sports
Blaney Wins NASCAR Cup Series Race at Atlanta After Overtime Finish
Ryan Blaney won the weather-delayed NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta early Monday after emerging from a three-wide battle on the final lap of overtime. Blaney led 171 laps and won every stage despite brushing the wall late in the race.
Jul 13, 4:21 AM·1m read1 source
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Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta early Monday after a three-wide battle on the final lap of overtime. The Team Penske Ford driver started on the pole, won every stage, and led 171 laps before holding off challenges from Bubba Wallace and Christopher Hill.
Blaney brushed the wall with 29 laps remaining after being cut off by Wallace, causing a vibration on the right side of the car.
He stayed on the track after his crew reviewed photos and determined the damage did not require a pit stop. Crew chief Jonathan Hassler said the team decided to remain out because 30 cars were on the lead lap with limited laps left. A multi-car wreck with five laps remaining triggered overtime.
NASCAR officials delayed the race for 3 hours and 9 minutes due to rain and lightning within eight miles of the track. The race resumed at 12:02 a.m. after the delay. Bubba Wallace was penalized for passing below the double yellow lines and finished 29th.
Carson Hocevar and Ty Gibbs finished third and fourth. Denny Hamlin, the points leader, started 28th and finished 12th. Blaney said he felt a "terrible" vibration after the wall contact but the car continued to handle well enough to finish.
He added that he took a nap and ate during the weather delay.
