Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney in the No.12 Menards Team Penske Ford was left disappointed despite finishing on the podium in third place at the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday.
Speaking following the action, Blaney said:
It’s no fun. “Had a really good shot to win today. Our car was fast. Thought we had really good strategy. Kind of was the front guy having to save a little bit of gas. I thought we put ourselves in a great spot.
“I know the 6 (Keselowski) was probably going to run out if it went green. Came to the restart, I couldn’t believe they stayed out. I knew there was no way they were going to make it. So, I obviously chose the top because he might run out in the restart zone. He runs out coming to the green, so he has to go to pit road, and the 5 (Larson) gets promoted.”
Speaking about Kyle Larson winning the Brickyard 400, Blaney said:
Luck of the day right there, I guess. “I don’t know. I don’t know what to be mad about. Mad at losing this race, because I thought we were in the perfect position. Once I lost control of the race, obviously I would have been on the bottom (for the final restart), but I thought the 6 would run out in the restart zone or down the back… I don’t know. Stinks to lose in that way.
“Appreciate the effort. I hate we don’t get to celebrate with Mr. Penske and everyone at Penske here. That stings a lot. Just try to keep going. That’s all you can do.”
As NASCAR heads into a two week break for the Olympics before the race in Richmond, Blaney said:
I’m just upset. “That’s a heartbreaker. We did everything right today. I mean, was in prime position to win and just didn’t work out for us. Just got unlucky.
“Gosh, not going to sleep very good tonight, I can tell you that. Like I said, I appreciate Team Penske and everybody for the fast car. Gosh, we’ve been super-fast. It definitely showed again today. Just wasn’t meant to be.”