Sport: Motorsport Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Ryan Blaney faces must-win scenario in NASCAR Chase after Gateway issues

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 10:05 AM

Last updated Sep 17, 2026

Ryan Blaney faces must-win scenario in NASCAR Chase after Gateway issues

Summary

Ryan Blaney must secure a victory in one of the final eight races of the NASCAR Chase to remain competitive for his second championship, following a difficult outing at the Enjoy Illinois 300 on September 13. Blaney finished 35th after experiencing a brake failure, which occurred while he was in sixth place. This setback caused him to drop from 16 points behind the leader, Denny Hamlin, to 33 points back. Despite the challenge, Blaney earned 14 stage points in earlier race stages, which may aid his overall standings. The next event is the NASCAR Bristol Night Race on September 19.

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By the Numbers

•Blaney needs a win to keep championship hopes alive
•He dropped to 33 points behind leader Denny Hamlin
•Next race is at Bristol on September 19
•Blaney's brake failure caused a significant setback
•He earned 14 stage points despite finishing 35th

Latest Updates

10:05 AMYahoo Sports — Is Ryan Blaney in must-win situation in NASCAR Chase after Gateway disaster?

What they're saying

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Ryan Blaney said he must win at least one of the remaining eight races in the NASCAR Chase to claim his second championship in four years.
— Yahoo Sports

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