they were below the cutline… they needed a win… they were leading… and then mechanical failure happened… …tough way for the pace car to end its championship hopes… 😔
@@Dougie1969 That's probably the best car I've ever seen him have in any race. Last year's Phoenix race was pretty close. Hopefully they have the same sort of car for next week!
@@nomadman5288 I'd say Penske also stepped up to the plate along with Blaneys entire crew. These people never receive Enough credit. But he definitely wheeled that car today. I actually don't care for the guy, but he is clearly Championship caliber
I think they need a camera on Erin Blaney hopefully cheering for both her brother and her longtime boyfriend. As a Blaney fan I don’t really want to compete against Byron, but as a race fan I’m glad Denny didn’t make it. Now he can cry on his podcast
@@csquared2458 you don’t see it during races much. Kim Burton was a blast to watch. Samantha Busch annoying. Would just be fun for this race, especially if they’re running close.
Blaney is having the best year of his career. He's picking up momentum, he's fighting a bit harder for positions as well as defending them, and he had a race winning car last year at Phoenix. I really think this could be his break out year and finally hoist that cup !
i can’t remember a martinsville race this good in recent memory. blaney climbing through the field in stage 1 was really special. the fact we had passing on the outside made this unique. i hope this bodes well for phoenix next week too. edit: i give it more than 75. blaney’s exciting charge, almirola’s near-storybook ending, that exciting blaney/hamlin restart duel, rudy fugle’s pep talks, a second groove and passing on the outside at martinsville!! at least an 80 from me.
Last year? Idk this race had more passing but there was a little more tension and more cars around the cut line. And one of the greatest moments in nascar history
Next Gen car doesn’t like cold weather for whatever reason, so the sun being out and being a warm day helped What also helped was the new tire Goodyear brought to the track
@@automan224agreed, i think goodyear hit a home run. maybe the warm temperatures were the real factor but either way i loved it. that camera angle where they stuck on one spot in the corner, and you could see each individual car influencing the rubber situation on the surface was A+.
I want it to be Blaney's year, after everything I had seen this season talking about how "Mid" Blaney was. I would love for him to just come out, kick ass and win a title when Ford really had no real right to be even in contention.
That is why Ford is weird. They choked in 2020 with Harvick hard and now last two years steal Final 4 berths. Wonder if Ford is honestly not getting SHR what they need consistently,
Nascar has been "pegging back" Ford and Dodge for over 50 years. Mfg. TITLES for last 50 years(incl.'23) = 0 for Dodge, 3 for Toyota, 8 for Ford, and a MASSIVE, ARRANGED, total of 39 for CORRUPT NASCAR AND CHEVY . NO EQUALITY, NO PARITY, JUST ALOT OF CRIMINAL, FIXED, RESULTS WITH THE EXTREME FAVORITISM TOWARD SHITROLLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ULTIMATE TRUTH!!!!!!!
When Letarte said nobody was picking Blaney going into these playoffs, I could just imagine Dale Jr in the background laughing and pointing at himself because he’s got Blaney winning the championship in his bracket from the beginning of the season😂
Even though I’m a fan of both Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott as well, just due to the fact that Denny Hamlin is gonna be 44 next year, I’ll root for him in that regard. I dunno how much longer Denny Hamlin has left in the tank to be a championship caliber.
I know. There are two of them dude. I mean not in cup obviously. The other one is in trucks still I believe. Not only do I forget a burton races, I can never remember which one is Jeff's son and which one is Ward's son. I always have to look it up when I am asked. LOL.@@ballplayer1799
I’ll be honest, that race was better than I expected. Especially since NASCAR gave the Cup series new tires to help the racing which actually made a difference. Now they just need to tackle the other issues that plague them on short tracks
Wait! What?? Great day for Penske with Logano 5th and Todd Gilliland 9th?? Austin Cindric was 9th. Cindric drives for Penske. Gilliland doesn't. I had to back that up and listen twice to make sure I'd heard it right.
