Disaster for Playoff contender Ryan Blaney as he cut down a right front tire on lap 91 of Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The tire going down sent Blaney into the outside wall, which seemingly has bent his toe link.
FLAT TIRE FOR BLANEY!
The No. 12 has major issues after yet another Ford has the right-front tire go down.
He hit the wall and @Aric_Almirola spun to avoid him.@Blaney also had a loose wheel during his stop, which will be a suspension for his team.#NASCAR #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/BQiDuPvX8Y
— NASCAR on TSN (@NASCARonTSN) September 18, 2022
Additionally, when Blaney got back to pit road for service, his car had an uncontrolled wheel, which flew off his car. That will most likely result in a four-race suspension for his crew chief Jonathan Hassler, his tire changer and his jack man.
Blaney entered the race fifth in the Playoff Grid, 36 points ahead of Kyle Busch, who was on the cut line. But with an issue before the end of Stage 1, things could get a bit uncomfortable for Blaney and the No. 12 Team Penske group.