Tyler Reddick explains how Ryan Blaney's reinstatement changes his playoff chances
The penalty to Ryan Blaney, and the rescinding of it afterwards, has certainly had some interesting side effects, especially when you consider Tyler Reddick’s standing.
When Blaney’s penalty for an illegal shock was originally announced, it became clear he would have to win his way into the Championship 4. That helped Reddick out a bunch, as it was one less driver to think about that would be racing for points. However, that all changed on Monday, when NASCAR changed their mind.
Now Blaney is back in the mix, and firmly planted in Reddick’s way. Speaking with FOX’s Bob Pockrass, the 23XI Racing wheelman spoke to what’s changed for him over the last couple of days, due to Blaney’s situation.
“I mean, it does change a little bit. Ultimately, we’ve got to score points,” Reddick said. “Considering the speed I feel like we lack compared to you know, like the No. 24, the No. 11, the No. 19, you know to still out-score them on the day was ideal. But yeah, we’re kind of in that spot, where we need to excel at all three races.
“So it was difficult. It was tough, that we didn’t get to do that at Vegas, but yeah. It’s just one more car that’s in the mix.”
That’s a good way of looking at it for Reddick. Control what you can control. However, Reddick relented that Blaney has always been great at Homestead, and that’s where the Cup Series is headed this weekend.
“Ryan has always seemed to run really good at Homestead over the years. I feel like he’s always been in the mix there, so he’s definitely a driver — when you look at all the drivers that are in this, in this Round of 8, he’s just one more guy that can run strong, that could get those points. So it is what it is,” Reddick added. “You know, we’ve got to perform still. It’s just one more guy I guess we’ll be keeping our eye on, if you will, that could be in the mix. That could out-score us. If we’re just not executing, and getting the points that we need to.”
Tyler Reddick recognizes that if the No. 45 team doesn’t execute, it doesn’t matter what Ryan Blaney does. Time will tell if either driver is able to get to the Championship 4, or if their hopes run out of gas over the next two races.