It is time to start the countdown for Daytona Speedweeks. Now that it is the new year, NASCAR is inching closer to returning. With the Daytona 500 next month, there is no better time to start counting the days until Daytona 500 Qualifying. From today (January 5th), it is 40 days until the Cup Series cars hit the track in Daytona. For the countdown, the Days to Daytona series will kick off by tracking each chartered team in the lead up to the season beginning. The order of the teams was determined by their 2023 owner points finish. This series will culminate with the Pit Pass Network Predictions. Now, time to kick off the series with 40 Days to Daytona: #12 Team Penske.
The #12 Team Penske Ford is coming off a championship season. Driver Ryan Blaney is set to defend his championship while Penske will look to go for three straight championships.
#12 Team Penske
Driver: Ryan Blaney
Crew Chief: Jonathan Hassler
Sponsors: Menards, Advance Auto Parts, BodyArmor, Wurth, Discount Tire, Dent Wizard, Wabash
2024 Season Preview
Defending the Cup Championship
Since the elimination format was introduced, the Cup Series has not seen a back-to-back champion. Not only that, but the reigning champion has missed the Championship Four the past two seasons and five times total (out of nine years). Can Ryan Blaney return to the Championship Four? If so, will he make history?
Statement Season Inbound?
Although Ryan Blaney won the championship, 2023 was not a statement season for the Team Penske driver. Blaney’s 2023 was the weakest for a Cup Series champion in history. Fans of Blaney have been waiting for his dominant season. Off the back of a championship, Blaney could ride that momentum to a career best year.
Avoid the Summer Drought
Last season, Ryan Blaney started the year off well enough. However, his summer months were plagued with poor runs and bad luck. After his win in the Coke 600, Blaney did not finish inside the Top-5 until his Talladega win. From WWT Raceway to the end of the regular season, Blaney only managed 4 Top-10s compared to 5 finishes outside the Top-30. Blaney will look to avoid that bad stretch in 2024.
Perfect Playoff Layout
While some drivers may sweat the drastic change to the playoff schedule, Ryan Blaney will likely welcome it. Few drivers are more adept at tackling the superspeedways than Blaney. Although he is not a road course ace, he has a ROVAL win and holds his own fairly well. Of course, 2023 proved how dangerous Blaney can be if he makes the Round of 8. With the championship race still in Phoenix, other drivers/teams will hope bad luck strikes the 12 team before the Championship Four.
Daytona 500 Chances
Ryan Blaney managed to snag a crown jewel event in 2023 (Coke 600). However, Blaney has been close to hoisting the Harley J Earl trophy on numerous occasions. In his career, Blaney has two second place finishes along with one more Top-5 and two Top-10s. Blaney has won at Daytona before in the Coke Zero 400. However, the late race chaos usually goes against Blaney in the Daytona 500. Based on skill alone, Blaney would have a great shout at winning the Great American Race. The big question is whether luck will be on his side this year.
Speedweeks Outlook
Qualifying will likely yield a mid-pack start in Ryan Blaney’s Duel. The Ford have not been known for their Daytona 500 qualifying. However, Blaney will likely improve his starting position in his Duel race, perhaps winning it (depending on his help). For the Daytona 500, Blaney usually finds himself near the front at the end of the race. If he can have luck on his side (or good teammates/friends), then Ryan Blaney could finally win the Daytona 500. He will be one of the favorites.
