Ryan Blaney pockets million dollars in the All-Star Race

He had to try again twice since on the final lap of the race, Blaney thought he had crossed the finish line victoriously, but a yellow flag had just been waved a few seconds earlier due to an incident involving Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MAY 22: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Wrangler Ford, celebrates with the million dollar check in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway on May 22, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Once the images were reviewed by race management to validate the timing of the yellow flag before Blaney crossed the finish line, his Team Penske mechanics only had to quickly recork the champagne and put on gloves again. and helmets and refocus on the race. Meanwhile, Blaney was given a few more laps under Safety Car to reattach his harness and the door protection net that he had unhooked in his euphoria. After numerous contortions at the wheel, the driver managed to get his safety equipment back into compliance and the race could be restarted under overtime.

Recovered from his emotions, Blaney quickly distanced himself from the rest of the field to finally take the checkered flag and become the 26th driver to win the prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race. Second in the race, Hamlin railed at the finish against the concessions granted to Blaney but could only sportingly note the superiority of his opponent.

We're grateful for the safety of these Next Gen cars. pic.twitter.com/NuzgMVbGPL

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 23, 2022

The race was marked by a spectacular accident caused despite himself by Kyle Busch. Suffering a tire problem, Busch suddenly slowed down on the track to the great surprise of Ross Chastain who could not avoid him and went into a gliding flight before crashing into the Chevrolet of the unfortunate Chase Elliott

NASCAR All-Star Race standings: