“Crazy”: Ryan Blaney astonished after learning he holds impressive NASCAR stat second only to Denny Hamlin

Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney was recently surprised to learn about an impressive playoff record that he holds. Blaney was informed that he ranks second on the list for the most consecutive playoff appearances in 2024, trailing only veteran driver Denny Hamlin.

During the NASCAR Playoffs media day, Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass surprised Blaney with news of his impressive playoff record. Pockrass informed Blaney that Hamlin holds the top spot with 11 consecutive playoff appearances and then challenged the 30-year-old to guess who was second on the list.

Blaney wasn't expecting himself to be second and initially guessed veteran drivers like Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and teammate Joey Logano. He was astonished when Pockrass revealed that he was second with 8 straight playoff appearances.

"Denny Hamlin has the longest consecutive playoff appearances at 11. Do you know who is second?" Pockrass asked.

"Kyle Busch?... Joey [Logano]? The second most... Brad [Keselowski]?" Blaney guessed.

After Pockrass revealed the answer, the #12 Penske driver said,

"Ohh! Crazy! Brad's got... Oh, You said consecutive, okay. Wow, Alright Let's go!!"

Blaney made his full-time Cup Series debut with Wood Brothers Racing in 2016 and finished the season 20th in the standings. The following season, he won his maiden Cup race and made his first Cup Series playoff appearance. Since 2017, Blaney has managed to qualify for the playoffs every season, making his eighth consecutive playoff appearance this year.

Meanwhile, Hamlin's 11-year streak has been active since 2014; however, he has yet to win a title. Kyle Busch was on an 11-year streak but missed the playoffs this season.

---

Ryan Blaney confident about defending his title in the playoffs

No driver has won back-to-back titles under the modern elimination playoff system, introduced in 2014. Ryan Blaney has a shot at making history by defending his Cup Series championship and securing a third straight title for team owner Roger Penske.

Heading into the 2024 playoffs, Blaney is much more confident compared to last year. He hopes to continue the momentum into the playoffs and qualify for the championship 4.

"I feel like our group is executing really well, I think our speed is where it needs to be. Now, it’s a matter of just can we continue that momentum, and can we run clean races here in the first two rounds to get through and get to the round of 8 where I hope our speed is still there to where we can, you know, have a shot at Phoenix or shot to get to Phoenix," he said on SiriusXM NASCAR radio.

Blaney enters the playoffs as the #5 seed, with 18 bonus points to his credit. He will kick off his playoff campaign in the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway this Sunday, September 8.