MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Ryan Blaney has been one of the most consistent drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series this season — but a recurring issue continues to follow the No. 12 team: pit road execution.
It’s a topic that deserves attention.
Through the early part of the 2026 season, Blaney has dealt with multiple slow or inconsistent pit stops that have cost him valuable track position during critical moments of races. In a sport where fractions of a second can determine outcomes, those losses on pit road have forced him to recover on track rather than control races from the front.
The most notable early example came at Phoenix Raceway.
During that race, Blaney’s pit crew struggled to deliver clean, fast stops, dropping him back in the field at key points. Despite having one of the fastest cars on track, he repeatedly had to make up ground after pit cycles — a challenge that can derail even the strongest runs.
Yet, Blaney still found a way to win.
Overcoming those setbacks, he methodically worked his way back through the field, showcasing both speed and composure. The victory highlighted not only his ability behind the wheel, but also how much stronger the No. 12 team could be with consistent pit performance.
That same issue resurfaced at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Blaney once again showed race-winning pace, running near the front and positioning himself as a contender deep into the event. However, costly time lost on pit road shuffled him back in the order, forcing him into traffic at a track where passing is notoriously difficult.
The loss of track position proved significant, limiting his ability to control the race in the closing stages.
The contrast is becoming hard to ignore.
Blaney has consistently brought speed capable of winning races, but repeated issues on pit road have introduced unnecessary obstacles. Clean execution is often the difference between leading and chasing — especially at short tracks like Bristol.
For a team firmly in the championship conversation, these details matter.
Blaney continues to maximize results, but until the No. 12 team finds consistency on pit road, it remains a weakness that could define their season.
