GOOD NEWS: Blaney’s Charge Through Clash Field Comes Up One Place Short, But Signals Strong Season Ahead
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season got off to an electrifying start on Sunday night as reigning champion Ryan Blaney put on a masterclass in perseverance, skill, and sheer determination at the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. The Team Penske driver stormed through the field at the quarter-mile Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, nearly pulling off an incredible comeback victory, only to finish just one position short of the top spot.
While Blaney’s rally ultimately fell short of victory lane, his performance sent a resounding message to the competition: the No. 12 team is here to defend its championship, and they are already in top form.
Blaney’s Night: A Battle Through the Pack
The exhibition race, known for its tight quarters and aggressive racing, once again lived up to expectations. Blaney started the night in a challenging position after struggling in his heat race, placing him mid-pack for the main event. With the short track’s inherent difficulties in overtaking and avoiding chaos, making up ground at the LA Coliseum is no easy feat—but Blaney was up for the challenge.
The opening laps saw the usual bumping and banging that the Clash has become known for, with several early cautions slowing the race’s rhythm. Blaney, however, remained composed, strategically picking his way through traffic. He showcased his ability to balance patience with aggression, finding openings in a field that was frequently stacked two-wide.
By the halfway mark, Blaney had already worked his way inside the top 10. His Ford Mustang displayed strong speed, particularly on long runs, allowing him to capitalize as other drivers battled ahead of him. His biggest challenge was navigating through the relentless pack racing, where every inch of real estate was fiercely contested.
The Late-Race Surge
As the laps wound down, Blaney continued his march forward. With 20 laps to go, he was inside the top five, setting up a thrilling dash to the finish. The leaders—including Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and eventual winner Christopher Bell—were engaged in their own battle up front, but Blaney found himself closing in fast.
A late-race caution bunched up the field, giving Blaney the chance he needed to make a final charge. On the restart, he executed a near-perfect launch, diving to the inside and gaining positions quickly. In the final laps, he pulled up to second place, setting his sights on Bell, who had established a narrow lead.
Blaney did everything he could to close the gap, pushing his car to its absolute limits. However, the short lap times meant that opportunities were limited. As the checkered flag waved, he crossed the line just behind Bell—his valiant comeback run falling just one position short.
Post-Race Reactions: Encouragement Despite the Near Miss
Despite missing out on the win, Blaney was all smiles after the race. The defending Cup Series champion knows that the Clash is an exhibition race and, more importantly, that his No. 12 team showed serious strength heading into the regular season.
“I wish we had just a few more laps, or maybe another caution,” Blaney said with a grin post-race. “But man, what a race. This car was fast, and I’m proud of the effort we put in. Coming from deep in the field at a place like this is no small task, and we almost pulled it off.”
Blaney also acknowledged the performance of race winner Christopher Bell, who managed to hold him off in the closing circuits. “Chris ran a great race. We were all pushing hard there at the end, but he did what he needed to do. It’s a great way to kick off the year, and I’m happy for him.”
A Strong Start for Team Penske
Blaney’s runner-up finish wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was also a positive indicator for Team Penske as a whole. The organization is coming off a championship season, and early signs suggest they have no intention of slowing down in 2025.
Crew chief Jonathan Hassler was pleased with the team’s execution, particularly in making adjustments throughout the race. “We knew starting back there was going to be a challenge, but Ryan did an incredible job managing the race,” Hassler said. “We made some good changes, and that car came alive when it mattered. If this is a sign of things to come, I think we’re in for another strong year.”
Looking Ahead to Daytona
With the Clash now in the books, Blaney and the rest of the Cup Series field will turn their attention to the season’s official opener—the Daytona 500. The Great American Race, set for February 16, is the most prestigious event on the NASCAR calendar, and Blaney enters as one of the favorites.
His restrictor-plate racing prowess is well known, and he has come agonizingly close to winning the Daytona 500 multiple times in the past. After the speed he showed in LA, many believe this could be the year he finally breaks through.
“We’ll celebrate this run tonight, but tomorrow, it’s all about Daytona,” Blaney said. “That’s the big one, and we’re ready to go after it.”
Conclusion: A Promising Start to 2025
While Blaney didn’t leave Los Angeles with the trophy, he left with something arguably just as valuable—momentum. His thrilling drive through the field demonstrated that he and Team Penske are prepared to pick up right where they left off in 2024.
As the NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off in earnest, all eyes will be on Blaney. If his performance at the Clash was any indication, he’s more than ready to defend his championship—and perhaps, add a few more trophies to his collection along the way.
