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, Florida.
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. Blaney’s Ford was jockeying for position on Lap 47 against William Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The Hendrick Motorsports driver slowed down while trying to block Blaney’s attempt to overtake him.
Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which 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.
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.
Blaney was understandably frustrated after the incident. He suffered a similarly terrifying crash at Daytona last year as well.
“I’m p-ssed. I’m p-ssed. I’m sick of getting right reared here by someone’s awful push,” said Blaney after the race, per NBC Sports' Dustin Long.
Christopher Bell in his No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing won Duel 2 in the wake of the crash.
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