Eric.. Thank you We literally have to wait for you to post to cover a Nascar race. All Nascar does is show the half cut extended replay.... Love and enjoy your content... Hope I get to meet you in person and say hey 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
I'm a Busch fan, but since he sucks ass now, I'm on a Blaney train for sure. When Busch retires, Blaney will be the one I root for. Good luck to Blaney and you man. 👍
Denny continues down the path of Mark Martin and Dale Jr in not winning a NASCAR Cup championship...and he does so without possessing any of the class of either of those two drivers.
I was there and the crowd went crazy. Every time Denny Hamlin got passed and Ryan Blaney got in front. I think the crowd was super happy that blaney won it!
I was legit just watching your other video wondering when you're going to post this one. Hell yeah Blaney and let's go get that championship in the bag baby! Woooo
Love the vids, watch most of them. But I do gotta say, well done replacing top 10 with top 5 at 1:38 :) it was smooth, the audio was seamless. I wouldn't have even noticed if I wasn't watching closer than usual. Definitely need some more like on this video!
I was there today and one of the most cool things was the absolute thunder the crowd gave Blaney all day. Fans of all other drivers, etc hamlin and truex of course. Everyone was hoping to see that guy drive the wheels off and he delivered
Blaney v. Larson v. Bell v. Byron for the championship is what NASCAR has been wanting for its youth movement for 8 years now and it’s finally happening this is definitely the passing of the torch. With Harvick gone and MTJ seeming like he’s got one foot out the door… Denny and KB are gonna both trophy hunt till their in wheelchairs excited for the direction the sport is going
Always good to see Denny Whinlem get the loss. Last year was especially sweet seeing Chastain pass him at the finish line. This year, it’s great to see him eliminated. I’m on record as hating the elimination rounds, but if it gets rid of Hamlin, then….OK.
My favorite part about championship 4 is Blaney’s sister has been dating Byron for 4 years (in fact when Ryan congratulated him on making it in he said “my brother-in-law” 🤔) and now they’re fighting it out. I think they need a camera on Erin during the race. She has been in Victory Lane more times than her brother 🙁. Go Blaney!
@@ba97racing and we know you Denny sycophants can see that he does no wrong, they did touch, but even if they didn’t, Denny slammed the wall at least once maybe twice beforehand.
@@stellingbanjodude 'they did touch, but even if they didnt'. Yeah exactly. They didn't. Keep refusing to watch the replay and see that....they never....touched. I'm all for admitting when Denny is in the wrong. I didn't particularly think how he drove Larson as Pocono was justified. But at the same time, I'm not going to blame Denny for Homestead where its out of his control. Yeah he did hit the wall. That very well may have caused the part to break. But quite a few people hit the wall, Larson a few times himself. The guy that everyone says is the greatest there's ever been to drive the high line. It comes with the territory of trying to find speed. It is what it is. And choking surely isn't what I'd call it.
I would give this a 95, I was standing for the last 100 laps with the action on the track was really exciting. This was one of the better short tracks of this year. Hopefully next year all the other races end up like this because this is what racing should be.
was there live, Blaney being my favorite driver made it that much better. Ive been to so many races and it seems that every race i go to are all his DNFs for the occuring season, so it felt good to finally see him win in person and in dominating fashon, the fight in the grandstands in turn one was awesome too lol. on the flip side was the way traffic was handled leaving the track. BY FAR the worst it has been Ive been going down there for years and i have never seen it that bad. Great weekend overall.
This was the best short track race of the NextGen car BY FAR. The new tire really helped with laying rubber down. The cars didn’t seem to be nearly as planted into the track as they have in years past. You could pass and aero didn’t seem to play as big of a role. Maybe Martinsville needs to be run in September if this is what warm weather racing gives us.
