#RyanBlaney

[streetcars101magazine]

Ford Performance's 2024 Season Launch- Part 2

After fanboying over all the vehicles I talked about in Part 1 of this article, I went up the red, white, and blue neon light tunnel into the venue event space itself. Upon entering the venue, I was immediately met with the vehicle I had been hoping all week to see - the Mustang GT3. This vehicle was the official debut for the global FIA GT3 category. The powerhouse under the hood is a Coyote 5.4L naturally aspirated V8 developed by Ford Performance and M-Sport. Paired with a dry sump and rear transaxle, this brand new machine is designed to have superior handling and enough reliability to tear up the track week after week. It is immediately apparent how much more aggressive this design is than the vehicles I had seen outside. Every inch is aerodynamically designed carbon fiber, with a beautiful front facia and a massive C-Pillar mounted rear wing. I interviewed Christian Hertrich, Ford Performance’s Motorsports Powertrain Manager about his favorite aspects of the GT3. “We designed this car very differently from all the others. It’s built for reliability for our clients. It was actually too powerful for most race series regulations, so we had to add restrictors on the intakes, so that the balance of performance would be within spec of race regulations for various series.” Christian told me the powertrain for this vehicle has been a passion project for him over the past two years. “We got approval for it just after Christmas in 2021 and I’ve been looking forward to this day ever since then. It’s the first time the GT3 will be raced globally, so we’re really excited!” ‘So are you satisfied with this vehicle, or is there more to be done?’ I asked. “There’s always more to be done!” He replied enthusiastically. “This platform has so much to offer and I’m sure we will be tuning and adjusting them for as long as Ford allows us.” I also had a chance to talk with Kevin Groot, Global Sports Car Manager and the Program Manager for Ford Performance. “We’ve really been able to optimize the handling and balance by placing the engine as far down and as far back as possible - it’s nearly sitting next to the driver! Look under the hood here,” he said, pointing, “at the massive air ducts at the front. We really have the space to do whatever we need to do in order to ensure this vehicle is always pushing the edge of technology.” As I continued to linger around the GT3, I also got very similar insight from Mike Draisey, the Motorsports Powertrain Supervisor, and Mark Rushbrook, the Global Director for Ford Performance Motorsports. It’s apparent that the entire team is very happy with the new platform of Dark Horse Mustang variants, as well as the GT3 and NASCAR series vehicles. https://public.tockify.com/browser/embed.js

FORD PERFORMANCE WEBSITE FORD PERFORMANCE INSTAGRAM Speaking of NASCAR, as I continued to move around the venue, I saw the NASCAR seventh generation Cup Series Dark Horse across the floor from me. It was actually quite different from the Xfinity Series Dark Horse I had seen outside (refer to Part 1 of this article). While the Cup Series car is also a smooth body race car covered in intricate stickers, it does have more character. There are subtle yet aggressive sharp humps over the front wheels, and more aerodynamic pieces on the roof and rear. Unlike the smooth hood on the Xfinity Series car, the Cup Series car has two hood vents. Rather than the sharp and straight design that I’m used to with most hood vents, these vents have a wave pattern. Additionally, the designers chose to go with a checkerboard pattern of carbon fiber on the upper dashboard. This is a neat touch, especially for a checkered-flag destined race car.

Carbon fiber-checkered dashboard I asked Ryan Blaney, 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion for his opinion on the new car. “I’m pumped!” he said. “Ford did an amazing job with it.” I also asked Joey Lagano what his thoughts were about the new platform. “Just look at it - it’ll be the meanest looking car on the track! I can’t wait to open her up at Bristol.” Though I personally haven’t been the biggest fan of Mustangs over the past few years, I happen to agree. This new generation is the best looking batch yet, and I’m excited to see them tearing up the track this year in Daytona, Atlanta, Charlotte, and beyond.

