NASCAR track—this is your chance to experience a night like no other.
Picture the thrill of motorsports combined with the sophistication of a five-course, chef-driven dinner—ready to reserve your seat?

Reserve your seat now for Dinner on the NASCAR Track.

A portion of the proceeds of this and all Chicago Gourmet events benefits the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF). The IRAEF is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) dedicated to building and promoting the health and prosperity of the restaurant industry by investing in our youth and our workforce.



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Harrison Burton Opens Up On WBR Relationship After NASCAR Cup Series Exit

By Lydia Mee is a contributing sports writer located in the West Midlands, England. Her focus is on F1 and NASCAR. She has in-depth knowledge of Motorsport as a whole. Lydia joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written Motorsport content for Sports Illustrated. You can get in touch with Lydia by emailing, l.mee@newsweek.com. You […]

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June 7, 2025

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Lydia Mee is a contributing sports writer located in the West Midlands, England. Her focus is on F1 and NASCAR. She has in-depth knowledge of Motorsport as a whole. Lydia joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written Motorsport content for Sports Illustrated. You can get in touch with Lydia by emailing, l.mee@newsweek.com. You can find her at X @LMeeMotorsport.


Lydia Mee

Sports Contributing Writer