I think that 23XI and RFK are in similar points. Both teams seem new to the series, I know Roush has been around for a while, but when I started watching about a decade ago, Roush was a good team, then they fell, now another contender. Both teams seem to have a new lease on life, had one driver get knocked out in rounds 12 and 8, and are almost the contenders i so want them to be. Excited for what comes next for these teams
I was at the race, sitting at turn 4 in the blazing sun! I didn't have a scanner, so just watching the race with ear plugs and observing the action. By far the most exciting thing was the battle between Hamlin and Blaney, especially the crossover action toward the end of stage 2. Everyone was thrilled. Hamlin had the most boo's during driver introductions, which is not too surprising but he is from Virginia. And, of course, Blaney is beloved by every hardcore NASCAR fan. So, it was an epic battle. Byron is my driver, and I was proudly wearing my bright red Liberty U / Byron t-shirt! It was so sad to watch! I knew Byron's best chance was for Blaney to win and take the third spot, so I was cheering him on, which I would do normally because I love Blaney too. So, at the end of the race, with my two favorite drivers advancing to the final four, I was satisfied. The second most exciting thing was Almirola in the third stage. We actually watched him talk to the kids before the race, and he is such a good guy. I'm gonna miss him in the cup series and would love to see him in the SRX series.
The Byron saga reminded me of Johnson/Gnaus episode in one of the title runs. JJ wrecked early, but repairable to make minimum speed but not competitive. He just kept plugging along making his laps. There was a lot of attrition, so he was slowly climbing up the points ladder. Those crucial points were needed to win the championship that year. By winning, Blaney did a solid for his sister too, as she's Byron's GF.
Couldn't be happier with this Champ 4...my fav driver and 3 could be 1st champs...I could be happy with any of them winning the champ...that being said....Hey Denny!? My driver BEAT you!!! Take a seat on the bench Denny Boy...What a great day 👍 👏 😀 👌 🙌
Let's shift gears. Justin Algier wins and is in the final 4 at Phoenix. He has been outstanding for years and is a great dude. I hope he gets his champion 🏆.
I'll say I'm pleasantly surprised at how much the tire Goodyear brought helped the racing at Martinsville. Was a bit more entertaining than past races but still needs to work on it NASCAR. Good job though.👍👏🤙
As a Blaney fan, I'm not surprised you doubted him. He was really not performing before the playoffs. I was frustrated, but he certainly has shown up since! Onto a championship! C'mon Blaney! Larson and Bell have looked so great, though.
The new Goodyear tires did an amazing job at helping to put more rubber down. It made it to the point that Hamlin was using the highside, solo, in order to catch up. Goodyear did a great job to help this short track package! Edit: Rarely does Goodyear get good press when they did a superb job
Dale Jr picked Blaney to win the championship as soon as the round of 16 started and he has never wavered. Tough to do when points reset put him in the bottom every time. Good call. He can do it. Harvick 4 the win & Blaney in 2nd for championship!
Blaney was the car all day I missed most of the race waiting for hotdogs 😂 then they sold out before I got my Martinsville hotdog that sucked totally being I was in line before the end of stage 1 until after the start of the last stage. Think the track should prepare a little better. But we will be back next October, hopefully get our hotdogs before the start of the race
I have a close eye on Blaney next week, like Eric said for the past few videos if Blaney makes the championship he could potentially be the favorite heading into championship race. Now that he’s made it I would not be surprised if he either comes close to winning it all or wins it all. He could be the champion this year
Ryan Blaney is literally my favourite active driver and I doubted he’d make it this far (Team Penske hasn’t been exactly primo this year, let alone ford as a whole). I’m grateful he proved me wrong! Whatever happens at Phoenix, I’m happy with this year! 🎉
Except Chase won 2 races that regular season, Charlotte and Daytona RC, 15 top 5s and 22 top 10s. Blaney has just 7 top 5’s and only 17 top 10s. His saving grace was 2 of the wins in the Playoffs of course.
