Fan Vote From Miami
Last week, we left the Rich MARvelous Move of the Race up to the fans. After a week of voting, the fans have spoken!
Despite the move being from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, with nearly 63% of the votes, fans voted for the call by Ben Rhodes’ crew chief, Rich Lushes. With 40 to go, Lushes brought his driver to pit road. The strategy played in their favor, despite an ill-handling truck, and allowed Rhodes the opportunity to run for a second Truck Series championship in Phoenix.
Xfinity 500
Now, let’s turn our attention to Martinsville Speedway. Wow! What a weekend.
Between the NASCAR Xfinity Series race and the NASCAR Cup Series race, fans were treated to intense battles as well as drama heading into the final race of the season.
And don’t forget the entertainment.
Two words: Pace Car.
Ryan Blaney did not head into the Xfinity 500 in a must-win situation, but, certainly fans knew: if a Playoff driver won, momentum would likely be on his side heading into Phoenix.
Rich MARvelous Move of the Race
On Lap 48, Denny Hamlin took the lead from polesitter, Martin Truex, Jr. Then, throughout cautions and pit stops, he continued to hold P1 for 146 laps.
However, Blaney was a man on a mission in Martinsville. He started his day P11 and before fans knew it, he was battling Hamlin for the lead.
Despite Blaney taking the lead, and ultimately the win, it did not come easy for the Team Penske driver.
The battles made for excitement, with back and forth cross over moves, but it was Blaney’s mid-race save that made the Rich MARvelous Move of the Race.
On the Lap 271 restart, the Blaney vs. Hamlin battle continued. On the backstretch, Hamlin nearly spun out Blaney. However, Blaney made, quite possibly, the save of the season.
RYAN BLANEY WITH AN UNREAL SAVE!#NASCARPlayoffs | NBC pic.twitter.com/8HuFyOyhuL
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 29, 2023
Definitely the save by Blaney. I think that gave him enough confidence to keep the whole team hyped.