Seventh-generation Cup Series Mustang I continued to walk through the venue until I made it to the Ford blue carpet, where I met and briefly interviewed Frankie Muniz. He is best known for his role as Malcolm in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. He has also competed in various open-wheel and sports car series, such as the Atlantic Championship and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. In 2023, Muniz drove full-time for Rette Jones Racing in the team's No. 30 Ford Mustang in the ARCA Menards Series. Muniz finished fourth in the standings with 1 top-five and 11 top-tens, including a season-best fifth-place finish at Michigan International Speedway. First I asked him about the upcoming race season. ‘What Are you most looking forward to in the 2024 season?’ “I just want to drive fast! I’m looking forward to driving it all - just the speed is what gets me going!” ‘What will be your biggest challenges this year?’ “That’s a tough one; I guess I’ll have to just see when I get out there. Seasons are hard to predict, especially before they’ve begun. Ask me in a couple weeks from now” he said with a chuckle, “maybe I’ll have a better idea then.”  At this point I shifted topics to get his perspective on Ford Performance’s new cars. ‘Let’s talk about the new platform. What are your thoughts on the new Mustangs?’ “Ford has done a great job with all their platforms this year - not just the Mustangs. The Broncos are all new and it’s great to see what Ford has done to expand its boundaries with those. It’s great to see a company put such a large emphasis on motorsports - I don’t think there’s a series they’re not involved with especially now that they’re entering GT3 and Formula One. Their Mustangs have always been great, but it’s encouraging to see a manufacturer putting such emphasis on a V8 driven platform.” I agreed, saying, ‘Yes, it’s amazing what they’ve been able to do with the Coyote engines.’ “And what they're continuing to do!” he interjected. “My favorite car here is the GTD, I might even take it home!”

Baja 1000 Bronco Another driver I got to talk with was Michael McDowell. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 34 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports. McDowell began his career in open-wheel cars which included competing in Formula Renault and Champ Car, as well as sports cars in the Rolex Sports Car Series and 24 Hours of Daytona. ‘What’s your favorite vehicle in the Ford lineup this year?’ “I’ve got to say the Dark Horse, right? Haha” ‘You don’t *have* to haha’ “No, I think we’re excited about it - it should be pretty good for us this year. It looks great and it shows pretty good numbers. The power and handling are fantastic and we’re excited to get at it.” ‘So the handling is pretty good?’ “It’ll depend on the track, but from what I’ve felt so far it’s comfortable and well balanced.” ‘What do you think is going to be your biggest challenge this year?’ “Uhhh, not getting wrecked haha” ‘That is a pretty big challenge haha’ “Yeah we’ll do good if we can stay out of the weeds.” Out of curiosity for his diverse racing experience, I asked, ‘So what’s more fun for you, open wheel or stock car racing?’ “I’m honestly not sure how to answer that. They’re both fun in different ways. Open wheel you feel like you have more power - it’s more exhilarating as far as speed. Definitely more of an adrenaline rush with that one. But stock cars are more challenging to race. It makes winning so much more rewarding for me.”

Left to right: Joey Hand and Dirk Müller Also in attendance were the Ford factory drivers, and 2016 LeMans Champions (LM GTE Pro Class), Dirk Müller and Joey Hand. “Winning races is a family effort - that’s what Ford Performance is all about.” Dirk remarked, “The season is starting in 10 days and I’m really looking forward to have my Joey back.” As Joey laughed he added “The good thing is we’re going to the fastest race track we go to all year, Daytona. The 24 hour race is coming up - we’re actually going there tonight to start practicing.” As you're reading this article, it's likely the 24 Hours of Daytona has concluded, but only very recently. It's safe to say Ford Performance has a competent team and confident lineup for global motorsports this year. If you're new to racing, keep your eye on their vehicles throughout this season. Though I wouldn't say I've been Ford's biggest fan in general, they've gained my respect through this event. With their 2024 lineup, it's easy to see they've truly invested time and talent into being a force to be reckoned with. I expect their hard work will pay off this year. If you'd like to stay up to date on Ford's role in NASCAR this year, keep tabs on my profile. I'll be covering NASCAR this season with a focus on all three manufacturers - Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. Read the full article

[wagerhome-blog]

NASCAR Cup Series Championship

It began nine months ago with “The Great American Race” - the Daytona 500. The NASCAR Cup Series concludes this coming Sunday with the most important race of year, the Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. At least it’s the most important race of the year for four of the drivers. But you do not need to be one of the four drivers racing for the championship to win this race. But it has worked out that way in each of the last three years that this has been the final and deciding race. In 2020 Chase Elliott won this race, and the Championship. In 2021 Kyle Larson did the double. Last year it was Joey Logano.

