Ryan Blaney wins on the wire

The Team Penske driver managed to fend off attacks from Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson to score his second NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season on the Michigan International Speedway oval.

Published on 23/08/2021 à 08:54

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Blaney only led eight of the 200 laps of the event but he knew how to get to the front at the right time and avoid the final neutralization which regrouped the peloton 20 laps from the end of the event.

Sixth career victory and second this season for Ryan Blaney © Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Kyle Larson, solid leader of the championship, led 70 laps of this event which included 20 changes of leaders. Kurt Busch (Chip Ganassi Racing) and Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing) complete the Top 5.

Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin are not apart this season © Logan Riely/Getty Images

Austin Dillon, who was certainly having one of his best races for Richard Childress Racing, was involved in a spectacular collision at the end of the second segment with the Ford Penske of Brad Keselowski which not only ruined his race but also a part of its last hopes of securing a place in the Playoffs.

Great host of the event, Austin Dillon will not see the checkered flag © Logan Riely/Getty Images

Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports) had previously won the first segment but lacked pace late in the race, finishing only eighth. Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing) took the second stage after coming close to the worst during contact at the start of the race with his teammate Martin Truex Jr and completely missing his last pit stop. His final seventh place is in fact quite unexpected.

We can always count on Kyle Busch to put on the show © Logan Riely/Getty Images

14th under the checkered flag, Kevin Harvick (Stewart Haas Racing) finally secures its place in the Playoffs, continuing a good run started in 2009. Tyler Reddick (Richard Childress Racing) is the last driver qualified in points, but any driver who takes his first victory of the season next weekend will be able to take him this coveted place.

Kevin Harvick will be good in the playoffs © Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The next round of NASCAR Cup Series will take place Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. This will be the last race of the regular season and at the end we will know the 16 drivers eligible for the title.

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