My score is 90% but I might be biased because I'm a Blaney fan. I really hope Jr.'s prediction on Blaney winning the championship from February is spot on that would be awesome. 😎
Denny being eliminated was the best part! Especially since he said a few weeks back after he won at Bristol, " I'd beat all your drivers". I guess he didn't do that today.
I’m glad Blaney’s going to Phoenix! That was the best race of his career. Interestingly enough, Blaney does well in old numbered years, and Logano does well in even numbered years. Is this the start of a trend? Byron’s fighting tooth and nail for his spot as a contender. Let’s hope he’s got a good performance lined up for Phoenix to back up his “struggling efforts”. I was also surprised how well Briscoe and Almirola performed towards the end of the race, especially since Almirola’s done after this year. I don’t think SHR can win a race this year (there’s only 1 left), but it’s nice to see them starting to trend up for once. As for Hamlin, I don’t like him, at all, but I will give him credit for trying. He will go down as one of the best to never win the title, next to Harry Gant, Mark Martin, Junior Johnson, Dale Jr & Fireball Roberts.
Depending on who wins next week, it'Il be the first time that each number has won the championship since: #5: 2021 #12: Would be a first-time championship in the cup series for that number #20: 2005 #24: 2001
Eric , Truex did have the speed to contend as he did have the fastest lap of the race yesterday . But , after the speeding penalty putting him in the back and then the car falling off the jack it took him much of the rest of the race just to get back into the top 15 .
Absolutely the best short track race of the Next Gen era so far. Goodyear deserves a round of applause for that tire. While I do want them to add some horsepower back, this race shows that the package may be able to be fixed without it. Bravo NASCAR and Goodyear🎉
i find it ironic that NASCAR has all kinds of penalties in a race but not for rough driving 42 clearly took out 54 the 22 same thing they get no penalty 54 had 1 of the best cars
@@easyenetwork2023 when Ty Gibbs took out Brandon Jones he should have been disqualified i love him but he should have been penalized he definitely had a winning car on Sunday
Wow...A lot for Ford fans and I to be happy about! First, of course, Ford wins and Blaney secures a spot in the final four. But there's even more to cheer about. 4 of the top 5 finishers were FORDS! 7 of the top TEN were FORDS!! This race represented Fords having the highest number in the top ten ALL season long!!! This race represented the best average finishing position for the Ford teams at 15 not counting the All Star Race where their average finishing position was 13. If the Ford teams or better still Blaney, can hold on and either win or be the highest placed of the final four, Ford will claim the championship for the second year in a row. Ford, with a win at Phoenix will equal their win total of 9 race wins, last year. Go Ford teams!!!!!!! B-FORD/NASCAR FAN-Gardner
Another great VLOG, Eric. Thanks! Quick question, totally off subject here ... will The NASCAR Cup Series ever have a Series Title Sponsor again? Thanks and Best Regards, Lloyd C. in Houston
The points at the end were intriguing, but it was also very predictable. Denny basically had no points to gain running up front all day, and once there were a few green cycles, with lapped cars, Byron didn't have many points to lose. Then with all those front runners toward the end having to put for fuel, that last spot was all but handed to Byron
I would say 75 or 80 percent. I will say I respect the run byron pulled out at the end. he was hot, and down but not out. He could have given up but at the final streach he passed a hand full of cars stayed in due to attrition and pulled a rabbit out of a hat today. I have not been this excited for a championship race since 2021 and can say I am much more interested in this one then that. we have Larson who will win or go down swinging. Byron who no matter what all ways shows up when he needs to. Blainy how is hungry and on his game plus had one of if not the best car last year. and Bell who you can never count out. helluva time to be a NASCAR fan!
2020 and 2021 were better races than last year I thought. The final 4 format has made the final race better in my opinion, but the way we drown champion is still flawed. Just hard to do much better because the Winston Cup format could be boring.