Odds to Win Cup Series Championship

- Kyle Larson (+150) - William Byron (+250) - Ryan Blaney (+250) - Christopher Bell (+300) The last three weeks for Ryan Blaney has been on quite the ride. He was disqualified three races ago in Las Vegas, dropping him well below the cutoff line for the Championship 4. But then the qualification was overturned, he finished as the runner-up at Miami two races ago, and he won at Martinsville in this race to punch his ticket to the final. Blaney finished last season in eight place, and has a Cup Series-high finish of seventh in 2021. William Byron was the other new qualifier at Martinsville, advancing as the highest ranked non-winner. He was the Cup Series sixth place finisher in 2022, his personal best finish. Denny Hamlin led for 156 laps, but his third place finish left him six points behind Byron, and out of the Championship 4. When Hamlin won here in 2019 it was not yet the final race of the season, and he did not win the Championship. Kyle Larson is the favorite to emerge from next Sunday. He qualified for the Championship 4 with a win at Las Vegas in the Round of 8 opener. In the last three seasons, beginning with his championship-winning run in 2021, Larson has won 17 races and he has 57 top-five finishes. He finished fourth at Phoenix Raceway earlier this season.

Christopher Bell won at Homestead, putting him into the Championship 4. He finished the season in third place last year with three race wins. This season he has just two wins, but he’s been in the top-10 a total of 19 times, including the race at Phoenix in March.

Pay Per Head Software

One final weekend of NASCAR betting, as well as betting on the World Series. But full weekends of NFL and college football, and a full season of the NBA and NHL are still to come. It’s a lot for a single independent bookmaker to keep track of. But with a top pay per head software provider lending a hand, it’s the most profitable time of the year.  With WagerHome.com you get a fully customizable website, access to WagerHome’s huge menu of sports and betting options, plus EZ Live betting. See a demo today at WagerHome.com and get your first four weeks of membership absolutely free. Read the full article

[juanmecanico]

"Reseña de la temporada 2023 de Ryan Blaney" Oye, entusiastas de las carreras, echémosle un vistazo a la temporada pasada de Ryan Blaney en NASCAR. No fue un camino fácil, pero ciertamente explotó con velocidad y determinación. Ryan terminó el año 2022 como el décimo en la clasificación y probablemente no se sienta satisfecho con eso, ¿cierto? Pero vamos a desglosarlo... Primero, no podemos ignorar ese golpe de adrenalina con su victoria en Atlanta. ¡Vaya carrera! Esa adrenalina, ese caos en el pit lane, ese último minuto increíblemente estratégico que nos dejó a todos pegados a nuestros asientos. ¡Esos son los momentos que nos encantan en NASCAR! Fue una muestra impresionante de habilidades de carreras y estrategias en el pit lane. Como siempre digo, las carreras no son sólo sobre la velocidad, también se trata de tomar las decisiones correctas en el momento adecuado, y Blaney lo hizo brillantemente. En Daytona 500, por otro lado, las cosas no salieron como se esperaba. Al final del día, ese es el drama, la incertidumbre y la emoción de las carreras. Siempre existirán imprevistos, pero cuando estas en un auto de carreras de NASCAR, tienes que hacer frente a estos a gran velocidad. And still, hay mucho que aprender de estas situaciones y estoy seguro de que Ryan está utilizando esa experiencia para mejorar. Pasando a Bristol, ¿quién puede olvidar ese enfrentamiento intenso con Denny Hamlin? Las chispas estaban volando, las emociones a flor de piel y la veloz acción de NASCAR nunca estuvo mejor. Ese tipo de rivalidad, ese tipo de emoción, es lo que hace que la gente se siente y preste atención. Gives them that special "this". Y eso, amigos míos, es NASCAR en su máxima expresión. Luego, está su impresionante desempeño en las 10 carreras finales. Vaya, eso estuvo lleno de altibajos. Pero eso es lo que hace la diversión, ¿no? El drama, la emoción, las vueltas en U que suceden en un abrir y cerrar de ojos... ¡Eso es NASCAR! En resumen, puede que 2022 no haya sido el mejor año para Ryan, pero demostró ser un piloto resiliente, lleno de talento y, sobre todo, ¡con un amor verdadero por las carreras! Estoy emocionado de ver qué tiene bajo la manga para la próxima temporada. Como siempre, la diversión de esto es que cada temporada trae sus propios desafíos, sorpresas y victorias inesperadas. Así que, mantengamos nuestros ojos en la carretera, en los espejos retrovisores y en los autos que se aproximan por el carril de alta velocidad. Espero con ansias hablarles de más carreras, autos y todo lo relacionado con el mundo automotriz. ¡Nos vemos en la próxima curva! Que tengas un gran año de carreras. Y recuerda, esto es más que sólo girar a la izquierda. ¡Es una vida en el carril rápido! #NASCAR #Carreras #RyanBlaney

