Reigning Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney was at the center of a massive crash during Thursday’s duel races at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Blaney’s No. 12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske caught fire late in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 2 at Daytona following a multi-car pileup. On Lap 47, Blaney’s Ford and William Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 were jockeying for position within the top-5. The Hendrick Motorsports driver slowed down while trying to block Blaney’s attempt to overtake him.
No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver Kyle Busch, who was just behind Blaney and Byron, ended up bumping Byron’s Chevrolet in the tri-oval. The contact triggered “The Big One” that sent Blaney hard into the wall and impacted virtually half the 21-car field.
Big wreck. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/SrRXBwkwW8
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2024
Blaney’s car burst into flames in what was momentarily a harrowing sight. But the 30-year-old was able to exit his vehicle safely. He was evaluated and eventually released from the infield care center.
UPDATE: Ryan Blaney has been evaluated and released from the infield care center.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 16, 2024
Blaney was understandably frustrated after the incident. He had suffered a similarly terrifying crash at Daytona last year, which still appeared to be fresh on the driver’s mind while speaking to reporters.
“I’m sick of getting right reared here by someone else’s awful push,” said Blaney after the race.
#NASCAR … Ryan Blaney after that accident: “I’m pissed. I’m pissed. I’m sick of getting right reared here by someone’s awful push.” pic.twitter.com/Qe9fY1go4s
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) February 16, 2024
Christopher Bell in his No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing won Duel 2 in the wake of the crash.
