Blaney hot headed to Wilkesboro | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Ryan Blaney is aiming to turn a strong run into history as he prepares for Sunday night’s Cup points race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the first such event there in 30 years. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion enters with eight consecutive top-10 finishes, including last week’s win at Atlanta, and will start on the pole after heavy rains washed out qualifying on Saturday. The track’s 0.625-mile layout had been dormant for nearly a quarter century before refurbishment to host the NASCAR All-Star Race from 2023 to 2025. Blaney’s momentum includes leading 171 of 263 laps at Atlanta, capturing all stage points and moving third in the standings, trailing leader Denny Hamlin by 65 points. He is also joined in the $1 million NASCAR In-Season Challenge semifinal bracket, where he faces Christopher Bell, while Todd Gilliland races Chase Elliott.