[franklong12]

Daytona 500 viewer's guide - Biggest storylines, favorites and more DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- You do not have t......Read the rest by clicking the link below! https://worldwidetweets.com/daytona-500-viewers-guide-biggest-storylines-favorites-and-more/?feed_id=7761&_unique_id=6029c269c66eb

[lakersworld]

@ryanblaney10 will honor Kobe and Gianna Bryant at @autoclubspeedway this Sunday with this purple and gold paint scheme! ⁣ ⁣ Race details⁣ Date: Sun, Mar 1, 12:30 PM PT - 3:30 PM ET⁣ Watch on: FOX⁣ _ @drinkbodyarmor #nascar #ryanblaney #kobe #gigi #lakers #purpleandgold #lakersnation (at Fontana, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DOiV9nUYU/?igshid=1kskn6hbzoxs7

[scanman73]

Caught the Keselowski, Hamlin & Blaney crash well it was happening #vacation #arizona #phoenix #nascar #racing #phoenixraceway #fanshield500 #fordperformance #toyotaracing #crash #racecar #bradkeselowski #dennyhamlin #ryanblaney #teampenske #jgr (at Phoenix Raceway) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m_KWohN6v/?igshid=e5twxwf27mfq

[kenziekugler22]

Like father like son

[mightytheband-blog]

LINK IN BIO. ‪New video for “Drip Drop” out now. Written and directed by @andrewaverso, produced by @weareoust.co, shot on Kodak 16mm film. @Kodak_ShootFilm ‬ Thanks to all the riders and everyone who stuck around all day to make this thing awesome. Absolutely loved making this video. I felt right at home. - - - - #mighty #musicvideo #weareoust #savestheday #remodrive #motocross #honda #ryanblaney #nascar #suzuki #yamaha #kawasaki #atlantamotocrew #nationals #supercross #monsterenergy #ronniemac #fitness https://www.instagram.com/p/BoPIixqnfqM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9mu20mcv65hr

[wwtweets]

Daytona 500 viewer's guide - Biggest storylines, favorites and more DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- You do not have t......Read the rest by clicking the link below! https://worldwidetweets.com/daytona-500-viewers-guide-biggest-storylines-favorites-and-more/?feed_id=7764&_unique_id=6029c26b5a027

[benchracingnascar]

9/25/20 new Diecast arrivals. Ryan Blaney 2020 Bodyarmor Kobe tribute 1/24 collector and autographed #ryanblaney https://www.instagram.com/p/CFkuNH9Becf/?igshid=1kzmt3o0ce0zo

[brianmitchell1984]

