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NASCAR: 5 Lessons Learned From The Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond

By Michael Guadalupe

Apr 24, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; A general view of Richmond International Raceway during the Toyotacare 250. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; A general view of Richmond International Raceway during the Toyotacare 250. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Blaney was impressive this season. It looks like the pressure of the Chase may have been too much for the young driver though. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Blaney Wasn’t Ready For The Chase

Before Chris Buescher became the first rookie to win a race this year, Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliot were the two drivers everyone was watching heading into the Chase.

At one point in the season it looked like both Elliot an Blaney could potentially make the Chase, but as the post season grew closer, Blaney struggled at some tracks and it put him further back in the points than he would have liked.

Richmond was his only chance to try and make up a little ground, but realistically he more than likely wasn’t going to make the Chase on points as he was too far back in the standings. He needed to win to get in.

Unfortunately when the Federated Auto Parts 400 started, Blaney was the first car out of the race. Early damage to the 21 car, thanks to a flat tire, sent him to the garage and any chance he had of winning the race was lost.

Blaney had a great rookie season but thinking he would make the Chase was a little ambitious. The pressure of the post-season proved to be too much for the young driver, and he will have to wait until next year to try and make the Chase again.

Next: Put His Money Where His Mouth Is

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