Ryan Blaney snapped a 59-race winless streak in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, conquering a thrilling Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Blaney led 146 laps and held off a late charge from Kyle Larson to win the longest race on the NASCAR schedule. It was Blaney's second career Cup Series victory and his first since March 2021.
The race was delayed by rain for two hours and 40 minutes, and it was slowed by 11 cautions. But Blaney never wavered, and he held on for the victory in a race that took four hours and 27 minutes to complete.
Blaney's win was a huge relief for him and his team, as they had been struggling all season
Blaney had only one top-five finish in the first 12 races of the season, and he was starting to feel the pressure.
But Blaney showed on Sunday that he is still one of the best drivers in NASCAR.
He drove a flawless race, and he never gave up, even when Larson was breathing down his neck.
Blaney's win is a big boost for his team, and it could be the start of a turnaround. Blaney is a talented driver, and he has the potential to be a championship contender.