Traveling Far, Traveling Near

A Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway

           Being an avid NASCAR fan, I always make plans to go with my parents to the Talladega Superspeedway in the fall. If you want to meet the stars of NASCAR, visit Big Bill’s Garage! The racetrack has just completed a multimillion dollar renovation to make the fan zone an awesome experience. The fan zone at Big Bill’s Garage area is amazing. Actually, when I was at the race, it was the 50th anniversary of NASCAR at the Talladega Superspeedway. The Big Bill’s Garage was just being introduced to NASCAR fans. The France family were the founders of NASCAR, and the fan zone is named after the legend Big Bill France. The  garage area includes 35,000 square feet. Big Bill’s has a huge area for fans to hangout, meet the racecar drivers, and eat. The food was great with $4.00 hotdogs and $2.00 16 oz. colas. All food items were $4.00 or less. That is cheap! The dining area had a lot of tables and chairs, a big screen TV to watch racing activities and sofa and chairs for lounging. In the garage area, you will see the top 22 teams working on their cars and getting them ready for the big race day. Since collecting NASCAR die-cast is my hobby, I took several diecasts to the weekend races to get autographs. Several big name racecar drivers were signing at Big Bill’s which included Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Austin Dillon, and Jimmie Johnson.

           The outside fan zone is free, and the driver haulers have a variety of racing shirts, hats, and other racing memorabilia. You never know which racecar driver you will meet at their hauler. In fact, I met Bubba Wallace at his hauler. A favorite sponsor for the track this year was McDonald’s. Kyle Larson’s pit crew was handing out McDonald’s new spicy barbeque chicken tenders and fries. I recommend going to your local McDonald’s and ordering the new spicy, barbeque chicken tenders. The chicken tenders were so tasty and tender!

           The race weekend included two races, the Gander Outdoors Truck race and the Monster Energy Cup Series race. The Talladega race always has a great finish. A big wreck is always expected at the end of the race. The race crowd is always standing up during the last laps of the race. I was so excited when Ryan Blaney who is one of my favorite drivers, won the race with a photo finish. I am ready to purchase race tickets for the spring Talladega race. Kids can go for free on Friday and Saturday. Tickets for the Sunday race are $65-$95 online and $15-$45 for children. Talladega may be one of NASCAR’s most popular tracks due to lots of exciting race action, the new Big Bill’s Garage fan experience, and the racecar driver meets and greets. Kids can go for free on Friday and Saturday.

[actionsportsinc]

#RyanBlaney runs the front stretch during the #FirstData500 #NASCAR race at #MartinsvilleSpeedway in #Ridgeway #Virginia. #WoodBros #FordRacing #ASPInc #ActionSports #stockcarracing #NASCARPlayoffs (at Martinsville Speedway)

[thesassywitchofthenortheast]

This is like the worst picture of me in the history of pictures of me, BUT I got to meet Blaney tonight during the Track Walk. He was so kind and signed things for us, walked around the entire track, talked with us, and he even stopped to sign things for fans at the fence. He truly is the kindest soul and I am proud to be a fan of his. . . #NHMS #TrackWalk #RyanBlaney #TeamPenske #NASCAR (at New Hampshire Motor Speedway) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0KVw3BAmGe/?igshid=1wad68t0emdeg

[franklong12]

Daytona 500 viewer's guide - Biggest storylines, favorites and more DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- You do not have t......Read the rest by clicking the link below! https://worldwidetweets.com/daytona-500-viewers-guide-biggest-storylines-favorites-and-more/?feed_id=7763&_unique_id=6029c26aa0976

[druzel87]

I just bought this shirt of my favorite driver! I can’t wait to get it!! #nascar #ryanblaney #12 #12car #whodoyoucollect #racing #shirt #bestever https://www.instagram.com/p/BtlhY1Sht7Y/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7bn7pr3jy98u

[scanman73]

Ryan Blaney autographed hat 🧢🏁 #nascar #cupseries #nascarcupseries #racing #ryanblaney #blaney #menardsracing #menards #teampenske #penske #penskeracing (at Bowmanville, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B95TTWShelH/?igshid=1n2g2gmbpn6v9