While leading the race in its waning moments, Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Ford sputtered out of gas just before beginning the final lap. This unfortunate turn of events erased what would have been Blaney’s first trip to Victory Lane this season, following his championship win last year.
Ryan Blaney said they didn't know they were close to being short on fuel where he would have needed to save gas. He's bummed obviously after another punch in the gut this year. pic.twitter.com/H6BqKPLUw5
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 2, 2024
Blaney expressed his disbelief over the fuel situation. “I never thought in my mind we were short,” he told FOX Sports. The No. 12 team had led 20 of the final 23 laps, and victory seemed within reach. Unfortunately, the fuel gauge had other plans, leaving Blaney to coast across the finish line in 24th place, the final car on the lead lap.
Despite the disappointment, Blaney remained positive about their showing. “Really happy with our performance today,” he said. “Just, I don’t know what I gotta do to get some luck on our side. Gosh, wrecked the last two points races and thought we had a great shot to win today, and it ended up bad. So, just appreciate the effort. Just gotta keep sticking with it”.
Ryan Blaney Runs Out of Gas, Austin Cindric Seizes Victory in Thrilling Finish
As the laps wound down, Ryan Blaney found himself leading the race. His No. 12 Ford had been strong throughout the event, and victory seemed imminent. Meanwhile, Austin Cindric, Blaney’s teammate at Team Penske, had been steadily closing the gap, but it appeared that Blaney had enough fuel to secure the win.
He came so close. pic.twitter.com/1RxsrYgIQz
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 2, 2024
As the white flag waved, signaling the final lap, disaster struck for Ryan Blaney. His car slowed dramatically, and he coasted across the finish line. The culprit? A miscalculation by his team left him one lap short on fuel. Blaney’s hopes of victory vanished, and Cindric seized the opportunity.
Austin Cindric, who had led more laps than ever before in his Cup career during this race, suddenly found himself in the lead. With Ryan Blaney struggling, Cindric powered ahead, claiming the checkered flag. It was a stunning turn of events, breaking Cindric’s 85-race winless streak and marking his first victory since the 2022 Daytona 500.
